Info Clampdown on UW Cameras

[Diver-6873]

New rules for divers and even snorkelers announced in Thailand. Personally I think these should be put into place around the world . . . Maybe even stricter in some places.

Thailand Clampdown on Underwater Photography by Scuba Divers

New regulations aim to protect fragile coral reefs, with restrictions on cameras for less experienced divers

www.nationthailand.com

 

[Pearlman]

Came across this interesting article today:

New regulations aim to protect fragile coral reefs, with restrictions on cameras for less experienced divers. The new measures, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, state that only divers certified to Advanced Open Water level or those with a logbook proving at least 40 deep dives will be permitted to take cameras underwater. They must also be able to present their certification or logbook to officials upon request.​

Link : Restrictions on UW cameras for inexperienced divers

 

[JonnieB]

Like many things in Thailand...good theory and concept; but likely little to no follow through and enforcement.

 

[Centrals]

Sensible approach to a tricky issue regarding tourism.

 

[Pearlman]

Like many things in Thailand...good theory and concept; but likely little to no follow through and enforcement.

I think it should be relatively easy to enforce if the dive shops read out the rule book to inexperienced divers after inspecting log books and prevent the divers from carrying cameras with them once kitted up. I have seen and heard dive guides warn newish divers not to carry cameras and on one trip on a Similans LOB I actually saw an exasperated and frustrated Instructor scold a young couple and threaten to stop their diving for the rest of the trip if they continued to carry their camera - they had just finished their OW certification the previous day (I saw them complete their study material the day before LOL) … now they can just throw the rule book at them before hitting the water and avoid these kind of conflicts with those stubborn newcomers ….

 

[TostitoBandito]

Yeah I'm fine with this. Not sure what constitutes a "deep" dive, but I'm guessing deeper than around 20m/66f since I think that's around where certain certification agencies technically want you to have AOW (as silly as that seems).

 

[Anbaric Cog]

I’m okay with this too. However it’s not a perfect fix as I just was diving with a large group and one of the “instructors”kept bonking the reef and didnt seem to know or care what his fins hit after finishing a shot
His trim and buoyancy looked okay in open water

 

[JonnieB]

I think it should be relatively easy to enforce if the dive shops read out the rule book to inexperienced divers after inspecting log books and prevent the divers from carrying cameras with them once kitted up. I have seen and heard dive guides warn newish divers not to carry cameras and on one trip on a Similans LOB I actually saw an exasperated and frustrated Instructor scold a young couple and threaten to stop their diving for the rest of the trip if they continued to carry their camera - they had just finished their OW certification the previous day (I saw them complete their study material the day before LOL) … now they can just throw the rule book at them before hitting the water and avoid these kind of conflicts with those stubborn newcomers ….

The fact that OW students are even allowed on Similan's LOBs says it all...it's all about the baht! As to shops checking log books, very few will be willing to loose the business, especially when there's likely another shop down the street who will take them.

 

[Nemrod]

The problem here is unskilled divers with a camera but the bigger problem is unskilled divers without a camera. I just watched a few days ago a woman with free dive fiberglass fins water walk across the top of the reef ledge flapping her arms like an eagle. And she did not have a camera. And those dragging consoles and inflators. And none of that requires a camera to damage the reef. And divers who despite being told not to touch must touch everything as if somehow they are exempted.

Not sure how being a "deep" diver or whatever will prevent reef damage as no advanced course I know of produces actually skilled advanced divers. Maybe it is time for there to be an Environmental Advanced Diver course that requires demonstration of skill and an understanding to not touch, grab or hold the reef and a minimum of 100 dives upon completion and demonstrate perfect trim/buoyancy, situational awareness of where they are and environmental awareness and the ability to maneuver 100% with fins only. With or without a camera.

 

[Bjparris1990]

Interesting take on this. I have seen people with no camera that have no buoyancy skills at all. Why not just tax like Cozumel?