Taking GPS coordinates of a site... captain's permission?

[ScubaSteve]

Would you book a charter with this guy if you had another choice?

I do not think I would book with him if I had no other choice. I'll shore dive and see nothing before I will allow some ass to search my belongings while I am underwater.

 

[Reck Diver]

I don't follow the analogy, the fisherman still got a good deal since the former choice involved losing the net, hundreds of dollars in live bait, and probably a fine while the latter choice involved only losing the net. Basically, the fisherman was let off with a warning and was probably happy about it, but if he did complain to (other) authorities, the LEO would have no reason to deny that it happened since he (the LEO) did nothing wrong....

Some might argue that the LEO overstepped his bounds when he destroyed the net in exchange for not issuing a summons. Either way, the fisherman would not be happy with the outcome.

 

[nimoh]

Some might argue that the LEO overstepped his bounds when he destroyed the net in exchange for not issuing a summons. Either way, the fisherman would not be happy with the outcome.

If I were stopped for drinking while driving (not that I do this, purely hypothetical) and the LEO gave me a choice of dumping the beer, or confiscating the beer along with an open liquor charge, I would be happy to have him dump my beer

 

[redacted]

Would you book a charter with this guy if you had another choice?

I do not think I would book with him if I had no other choice. I'll shore dive and see nothing before I will allow some ass to search my belongings while I am underwater.

I can see where "secret" sites would be an extra attraction for many wreck divers. If restrictions on GPS usage and even permission for searches is part of the deal, UP FRONT before $$$ is paid, I expect there are plenty of divers who would agree to or even seek those conditions as indicators of better wrecks. Of course, as soon as you start advertising such opportunities you may attract the attention of some folks who want those numbers and will get them if they are willing to put in the effort and expense. If you really want to protect your numbers, then you probably need to keep their very existence secret - and make sure you choose the right friends.

 

[iluvtheocean]

Some might argue that the LEO overstepped his bounds when he destroyed the net in exchange for not issuing a summons. Either way, the fisherman would not be happy with the outcome.

I'm curious if the boat that the gps "disappeared" on was a private or charter. if it was a charter in Florida, I don't think i'd want to use them - if they search your gear and stuff disappears i'd be afraid my phone & contents of my wallet would disappear. (i keep the GPS off as a general rule anyways since it's such a battery hog and i only get a day with gps/wifi off). Do they have a right under maritime law to do any search like that or no?

 

[ScubaSteve]

I can see where "secret" sites would be an extra attraction for many wreck divers. If restrictions on GPS usage and even permission for searches is part of the deal, UP FRONT before $$$ is paid, I expect there are plenty of divers who would agree to or even seek those conditions as indicators of better wrecks. Of course, as soon as you start advertising such opportunities you may attract the attention of some folks who want those numbers and will get them if they are willing to put in the effort and expense. If you really want to protect your numbers, then you probably need to keep their very existence secret - and make sure you choose the right friends.

I would gladly leave my cell phone at home for a good wreck. I have advocated all along that the captain does have the right (IMO) to demand that no coordinates get taken if he wants. What I will not go along with is some ass going through my belongings while I am diving. If it is that important and secretive then search me as I board the boat so there is no question that I am not lying and you have done nothing wrong. If I refuse, deny me access. I personally would be OK with that for a "great secret site". But to go through my belongings without permission is just unacceptable.

 

[Reck Diver]

I can see where "secret" sites would be an extra attraction for many wreck divers. If restrictions on GPS usage and even permission for searches is part of the deal, UP FRONT before $$$ is paid, I expect there are plenty of divers who would agree to or even seek those conditions as indicators of better wrecks. Of course, as soon as you start advertising such opportunities you may attract the attention of some folks who want those numbers and will get them if they are willing to put in the effort and expense. If you really want to protect your numbers, then you probably need to keep their very existence secret - and make sure you choose the right friends.

This past summer, a group of well known tech divers went in search of the "Boynton Caves". A spot that would be a tremendous find. I believe the report is posted elsewhere on SB. Notice that no GPS numbers were mentioned.

I can tell you there are a large number of GPS coordinates which are closely guarded by divers and fisherman.... both the commercial and recreational community.

 

[nimoh]

I would gladly leave my cell phone at home for a good wreck. I have advocated all along that the captain does have the right (IMO) to demand that no coordinates get taken if he wants. What I will not go along with is some ass going through my belongings while I am diving. If it is that important and secretive then search me as I board the boat so there is no question that I am not lying and you have done nothing wrong. If I refuse, deny me access. I personally would be OK with that for a "great secret site". But to go through my belongings without permission is just unacceptable.

well said, I agree completely.

 

[Reck Diver]

I think there is a big difference between searching a person's belongings in their presence (even though I am not sure that this is legal either) and secretly searching it and denying it later (I am pretty sure this is illegal).

Though that is precisely what occurred in Bermuda. The search happened while the passengers were ashore.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

Im not sure, depending on how far out the boat went - that the police had any jurisdiction to do anything whatsoever. Maritime law is vastly different than ours on land.......

Since the captain made the threat prior to boarding, that part is clearly within the jurisdiction of the local police. That along is enough to require a report if demanded by a citizen. Failure for a police officer to write up a report when called to the scene opens them up to liability also.

It might be questionable what the jurisdiction was when the GPS was stolen, which throws a wrench into criminal charges. Not civil charges. Depending on how well the release is written on the boat, you might even be able to establish a bailment where the board could be held liable for stolen items.

Divers who act like ass holes will get blackballed. Captains who act like ass holes will get sued or get bad reputations on social media sites. We live in a small community and the walls talk.