Over in the "incidents" forum, there is a discussion about dive flags and boaters, with some stories of battles between fishermen and divers, etc.
(http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=100938)
I made the point that the key here was education of the boating and fishing community to respect the dive flag, regardless of local regulation. I suggested that we divers have a role to play in the education process, by going out of our way (and out of our comfort zone) to politely explain to fishermen and boaters why their action may be risking the life of a scuba diver.
Someone talked about one dive club that had placed large signs at boat ramps in their area to explain about dive flags and the rules that boaters should follow.
Which prompted me to start this thread about "socially responsible divers".
How much should we, as groups of divers or individuals, take it upon ourselves to increase the safety of our sport? What are some tangible actions or activities that we could do?
How much should diver training programs emphasize the socially responsible elements of scuba diving? For example, should we be teaching open water divers about marine life convservation?
What do others think?
(http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?t=100938)
I made the point that the key here was education of the boating and fishing community to respect the dive flag, regardless of local regulation. I suggested that we divers have a role to play in the education process, by going out of our way (and out of our comfort zone) to politely explain to fishermen and boaters why their action may be risking the life of a scuba diver.
Someone talked about one dive club that had placed large signs at boat ramps in their area to explain about dive flags and the rules that boaters should follow.
Which prompted me to start this thread about "socially responsible divers".
How much should we, as groups of divers or individuals, take it upon ourselves to increase the safety of our sport? What are some tangible actions or activities that we could do?
How much should diver training programs emphasize the socially responsible elements of scuba diving? For example, should we be teaching open water divers about marine life convservation?
What do others think?