Action to be taken on dive flag regulation. PLEASE READ!

[christine1223]

I got the same thing from Fran as well. How often do you use his charter?

I am out with him generally every couple weeks... Why?

 

[STOGEY]

I am out with him generally every couple weeks... Why?

I may have dove with ya and I didn't even know it that's all.

 

[Diesel298]

I guess i just don't see a probem here.

If you're close enough to shore that the town has jurisdiction, carry a dive flag and stay away from other people's traps.

Am I missing something?

Terry

i guess you need to dive around here to understand
this is a unique issue to the local area

 

[Soggy]

That's the thing. I think that the amount we actually contribute to the local economy probably just isn't that large.

Hey now...I don't know about the rest of the area, but Dunkin Donuts over on 127 would certainly be hurting pretty bad!

 

[Damselfish]

and maybe the Burger King...

 

[crlavoie]

I had a chance to speak with the Rockport Harbor Master and another local that is "very familiar" with the situation. First and foremost, the bylaw that we are referring to has been on the books since 1993 and has never actually been enforced. Part of the reason is due to some questionable wording of the actual written document (spelling errors etc.) and presumably because of conflicts with existing state law. In addition, the bylaw as it is written, has a subsection that pertains to operating a boat in the vicinity of a dive flag that is in total conflict with the law, making it virtually impossible for a boat to operate anywhere near divers. If you go to Cape Ann Divers (or the Town of Gloucester web site) you can get a printed copy of the law and you will see why it's so "questionable". It was also said that the Gloucester Harbor Master has no intention of trying to enforce the law but this was second hand. The Rockport Harbor Master, also made it clear (first hand) that they have no intention of following suit.

Bottom line for me - I am going to continue to go about my business as usual and be respectful of the area and it's many user groups. This should be a wake up call for us to continue our efforts at making divers more welcome in Cape Ann.

***This is only my interpretation of the law and is not a recomendation for others to ignore it. Check it out for yourself and make your own decision.

 

[King Kong Matt]

Hey now...I don't know about the rest of the area, but Dunkin Donuts over on 127 would certainly be hurting pretty bad!

Point conceded. Well played Aaron...well played.

 

[MSilvia]

Check it out for yourself and make your own decision.

http://www.ci.gloucester.ma.us/inde...er_op=view_page&PAGE_id=17&MMN_position=37:37

Section 10.81 and 10.86(e) are relevant. Yeah... these have been on the books since '93.

 

[scubadobadoo]

If they have been on the books since 93 then why are we all suddenly discussing them now? I forgot.:blinking:

 

[crlavoie]

Not sure why it's just coming up now. However, my interpretation of it is that the law REALLY makes things tough for the lobstermen which is actually counter to what has been suggested so far. If they were to actually try and enforce it in it's entirety, I'd say that lobstermen and divers would become fast friends.