Bonaire first time

[Waterskier1]

You need the Marine park regulations Full Version and it is in the exception section that excludes their use on Mooring lines, Beach entries, wrecks, or because of a medical condition with a doctors letter delivered in person! I have them printed out from a pdf fill I found, but it will take me some time to find the source.......

Here is the link to the full version Rule and Regulations PDF posed on the Bonaire National Marine Park's official webside. I searched, both the English and Dutch versions of the PDF, and I can't find any exceptions section in either. Is it possible that you have an old copy of the R&Rs?

I've been to over eight of the required orientations in the last three years (wasn't diving before that). All stated what the Rules and Regs link state.

I'm not trying to argue, only looking for information. If someone should wear gloves, and get caught, I don't think "Papa Bear said it was okay" will fly with the rangers. Since everything I can find on the official web site (not Resort's site, as you cautioned), states the same thing as I quoted above, I would recommend caution regarding using gloves. YMMV.

While diving there in January, March and October of last year (2009) each week I was there I was stopped by rangers, and asked to produce both my medallion, and the paperwork with the same serial number, along with several questions, mostly oriented around cameras and photography. I didn't have my camera any of those days, but was told the survey had to do with whether u/w photographers were damaging the reef more than the non photographers. They also looked over my gear; I'm not sure what they were looking for, but I do dive a BP/W, long hose tech rig, so maybe it was just curiosity? I'm not sure what will come of that survey. Prior to last year, I had never even seen a ranger, much less be stopped by one.

 

[Papa_Bear]

I have the copy! In the US you can't redact laws and regs, but the Marine park link is redacted or shortened because it is written in Dutch! The question is a survey for the tourist department to see how to slant the advertising! Unless they went with you how would they know who or how the reef was damaged or if it were? Your not required to carry the paper work only the medallion and where your staying to audit the resort! I will find the link when I have time!

 

[gypsyjim]

Please post your experience with this place when you get back. I have access to it through a family time share and have not yet pulled the trigger. I have always booked elsewhere because it is what I know. Enjoy your trip. Bonaire is really quite simple to travel to and dive off of so I am sure you will have a great time no matter what.

We used to always stay at Buddy's, and then later Den Lamen. Now we have tried several different condos (we have booked threw the Remax office there, Rob or Alise), off the resorts, and just booked shore paks threw Buddy (24/7 access to air/nitrox is good thing! ), and a truck threw AB directly. I like the independence and pace of staying off the resorts, but often meet up with new divers threw meeting them at Buddy, shore sites, and/or as Herman suggested threw Bonaire Talk, and SB threads. Meet lots of great people every time we visit!

 

[ScubaSteve]

Yeah but if I can get cheap accommodations using somone's time share then I am willing to do one week differently. I have stayed at Den Lamen and had planned on Happy Holiday Homes for my next stay.....but if Divi gets the :thumbs-up then maybe just maybe

We used to always stay at Buddy's, and then later Den Lamen. Now we have tried several different condos (we have booked threw the Remax office there, Rob or Alise), off the resorts, and just booked shore paks threw Buddy (24/7 access to air/nitrox is good thing! ), and a truck threw AB directly. I like the independence and pace of staying off the resorts, but often meet up with new divers threw meeting them at Buddy, shore sites, and/or as Herman suggested threw Bonaire Talk, and SB threads. Meet lots of great people every time we visit!

 

[gypsyjim]

A couple people in our local club do time shares, my little bro, and another friend have rented nice homes, we have done the condo and the resort thing all several times. No bad way to do Bonaire.

I really like doing the a la carte thing, but this June I am joining a whole new group from this board and doing the Plaza resort for the first time. All new friends, the new Buddy Dive3 tank park trip. Should be a blast.

It's all good.

 

[Papa_Bear]

This is on the park site:
PARK RULES:

Please make sure that you follow our park rules and report any infringements you may see.

1. No anchoring. Anchoring is prohibited everywhere!
2. Public moorings may be used by any vessel up to 38' on first come, first serve basis for up to two hours. You MUST put out a scope line which is as long as your vessel.
3. Spear fishing is completely prohibited.
4. Do not take anything out of the water (except garbage).
5. Divers and snorkelers should make as little contact with the reefs as possible: don't sit, stand or hold on to coral.
6. Divers should make sure they are neutrally buoyant and stow gloves.
7. Do not take any corals, sea fans, shells or the like out of Bonaire.
8. Turtles are completely and internationally protected. Do not be tempted to buy shells or other turtle by-products or you will be fined heavily!
9. Conch are also internationally protected. Taking back one shell may cost you dearly.
10. Contact the Bonaire Marine Park to report any infringements at tel: 717 84444

Notice "Stow Gloves" because you used them to enter from shore!

 

[KennyD]

Just for info. Last year I was gearing up at the H.H. and two park rangers walked up to me and asked me what my gloves were for. I also had a large canister light and reel clipped onto my D-Ring. I said " I was told I could wear gloves when diving on Wrecks". They smiled at me and said Yes Sir. Have a safe dive! And that was the end of it.

 

[Waterskier1]

This is on the park site:
PARK RULES:

Please make sure that you follow our park rules and report any infringements you may see.

1. No anchoring. Anchoring is prohibited everywhere!
2. Public moorings may be used by any vessel up to 38' on first come, first serve basis for up to two hours. You MUST put out a scope line which is as long as your vessel.
3. Spear fishing is completely prohibited.
4. Do not take anything out of the water (except garbage).
5. Divers and snorkelers should make as little contact with the reefs as possible: don't sit, stand or hold on to coral.
6. Divers should make sure they are neutrally buoyant and stow gloves.
7. Do not take any corals, sea fans, shells or the like out of Bonaire.
8. Turtles are completely and internationally protected. Do not be tempted to buy shells or other turtle by-products or you will be fined heavily!
9. Conch are also internationally protected. Taking back one shell may cost you dearly.
10. Contact the Bonaire Marine Park to report any infringements at tel: 717 84444

Notice "Stow Gloves" because you used them to enter from shore!

Again, could you please provide the link? It sounds like this is from the boating rules, since it talks about anchoring, vessel size and such. In nautical terms, stow means to put away, on board the vessel. In not saying this is the case here, but I would like a link since EVERYTHING I have found says NO gloves, unless a permit for them is obtained, based on a doctor's letter.

 

[KennyD]

A picture from inside the H.H. right before going into the cargo area.

 

[Waterskier1]

I have written to STINAPA Bonaire (Bonaire National Marine Park asking them if gloves may be used or not. I've also asked for a link or an electronic copy of the document allowing, if that is the case. I'll post the results when I get them. This should end all speculation.

I just received this Auto-Reply so thought I'd include it here. It looks like it will be a few days before we'll get an actual response.

I will be out of the office with limited internet access from January 23 until February 4th ....(and I fear that day). For urgent matters please contact Mr. Fernando Simal, Manager of the Washington Slagbaal National Park @ washingtonpark@stinapa.org