Bonaire first time

[Waterskier1]

@diversteve: Yeah, I found those rules on the website, too. Still, I'd be surprised if STINAPA took a hard line stance and prohibited divers from using gloves during rocky shore entries. I've witnessed people fall and cut up their hands on the ironshore. It probably happens quite frequently. So long as the gloves are not being worn underwater while actively diving along the reef, I would think that the spirit of the rule is still being upheld. I think we can all agree that the no glove rule is in place to prevent divers from handling corals and other reef critters. I'm curious to hear what the official word is.

Which shore entries are "rocky" and which are not? There would have to be specific definitions as to what is "rocky" since one could argue that a sand beach was still "small rocks".

I too have seen divers fall entering and exiting. Usually this is due to not knowing or using the recommended technique. That is to enter and exit with your buddy, facing each other, arms interlocked, and side stepping, one at a time, into water deep enough to "float". Most are too hurried or unaware of this and that is usually when the falls/trips happen. Another thing I have done when solo diving (let's not go there) is to put my hands in my fins on rough exits (haven't had to do this on entries) just in case I stumble, I will protect my hands with my fins. Actually, it's not the rocks one really needs to protect against, but the Anemone hiding in those rocks. YMMV.

 

[DeputyDan]

I also use my fins as "gloves" Esp. on exiting!

 

[Waterskier1]

Here is the one with the park rules: Bonaire / Diving

That is a travel web site, NOT the official National Marine Park web site.

Maybe it's my military background, but when I'm told to "stow" something, that mean to put it away, not use it and then hide it away. Again, I believe that was directed at vessels coming to Bonaire, where they may have gloves on board.

If you were told to "stow all weapons" before entering a port, would you think that to mean use as need, then hide on my person? There is a definite difference between "stowing" a weapon and "holstering" one. I'm not sure one can "stow" anything on their person. In nautical terms, Stow mean 1) to put (cargo, provisions, etc.) in the places intended for them, 2) to put (sails, spars, gear, etc.) in the proper place or condition when not in use.

I really am just conjecturing on the stow, but don't think it is a lifeline on which I'd want to risk my freedom.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I also use my fins as "gloves" Esp. on exiting!

That makes it tough to hold onto a camera .......I find when entering and exiting with a camera, I have had little use for gloves because if I go down, I am doing everything I can to put my body between the camera and the iron shore.

As for a mooring line, I do not touch the line unless the current is exceptionally stong so gloves are not required there either. I also will likely never boat dive in Boanire so mooring lines do not generally apply to me. I did not penetrate the Hooker so gloves were not needed. Personally, I am for the most part OK with the glove rule. There can always be "OH :turd:" moments but I am OK with dealing with them as the exception or planning ahead for them.

 

[Papa_Bear]

Diving Bonaire - Google Books
Here is a link, but I can't find the down load yet, but still looking!

The excerpt is about diving in the park! Not boating! So you use your gloves to enter then stow them while on the reef! Also read the post where the ranger told the diver he could wear gloves on the wreck! I will find it! If worst come to worst I will scan the print out and post it!

 

[Adaveke]

Here is the content of my email. If this does not meet your desires, maybe you could write, phrasing the question any way you want. I think it is clear enough for a reasonable person, with no agenda, to ascertain the intent of the law.


We are having a discussion regarding the use of Gloves in your park. Everything I have read states no gloves are allowed. But, I have had several people tell me it is okay to use them entering and exiting from the shore. Also while diving wrecks and descending and acceding on a mooring line. Can you provide the answer to this question?

It would be preferable if you could point to a link on the web site, or provide an electronic copy of the Rule and Regulation that allows use of gloves, if such is the case.
Thank you,

I didn't specifically state "rocky" shore entry. Nor did I specifically state they would be removed "prior to diving". In all honesty, I consider everything from putting my kit on at the truck, walking to the shore, entering the water, surface swimming out to the buoy and the return part of "diving". I think most people would. Granted you may not be underwater, breathing off your scuba. I guess if you wanted to try that as an argument in court (in the USA), you could. Remember in Netherlands, along with most European countries, the "Innocent until proven guilty" does not apply. You must prove your innocence. My intent was to find out if gloves were allowed in any phase of "diving".

I think this question is good enough.
I've had some email contact with stinapa and they don't seem to be completely clueless overthere.

Just one question, and seriously sidestepping from the thread: Where did you get that "Innocent until proven guilty" does not apply in the Netherlands and most of Europe?
I'm not very up to speed on the middle and eastern European laws, but as far as western Europe go's, the innocent until proven guilty rule is golden.

 

[Papa_Bear]

As fare as the Marine ord it doesn't say anything about "Gloves" the #6 is a pamphlet??? If you can find it in the Ord site the number please!

 

[Papa_Bear]

Welcome to PADI Scuba Diving Club and training centre - Eagle Ray Diving - Nottingham, Nottinghamshire - Bonaire Another reference to stowing gloves while diving in the park! I have taken two par each trip and no one has said boo to me about them! Again only for entry and exit!

 

[Papa_Bear]

Well I have to go make a living! But I don't give up, I will find it!

 

[DeputyDan]

That makes it tough to hold onto a camera .......I find when entering and exiting with a camera, I have had little use for gloves because if I go down, I am doing everything I can to put my body between the camera and the iron shore.

As for a mooring line, I do not touch the line unless the current is exceptionally stong so gloves are not required there either. I also will likely never boat dive in Boanire so mooring lines do not generally apply to me. I did not penetrate the Hooker so gloves were not needed. Personally, I am for the most part OK with the glove rule. There can always be "OH :turd:" moments but I am OK with dealing with them as the exception or planning ahead for them.

I don't dive with a camera but those that I dive with (that use cameras) will clip them off to their BC on entries and exits.