Bonaire first time

[Bubbletrubble]

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".

@Waterskier1: To be clear, we aren't arguing the strict interpretation of the rule in a U.S. court...we are talking about the interpretation and enforcement of the rules as defined for STINAPA. As you alluded to in your post, how we do things in our country really isn't relevant to this discussion at all. I'm content to wait for a reply from one of the park rangers (or the head park ranger).

Having done a couple of Bonaire vacations and having experienced the island attitude towards things, my instinct tells me that the park rangers would allow the use of gloves during rocky entries/exits so long as the gloves were put away while diving the reef. I would probably feel differently if they hadn't granted exceptions for medical reasons and wreck-diving. It's not that the STINAPA board is anti-glove...it's that they are against dive tourists handling the wildlife. But I could be wrong about all of this.

Thanks once again for sending the inquiry. I think the phrasing of your question was fine.

 

[Waterskier1]

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.

I'm not sure I am correct. It was my understanding that in France, Italy, Spain (and in Mexico) and possibly others, they have as system where the state instigates crimes and only bring charges if there is sufficient evidence to justify them (in theory). If accused, the defendant has to duty to try to show where the state is wrong in its investigation. I think it's called "civil law" versus what in USA we call "common law". Again, this is what I have read, and I'm sure is true in Mexico, but not so sure about some European countries and the Nether Antilles.

I should not have mentioned it. I really has nothing to do with the discussion. I am sorry for the confusion.

 

[Papa_Bear]

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.

You haven't seen my camera! It would be like clipping an anchor to my D ring!

 

[ScubaSteve]

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.

I hold onto mine because it weighs too much to clip into a D-ring and get tossed about during a heavy surf entry. As it sways it makes it more difficult to keep my balance as I get pounded with waves. In my hand, I can use it to my advantage....plus I am better able to ensure if I fall, that it suffers less.

 

[Papa_Bear]

Found one more ref to allowing gloves on shore dives and mooring lines! BonaireFun.com - FUN !

 

[Papa_Bear]

One more about the Hooker: Let's Dive Bonaire

 

[pdive]

Hard sole boots! Knee pads! Gloves for rocky entries!

I think this is a sad commentary on the softness of the average diver - the only place people have built up any calluses is on their butts

I suggest not worrying about all the extra gear for entries and exits - bring a few extra dollars and pay four or five local kids to carry you the 50 feet to and from the water.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Hard sole boots! Knee pads! Gloves for rocky entries!

I think this is a sad commentary on the softness of the average diver - the only place people have built up any calluses is on their butts

I suggest not worrying about all the extra gear for entries and exits - bring a few extra dollars and pay four or five local kids to carry you the 50 feet to and from the water.

Could you donate some money to me? I might need a few more than 4 or 5 kids

 

[Papa_Bear]

Who said anything about knee pads? So go barefoot it is non of my business how YOU dive, but when asked about a location with Ironshore I give my best advise! But if you want to take the covered wagon be my guest! I am suggesting safe practical solutions to the possibility of ruining your expensive dive vacation with hurt hands or feet, but it always boils down to your choice!

 

[ScubaSteve]

Some people just have no clue what they are talking about and want to post anyways. That is what their post is. A sad cry for attention in a discussion that they know nothing about.

I like your idea here Papa_Bear. I for one want to film the person that tries to walk over Iron Shore wearing all their gear and waves "pounding" (sometimes waves are non existent and sometimes they can rock you) them in bare feet.

Who said anything about knee pads? So go barefoot it is non of my business how YOU dive, but when asked about a location with Ironshore I give my best advise! But if you want to take the covered wagon be my guest! I am suggesting safe practical solutions to the possibility of ruining your expensive dive vacation with hurt hands or feet, but it always boils down to your choice!