Info Clampdown on UW Cameras

[Pearlman]

Came across this interesting article today:

New regulations aim to protect fragile coral reefs, with restrictions on cameras for less experienced divers. The new measures, issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, state that only divers certified to Advanced Open Water level or those with a logbook proving at least 40 deep dives will be permitted to take cameras underwater. They must also be able to present their certification or logbook to officials upon request.​

Link : Restrictions on UW cameras for inexperienced divers

 

[JonnieB]

Like many things in Thailand...good theory and concept; but likely little to no follow through and enforcement.

 

[Centrals]

Sensible approach to a tricky issue regarding tourism.

 

[Pearlman]

Like many things in Thailand...good theory and concept; but likely little to no follow through and enforcement.

I think it should be relatively easy to enforce if the dive shops read out the rule book to inexperienced divers after inspecting log books and prevent the divers from carrying cameras with them once kitted up. I have seen and heard dive guides warn newish divers not to carry cameras and on one trip on a Similans LOB I actually saw an exasperated and frustrated Instructor scold a young couple and threaten to stop their diving for the rest of the trip if they continued to carry their camera - they had just finished their OW certification the previous day (I saw them complete their study material the day before LOL) … now they can just throw the rule book at them before hitting the water and avoid these kind of conflicts with those stubborn newcomers ….

 

[JonnieB]

I think it should be relatively easy to enforce if the dive shops read out the rule book to inexperienced divers after inspecting log books and prevent the divers from carrying cameras with them once kitted up. I have seen and heard dive guides warn newish divers not to carry cameras and on one trip on a Similans LOB I actually saw an exasperated and frustrated Instructor scold a young couple and threaten to stop their diving for the rest of the trip if they continued to carry their camera - they had just finished their OW certification the previous day (I saw them complete their study material the day before LOL) … now they can just throw the rule book at them before hitting the water and avoid these kind of conflicts with those stubborn newcomers ….

The fact that OW students are even allowed on Similan's LOBs says it all...it's all about the baht! As to shops checking log books, very few will be willing to loose the business, especially when there's likely another shop down the street who will take them.

 

[Centrals]

No dive shop or most commercial business in the Kingdom will never ever say NO to money.
Why so many russian are in Thailand.

 

[Pearlman]

The fact that OW students are even allowed on Similan's LOBs says it all...it's all about the baht! As to shops checking log books, very few will be willing to loose the business, especially when there's likely another shop down the street who will take them.

Slightly off-topic but I’ve been to Similans twice and didn’t see any conditions not suitable for OW students at most dive sites. At least not in December… Richelieu Rock perhaps might be an exception on a bad day …

 

[JonnieB]

Slightly off-topic but I’ve been to Similans twice and didn’t see any conditions not suitable for OW students at most dive sites. At least not in December… Richelieu Rock perhaps might be an exception on a bad day …

It takes at least 40-50 dives to develop acceptable bouncy skills in most divers. I'm not worried about dangerous conditions for the divers, I'm worried about the dangerous conditions for the marine life.

 

[jborg]

I was diving on Koh Tao this week and noticed the policy at the dive shop we were with; they would not rent you a go pro or let you take a camera if you weren’t AOW or if you were doing a course.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

It seems to me PBB would be more valuable than anything else.
Aren't photogs known for doing ANYTHING, even a little fin here and a knee there to get the shot, even very experienced ones?
Maybe start with an attitude class about the fact that they are not the most important person in the ocean at that given moment.