Laws, Laws, Laws!

[eric1979]

Alright I know that there are different laws about SCUBA in different states. But is there anywhere on the web where they have a colection of these laws? I have been looking around on my own states web sites and to tell you the truth there is not a whole lot about it. or I just don't know where to look.

Now before you get started I want to make this question "in general" not just about my home state.

Maybe some good info for everyone!

 

[ScubaCatgirl]

Normally, not always, but normally you can find statutes on the Secretary of States Website. Also, check westlaw, lexisnexis & I believe there's one other site where you can research individual state laws within the one website, however, I have found these sites not to be as comprehensive as an individual state's website, whether it be the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, a County in the State, etc. listing of statutes.

Have I confused you yet, lol

If you want some help researching this info, give me a pm w/specific info & I'll see what I can do.

 

[fdog]

It's just a small slice of the laws relating to scuba diving, but take a look at the Dive-flags website that Chris maintains.

All the best, James

 

[Walter]

There are surprisingly few. Some places have dive flag laws. Some cities have ordinances requiring snorkels or buddies or forbiding diving in certain areas.

 

[eric1979]

Well one of the reasons I was asking was I seen a post that said in FL "you have to have a dive flag even when snorkeling" and that is what got my wheels turnning.

 

[TheRedHead]

Well one of the reasons I was asking was I seen a post that said in FL "you have to have a dive flag even when snorkeling" and that is what got my wheels turnning.

If you're lucky, someone might recognize it and not run you over.

 

[CBulla]

Echo that of Walter. The state of FL has its own blanket law for scuba diving.

Those can be read here:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0327/SEC331.HTM&Title=->2005->Ch0327->Section%20331

Supposedly there is an ordinance for Sarasota County that states you must dive with a buddy. I can't find it online nor any others for mentioned county ordinances but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

Orange County CA I believe is the snorkel stickler...

Oh, and not all states have laws of any type regarding diving.. I suppose they have so little of it they don't even believe its feasable to make a law for it.

To answer the snorkel question:

327.331 Divers; definitions; divers-down flag required; obstruction to navigation of certain waters; penalty.--
(1) As used in this section: (a) "Diver" means any person who is wholly or partially submerged in the waters of the state and is equipped with a face mask and snorkel or underwater breathing apparatus.

BTW it was me who said it.

 

[Mark Vlahos]

Orange County CA I believe is the snorkel stickler...

It is the City of Laguna Beach, located in Orange County, California.

Mark Vlahos

 

[jtivat]

If you're lucky, someone might recognize it and not run you over.

Or they might think it's a race bouy and run him over, I have seen it happen (not the run over part).

 

[fdog]

Or they might think it's a race bouy and run him over, I have seen it happen (not the run over part).

...we actually had our dive flag/bouy run over a couple of weeks ago...

I'm convinced that a dive flag is a good thing for the educated boater. Seeing how that is probabally only 10% of the boating public, though, I believe that a dive flag is actually a safety impediment (attractive nuisanace) and I prefer to dive without one.

All the best, James