More certs required for Quebec?

[Web Monkey]

I recently heard that there is some sort of additional certification or permit required to dive in Quebec.

There's supposed to be something about it here: http://www.fqas.qc.ca/ although I'm pretty much lost, since the site is in french.

There's an "english" button, but all it contains is more french (they must still be laughing about all those non-french-speaking americans)

Neither my LDS or SSI (my cert agency) has heard anything about it.

Does anybody know anything about this? Is it real (as in enforced by the government) or just wishful thinking by someone trying to regulate SCUBA?

Does this mean if I want to dive on the Canadian side of the river, I need to fill out more papers?

Thanks!

Terry

 

[pt40fathoms]

The redirect to the same French only site despite the supposed English link is deliberate. Every time I have visited Quebec, I have come away with the distinct feeling that I was not welcome because I do not speak French.

The new laws that they are putting in place that will regulate the dive industry, is only going to kill what is left of that industry in Quebec.

Go anywhere to dive in Canada except Quebec. You will save yourself a lot of grief and have a better experience in Canada by staying away from Quebec.

 

[tedtim]

I paid my $20 and got the card. It is valid for three years.

The english version of the regulations is at http://www.canlii.org/qc/laws/regu/s-3.1r.3.1.1/

You will have to locate a Mandataire to complete the application and submit it. Up to a couple of months ago all you had to do was show proof of competency as per the regulations. Now, I believe you may have to take some training.

They have a temporary card for divers who don't dive in Quebec regularly.

 

[wedivebc]

I recently heard that there is some sort of additional certification or permit required to dive in Quebec.

There's supposed to be something about it here: http://www.fqas.qc.ca/ although I'm pretty much lost, since the site is in french.

There's an "english" button, but all it contains is more french (they must still be laughing about all those non-french-speaking americans)

Neither my LDS or SSI (my cert agency) has heard anything about it.

Does anybody know anything about this? Is it real (as in enforced by the government) or just wishful thinking by someone trying to regulate SCUBA?

Does this mean if I want to dive on the Canadian side of the river, I need to fill out more papers?

Thanks!

Terry

Just to make something clear, Quebec's lanuage policy is not designed to be anti-American. It is designed to pi$$ off all english speaking people so don't take it too personal. Just come out to BC to dive. We speak english out here and don't make you go through any bureaucratic BS

 

[aquaoren]

A temporary permit valid for three months can be issued upon presentation of your logbook to a mandataire. Cost is 5.25$

 

[Diver0001]

Every time I have visited Quebec, I have come away with the distinct feeling that I was not welcome because I do not speak French.

It goes deeper. Even if you speak good French but you do so with an English accent you'll get the same "unwelcome" feeling.

R..

 

[matt_unique]

I have found the locals to appreciate an effort to speak their language. I like the fact they speak French in the province of Quebec, it makes it more unique for me as a tourist. I have never had the unwelcome feeling others have mentioned.

--Matt

 

[Hyper-limits]

Last summer I was visiting in Quebec and talk to a few DS owners and charter operators and they were pretty upset with the BS regarding the new rules.
They all thought that the rules were in place so the FQAS could get cash out of your wallet.
It too bad as there is some fantastic dives in Quebec such as the Empress of Ireland.
My wife doesn't speak french and she had no problems getting help whenever she needed it. As for myself I had no problems because I can insult people in both official
language

 

[Web Monkey]

Just to make something clear, Quebec's lanuage policy is not designed to be anti-American. It is designed to pi$$ off all english speaking people so don't take it too personal. Just come out to BC to dive. We speak english out here and don't make you go through any bureaucratic BS

Sounds good to me.

There are a bunch of us in Syracuse that drive up to Canada to dive over the summer Once across the border, it's always a choice of heading east or west. I guess Quebec has put up the "keep out" sign.

I'm sure Ontario will spend the next 20 years thanking Quebec for all the new divers. Thank god Tobermory isn't in Quebec. I'd be really bummed. I think Tobermory is the best freshwater diving I've ever experienced. The nights are absolutely stunning. (You guys get some real industrial-strength "dark" at night )

The deal with the French-only website is really a slap in the face. The site is somehow hosed up enough that Google can't translate it either. While I beleive everybody has the right to their own language, if it's only in French, it shouldn't have a non-working "English" button, and they should at least make it translator-friendly.

Maybe they really are trying to drive tourists away.

It's not that getting the new cert is such an impossible task, it's just that I don't really want to have to deal with it on vacation.

What's next? A special Quebec driver's licence?

Terry

 

[Boogie711]

I think Tobermory is the best freshwater diving I've ever experienced.

As someone who grew up in the Tobermory area... I respectfully disagree. Kingston definitely kicks butt, for a whole host of reasons. Check it out sometime.