New Diver

[TimRice]

Hello everyone! Glad to be here!
I just recently qualified here in Durham, NC.
I then drove to NH for a two week vacation where I took a PADI Certified Weed Control Diver course from Ted Aldrich so that I can legally harvest Variable Milfoil. V.Milfoil is an aggressively invasive species of water plant that left unchecked, will ruin a lake.

All of the dives were no deeper than 12-15 feet, but what a blast!

So far, this has been the extent of my diving experience, but I'm well and truly hooked!!

 

[Just_Me]

NC coast has some really awesome diving. Welcome to my favorite addiction.

 

[Imbodie]

Come on down and dive some Florida Springs.... and maybe some of that salt stuff while your here...

 

[Laurent Pilotte]

I took the same course. I have been working in NH & Me. I am planning to move to Florida next winter and will hopefully get some work down there. Stuart fl

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[drrich2]

Welcome! I'd like to dive North Carolina some day and see the sand tiger sharks.

Richard.

 

[edwardjohnson]

Welcome! Hope to hear more about your next experiences as well

 

[ChickenFried]

Interesting course. Do you harvest the V.Milfoil on your recreational dives or is it something you would do commercially?

 

[Laurent Pilotte]

After being certified you can work as an independent contractor like a plummer, electrician etc. This problem is in many states. Texas lakes are become a problem which is close to Arizona. I would contact your state to see if this problem is being addressed. I have young high school students working with me doing the bull work. I will be conducting a work shop with the local boy scouts this spring educating them on the problem of milfoil. The first requirement is scuba certification. I personally do not conduct the weed control PADI course. It is conducted by the state of NH environmental agency DES. Believe me this work will become very lucrative in the near future. The problem can be controlled not eliminated. This is becoming a great opportunity for environmentally concern divers.

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[iamrushman]

howdy and welcome from south Florida...just curious...if it is an invasive species why do you have to "legally harvest Variable Milfoil." does that mean you need a license?

 

[Laurent Pilotte]

Yes . The training teaches you how to correctly dispose the plant. It is very aggressive. It can be spread easily. It is against the environmental laws to transport. Heavy fines to those who do not abide by the laws!!

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