New diving regulation in Israel

[Snoopy]

Would this an excuse to create more jobs or revenue for the local dive industry ?

As i understand that at some places, having a DG with your group in the waters means extra charge.

 

[exnewwavedivers]

Dive accidents can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, even if all safety recommendations are followed.

After reading the posts of requiring divers to dive with a guide, I have this impression that this would be one of those topics with never ending discussions.

Let's just say that with this law requiring 20 guided dives is enforced. Think of the industry as a whole, keep an open mind, and answer this question: Is there a possibility that at some time in the future, this law might prevent a diving accident, whether the people involved realizes it or not?

It's probably safe to assume that most people would say yes.

If it is yes, the possibility of saving lives in the future, would that be enough to justify making 20 guided dives a law?

There!

 

[Jonathan]

I also think it is a good idea but a not right to make it a national law. Still it is better than what was being proposed on another thread where all dives had to be guided.

Jonathan

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

As we all wish dive accidents never happen..They always will. Look how safe it is though statistically speaking..Safer than driving, hiking, running, and even BOWLING. There are more examples but everyone gets the point. The Federal Govt. does not even require or have ANY kind of licensing for commercial diving which is gravely dangerous. All you have to do any order to call yourself a commercial diver is follow the OSHA codes 1910.410 subpart T. Or go thru a 307+ hour program and get an ADC card (Non-profit organization). There are already Federal Guidelines that all teaching agencies follow. They are safe, more watered down than 20 yrs. ago, BUT..Accidents are fewer now than 20 yrs. ago statistically speaking. Instead of having concern for everyone else and make diving more difficult..Let's all just use common sense while diving and be concerned with yourself and your buddy. And most of all..Have fun..Isn't that why you got into diving in the first place?

 

[JamesK]

newwavedivers once bubbled...
If it is yes, the possibility of saving lives in the future, would that be enough to justify making 20 guided dives a law?

Simply put, no. The Imperial Federal Government has no place in regulating the industry.

 

[Bubble Boy]

It sounds like the Province of Quebec. They went a step further with the FQAS issuing diving licenses that expire every year if you are an instructor and every three years as a diver. Nothing more than a tax grab. They will be implementing the program starting next year but the "law" has already passed. There will be tourist licenses as well.......here comes the Scuba Police!

 

[CincyBengalsFan]

The YMCA SCUBA program has an open water certification that expires every 3 yrs. However; you can't use it with all other agencies giving lifetime certs. Over the past 6 1/2 yrs. of teaching I've gone thru 3 additional agency crossovers. I think every instructor should go thru some type of refresher at least every couple of yrs. It's helped me. Started with PADI, then NASDS onto YMCA & CMAS, then finally NAUI.

 

[Jeddah Aquanaut]

I don't think something like this should be made law. As PADI says, ultimately it's the certified diver's responsibility for her/his own safety. As a soon-to-be-certified DM, I don't really mind taking out new divers, ones with less than 20. I still dive for self/fun, but I use those other dives to practice my own skills, to help others, as others helped me when I was at that point. To echo others, some OW people are better than others more advanced. One of my friends has no more than 20 OW dives, but his skills are superb. Night, deep...no problem. I don't really feel comfortable with the term newbie. I mean, we all like to show how good we are, or how many dives we've done, but really...There's always room for improvement, whether you've just finished OW or have c-cards up the yin-yang. I'm always learning some new trick, some technique that makes me a better/safer diver. I've done 115 dives to date, but still consider myself a novice. There's so much more to learn, that signatures in a logbook don't provide. So, to conclude, I think PADI's system is fine, and there is no need for government interference. By divers acting more responsibly, we can perhaps avoid governments having anything to justify their actions with.

 

[Conor]

Hi Ari

I'm a little sad to hear this, I have dived in Eilat, and, as a tourist, I only did guided dives, but I feel that guided dives can actually make divers complacent and potentially over confident. As they have had someone else looking after them, they start diving independantly without realising the preparations and experiences that the guide has before getting in the water, so they just go get in the water.

I think a newly qualified diver is likely to be a bit more nervous and therefore seek out assistance in planning their first few dives.

My personal belief is the the current AOW level courses should be replaced by a pre-divemaster course that focuses on buddy pair independant diving, including navigation, basic rescue and planning.

One other concern is that I have seen quite a few 'cowboy' (No offence to the texans ) dive guides who don't seen to take their role seriously. One of whom, in Eilat, said that if one of his group started an uncontrolled ascent from 20 meters he would just let them go, without even considering assisting. I think if the government requires more guided dives then my fear would be that the quality of dive guides would decrease.

Have fun

Conor

 

[DesertEagle]

I am not sure that more regulations will have any effect. Israeli diving already requires that divers take a two star course, the equivalent of Advanced Open Water. Proof of insurance is also required already.

My own experience with dive guides in Eilat has been positive. They have been attentive and they really know the reefs. Two months ago I had a nice time with Aquasport doing some diving in Taba.

If there is one area of improvement for Eilat diving it should be to teach divers to use less lead. I know that the Red Sea is more salty than other areas, but the amount of lead some divers wear is ridiculous.