New policy on lionfish in the park

[mjatkins]

I'd like to clarify what seems to be an often misunderstood topic. PADI did not develop this course. PADI has a list of courses that it has developed, and sells training materials for. It also allows us to teach them so long as we use their materials and meet their standards. They do not set prices, or take a piece of the revenue, other than the PIC (certification card) costs.

A distinctive specialty (like the lionfish course) is developed by an individual instructor. The instructor then submits their course outline to PADI and asks for permission to teach the course under PADI's banner. If permission is granted, THAT INSTRUCTOR is then allowed to teach the course and issue a PADI card. PADI does not develop the course, set the price, or share in the profits other than collecting the same PIC card costs for issuing the card. For most shops that PIC cost is around $20. Also, as a PADI instructor I am not allowed to teach that course. It doesn't belong to me or to PADI, it belongs to the instructor who wrote the course outline. If I want to write my own outline I am free to do so, and submit it for approval with some evidence that I have expertise in this area. It is not PADI's choice weather or not to provide the course for free, they neither own it, or are the ones who make the money from selling it.

 

[1KWIK_69]

I wonder how much of a kick back the politicians that passed this rule creating a monopoli on lionfish hunting tools will be receiving per unit?

Does this mean that the DMs will also no longer be allowed to just scoop them into a bag or net to be brought to the surface and killed?

Sorry, but this is stupid. I agree that only DMs should be allowed to hunt lionfish in the park because their livelihoods would be threatened if they started killing off other species that their clients pay them good money to be shown, but telling them they have to buy an expensive gadget instead of just using cheap common sense tools that they're accustomed to and work well is just plain stupid.

Damn bureaucrats.

 

[robbcayman]

Money tends to corrupt people.. huh? So, they sell an overpriced device to kill a lionfish that could be had a fraction of the cost. If they really only cared about getting rid of lionfish they wouldn't have these restrictions. I think we all know that money has changed hands and that has dictated the rules.

 

[mjatkins]

telling them they have to buy an expensive gadget instead of just using cheap common sense tools that they're accustomed to and work well is just plain stupid.

Damn bureaucrats.

where did you get the impression that the DMs are going to have to buy them?

 

[1KWIK_69]

where did you get the impression that the DMs are going to have to buy them?

Well someone has to buy them now when any DM can get a mesh bag or a small spear for next to nothing. Only government bureaucrats getting a kick back would think it's a good idea to mandate replacement of something that costs almost nothing and works well with something that has to be purchased for a great deal of money that won't kill a lionfish any more dead than what's already being used. And we all wonder why our taxes are so high and they still can't balance a budget.

 

[1KWIK_69]

where did you get the impression that the DMs are going to have to buy them?

And even if the park service is paying for them, will they buy enough for every single DM in Cozumel?

 

[jbtut]

Is there any enforcement of the marine park rules now? I unknowingly violated the rules last week. I have a small <3" dive knife that lives on my BCD. It went with me for quite a few dives in the park. Neither my DM nor anyone else mentioned anything about it. Before reading this I had no idea dive knifes were not allowed in the park. Granted it's black and lives on the belt strap hidden under the pocket area, so no one would likely see it, I didn't know of any enforcement efforts.

So, I guess my question there is any enforcement, and if not, is a rule without means to enforce meaningful?

 

[mjatkins]

And even if the park service is paying for them, will they buy enough for every single DM in Cozumel?

I don't know, but I would suspect that they will buy enough for all the DMs who choose to take the course. Not everyone will sign up. I also can't think of any reason why they would ban us from taking plastic or mesh bags into the park.

And my taxes this year were just under $300. Not exactly high here in Cozumel : )

 

[mjatkins]

Is there any enforcement of the marine park rules now? I unknowingly violated the rules last week. I have a small <3" dive knife that lives on my BCD. It went with me for quite a few dives in the park. Neither my DM nor anyone else mentioned anything about it. Before reading this I had no idea dive knifes were not allowed in the park. Granted it's black and lives on the belt strap hidden under the pocket area, so no one would likely see it, I didn't know of any enforcement efforts.

So, I guess my question there is any enforcement, and if not, is a rule without means to enforce meaningful?

the enforcement of the knife rule tends to fall to the DM and the shop you are diving with. I have never heard of an instance of the marine park inspecting divers to see if they have a knife. I make it a part of my dive briefing every day. It is unfortunate that your DM did not inform you of the rules. I would suggest that enforcement is only necessary for people who knowingly disregard the rules, or for DMs who choose not to share the rules with their divers. I find that people are generally happy to leave their knives on the boat once they have been told of the rules.

Now that you know, I hope the next time you chose to come back, you will chose to leave your knife behind. I hope you enjoyed your visit.

 

[geokr]

Why should it be only up to DMs to do this? You could argue that some divers, having come a long way and great expense to dive aren't going to want to hang out while the DMs police up the park. They may have other things in mind to see and do. On the other hand, the interest this board has shown on the topic of lionfish ought to indicate that there's a great deal of willingness on the part of many other divers to participate in protecting the park. It's going to take more than just DMs to do it. The hysteria over the use of a sling is mind boggling, too. It doesn't take a highly skilled and trained professional to use one safely and without damaging the environment - it's kid stuff to learn and use. Even if you do manage to chip a few tiny bits of coral by accident it's no big deal and where is the greater good? Look at the bottom link below - this activity is child's play and it doesn't take specialists with high-priced equipment to accomplish. The govt. down there is acting like controlling lionfish is something that needs restriction and regulation, as all govts' do. In fact, what's needed is promotion to and the encouragement of the diving public to assist the DMs and the loosening of restrictions to facilitate these efforts or Cozumel will become as overrun as the Bahamas. Not "Here, my trusted and skilled DM, here is your special weapon that only you have the warrior skill and temperment to use. Go forth and keep the park clean. And hurry up 'cause there's more coming."