New to Shore Diving, need dive flags in Curaçao?

[chauncy19]

okay help me out--i am planning on a return to Curacao but this dive flag thing is not something one has to think about or do on bonaire. should i just get a puddle jumper to bonaire? been to bonaire a number of times (10) been to curacao (1). feel fine normally going to curacao but hearing this makes me think i should just keep going. thoughts greatly appreciated. need to make a decision soon.

 

[tarponchik]

Looks like you have a problem with decision making, not with the dive flag.

If there is a law, nobody in his right mind will tell you "go ahead and violate the law!" Likewise, if you want to drag the stupid flag on every dive, nobody will make fun of you (I promise!)

What we keep telling you is (1) this law is probably an overstretch, cause diving in Curacao is not like diving under Blue Heron Bridge in Florida, and (2) this law is not enforced.

 

[Bryan.]

Hey Chauncy... let me try and clear this issue up so that it does not get out of hand.

The Curacao Port Authority has written a law into effect requiring shore divers on Curacao to use a surface marker of some description while diving. Why... well according to the Harbour Master this ensures that the divers are visible from the surface to boats and personal water craft. The law also includes snorkelers. This issue can be debated however this is the fact. I have a copy of the law in dutch and I have spoken directly to the Harbour Master regarding this.

Now... the question is... is this law enforced by the authorities? No for the most part. Additionally, do divers and snorkelers use them? For the most part no!

Personally, I require all my DM's and Instructors to use them while training and guiding from the shore and also while drift diving but this is my law here at OEW.

However, all divers have a choice whether to use one or not use one because you are responsible for yourself. Personally, I have no issue either way. My responsibility is to have them available to you to use for free if you choose and to inform you. OEW has alot of shore divers come through and this law IS NOT enforced, only discussed leaving the choice to you.

It is sort of like the use seat belts!

Everyone please understand, the law is there because of a variety of items to encourage safe diving and snorkeling practices and the use of a surface marker is not unique to Curacao.

At the end of the day... this issue should not be blown out of proportion nor should it be any reason for anyone not to come to dive Curacao.

Hope this clarifies this topic.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to email directly.

 

[chauncy19]

Appreciate all your thoughts. never heard of this before so therefore it does impact my thought process or decision making. had no doubts about my return until i read about the dive flag here.
i know this is NOT an issue on Bonaire--might be useful in a few places but not a law.
i know you won't be prosecuted for it as I hadn't heard of it before and also didn't see anyone officially that would care about it or anything else. But if this is the law its something to consider.
again thanks for feedback.

 

[curious2dive]

A dive flag is a safety device which you can use or not that's youre own resposability. At our dive center we ase them always. We dive a lot of times with people with a handicap and you want it to be safe. But this doesn't mean that everybody will see you and respect your flag. My flag while diving with a disabled person was not respected by a dive operator. So my advise is take a flag and make sure in the shallow (e.g. safetystop) beware of engine noise and when heard always scan your surroundings.

 

[Johnmpcny]

Thanks good stuff all. I will keep this all in mind. My thoughts are now to tie one off when I can as a return marker and enjoy my diving day!