Phuket Dive Regulations update

[orangelemon]

Looks like its round one to us (Thailand Dive Association members), apparently only 7 dive operators registered before the deadline (out of about 160), this will no doubt be in the Phuket gazette next week. It was agreed that changes are needed but need to be more carefully considered before requesting that dive centres give so much duplicated and redundant information on divers / students / tax / dive trips.
I hope the next draft of the regulations focuses more on the enviroment issues instead of forcing operators to produce masses of signed and stamped worthless paper


Dear friends of Phuket Diving Industry,

TDAs Lawyer Khun Pongsawan just informed us, that the responsible Court will accept the case from TDA against the "new diving regulations".
Within the next few days the court will send an official letter to the Lawyer and to the governors office to inform and postpone the "new regulations" after the verdict.

 

[MoonWrasse]

You are correct. Here's the Phuket Gazette article:
http://www.phuketgazette.com/news/index.asp?id=5284

<snip>
Surin Theerakulpisut, Chief of the Phuket Marine Office, told the Gazette that about 40 dive operators have registered their businesses at his office.

&#8220;We are still open for registrations, although now it is actually time to begin processing applications. However, we continue to accept registrations without assessing any fines [for being past the official deadline],&#8221; he said.

 

[stevenl]

I heard seven registered, not 40. And I also think 7 makes more sense.

I have no doubt some things need to be done, but the proposed way was way overdone, regarding paperwork, privacy of the guests, confidential information from operators, etc.

So in some time they will come up with new regulations that are reasonable, and everybody will comply, but not this way.

 

[orangelemon]

The TDA overturn new Dive Regulations - regulations will be postponed.
see email details below

Phuket, 12. October 2006 please be informed, that today, the 12. October 2006 the official court hearing according to the "new diving regulations" (for Phuket) took place at 10 am in Nakorn Si Tamarath main court.
TDA as well as government representatives had the chance to discuss with the responsible judge all matters according to the "new diving regulations".
Based on the court hearing today with the responsible judge and with the TDA lawyers, the TDA is herby informing it's members and all others officially, that it is not against the law not to sign-up at the marine office, as this regulations will be postponed.