Scuba Knife, Scuba Shears, Dive Gloves in Cozumel???

[ggunn]

So this is a reef protection issue? This is such a BS rule.

Nevertheless, it's their country, their park and their rules. When in Rome...

 

[don Francisco]

Technically knives and gloves are banned in the Marine park, but enforcement varies. The Park Police ecpect the dive operators to enforce the ban with their clients, some do, some don't.

Shears are probably OK, though not really needed, since fishing is not allowed in the park, This they enforce pretty strictly.

Leave the knife home, and if you tend to get cold hands you might pack the gloves and use them if nobody says not to.

 

[pidgiepoo]

Just got back yesterday from Coz. It was very cold for three days...locals were wearing jackets and we wore sweaters and long pants (and we're from Ohio). Harbor was closed two days and when it opened, the surface interval on the boat was very, very cool. Some divers wore hoods and gloves and were told it was ok to wear both for warmth purposes only. I did not see anyone abusing this, but everyone on my boat was an experienced diver and knew the rules. Once the weather warmed up...noone used gloves, but some still wore hoods. By the time we left, the weather was 80 degrees again, so I would say ya probably don't need the gloves.

 

[daniel1948]

I'm confused by your reference to hoods. I always wear one, again for warmth. But the context of your post suggests that technically they're not allowed. Why would hoods be frowned upon??? Surely they're not worried about divers prodding the reef with their heads? I wear my hood and gloves regardless of the air temperature, because the water is chilly (for me) weather the air is hot or cold.

 

[MMM]

Of course hoods are allowed.

 

[pidgiepoo]

I was mentioning the use of the hoods strickly for warmth because it was so cold last week in Coz. It never occurred to me that someone would think I meant the restriction rules applied to the use of hoods. I mean..who "in their right mind" would use their head to "butt" the reefs?

 

[scubawife]

So this is a reef protection issue? This is such a BS rule.

Here's what they should regulate instead: Divers who don't tie off their SPGs, computers, octos and dangling cameras. These morons float above the reef destroying corals, sponges and almost everything else in their wake. I've seen this so many times, it's sick. And what makes it worse is that often the gear is rented out by those same sanctimonious folks who tell everyone not to carry a knife.

How about regulating morons who can't control their initial descent and go crashing into whatever is below the boat. And then fin violently away from the debris.

I've been diving for a long time. I have never yet seen a diver use their knife as an anchor in the sand. What an absolutely BS rule.

Some dive ops and specific DMs will ask that guages and octos be clipped up or tucked in so they aren't dragging along a couple feet away from the diver. There is also a minimum distance from the reef for divers in Cozumel, although I don't remember what it is and have never had anyone enforce it.

Sadly, most people I've seen wear gloves do so because they plan to touch and the gloves are protection not warmth. I was most disgusted early this year when there were people on our boat who work at a major US aquarium and two of them grabbed the reef repeatedly and stood and used the reef as a tripod to get in the optimal position to take photos or just for a better look at something. They both wore gloves and it was pretty obvious that warmth wasn't the reason (water temps were in the low 80's). What irritated me most was that a newer diver with little knowledge of the reef would see these "experts" and think it must be ok if they're doing it! I take photos and video and pass up many shots because I won't touch or grab.

I've met so many divers who genuinely have no clue that their touching is a bad thing and who wear wetsuits and gloves to protect themselves from what they may hit. I suppose there are lots of instructors out there just cranking out the c-cards with little or no mention or education about why it's important to perfect your buoyancy skills, the basics of good etiquette or reef conservation. Not speaking specifically about Cozumel but just dive destinations in general, there are way too many DMs who feel the need to put on a show for their divers (hoping for better tips?) and don't hesitate to poke, prod and handle whatever marine life they can. That also sets an example for new or unaware divers.

So, while the no gloves and no knives rules might seem dumb to experienced, respectful and conscientious divers, they do deter the not so educated or concerned from touching, poking and prodding at the reef and marine life.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

What aquarium was this. If they are this inconsiderate the only way to change the behavior is to make them answer for it. As for me I always wear gloves out of habit and my skills are such that I don't need them as protection from anything other than anchor lines and sharp edges on wrecks. But in places where they are not allowed it's no big deal. If you don't like the rules don't go there. Simple. There are plenty of other places you can wear gloves. Dive them. I did not wear gloves in Bonaire. If I ever went to Cozumel to dive where they are not allowed I wouldn't bring them. I can handle 72 degree water without gloves. Maybe a little colder if I have to. I wear them locally because of fish hooks getting caught in the lines, splintering wood on some platforms, rusty metal, etc. On a reef there is no need for them if your skills are what they should be. If they are not then sharpen em up or dive places that poor skills will not hurt anything.

 

[daniel1948]

I was mentioning the use of the hoods strickly for warmth because it was so cold last week in Coz. It never occurred to me that someone would think I meant the restriction rules applied to the use of hoods. I mean..who "in their right mind" would use their head to "butt" the reefs?

Thanks for the clarification. I presumed there was no reason not to wear a hood, but the wording of your post made it seem that divers were being told that it was okay to wear hoods for warmth only:

Some divers wore hoods and gloves and were told it was ok to wear both for warmth purposes only.

I'd have worded it differently. I'd have said:

"Some divers wore hoods and gloves and were told it was okay to wear the gloves for warmth purposes only."

I don't mean to nit-pick. But sometimes a message is composed so quickly that the words end up saying something different than intended.

 

[MMM]

Hi Daniel. Your profile shows you have very few dives. Nit-picking would not be necessary to anyone with any amount of dive experience to know that hoods are just fine and to know that there are endless debates about gloves (and to a lesser extent knives) on a protected reef. There is no reason to wear a hood but for warmth....at least, I can't think of one.