Swim_mom
Registered
Hi all/
Are floats/flags required in curacao? should we take our own?
Are floats/flags required in curacao? should we take our own?
shore diving Curacao
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chauncy19
Contributor
Yes, don't know how to advise you. worse case get in touch with Dive shop you are using in Curacao. Was there november 2010, no mention and observed no one using them but have subsequently found out that its required by the authorities. you can search this board for more info.
CT Sean
Contributor
Technically they are required, though we and many other divers we observed did not use them in Westpunt. Ocean Encounters West (now Go West) Had them available if one was desired. As stated above check with your dive shop
curious2dive
Contributor
It's obligatory by the authorities. On a lot of dives there not used, by divers and operators (guided dives).
On all our dives our instructors have a dive flag and uses it for safety.
On all our dives our instructors have a dive flag and uses it for safety.
CheddarChick
Contributor
Never used a flag in the 6 trips we've taken...
chauncy19
Contributor
Don't think the question was use but if they are required. different...
never used them or thought of it till I read it on this board.
never used them or thought of it till I read it on this board.
jd950
Contributor
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As everyone said...they are technically required but I have rarely seen anyone use one. I am not sure most dive ops even knew this until some divers were stopped or warned or something by some Curacao Coast Guard people a couple years ago. I don't know if anyone has actually seen the written law so I don't know what it says. I don't know if a flag is required for the entire dive or only at shallow depths, etc.
Edit to add: I am sure SOMEONE has seen the law. No one I know has seen it.
Edit to add: I am sure SOMEONE has seen the law. No one I know has seen it.
chauncy19
Contributor
ask Brian at former ocean west now dive west or something... he knows. its documented here --you could do a search for it if interested.
curious2dive
Contributor
There is a written law about it and it's obligatory for the whole dive. If you're interested just let me know I'll send it to you.
But everybody is responsible for his or her own safety. If you decide to dive whitout and something happens you're always wrong without the flag.
That's why safety wise our guides are obligated to take the flag on the tour.
chauncy19
Contributor
I believe this is a difference between Curacao and Bonaire. Can someone who knows for sure chime in? Never heard of this on Bonaire and I believe boats unless in a harbor area are not suppose to enter shallow water where divers could be present. again appreciate any "real" clarification about this as I am certainly no expert.
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