solo diving ordinance and local regulations attachment

[derwoodwithasherwood]

I'll have to read it again and see if I interpret it the same way you do. Can't today though! Busy!

Interesting that the definition of "scuba diving" requires the use of "face mask, diving fins, snorkel, knife, abalone iron, spear or spear gun, in any combination or combinations , together with any self-contained underwater breathing apparatus." So by definition, if you are not using any of those items, then you are not scuba diving, even if you are underwater and breathing from a scuba tank. Similarly, if you are using a hooka rig, then by definition you are not scuba diving.

So I guess it's ok to go solo if you don't use a mask, fins and snorkel or if you are diving a hooka rig? Kind of a dumb regulation...

 

[joedelt]

yeah, the writing is kinda screwey, thats why i asked the question. if you look you'll find 2 seperate references to scuba, and its not very clear at all

 

[Jai Bar]

In case you come to Israel... Unfotunately, the law prohibits solo diving (among other things such as prohibiting diving below 46m etc. etc.).

This law is around since the '70s, and I hope some day it will either be altogether suspended, or at least catches up with time and "novelties" such as technical diving, solo diving, and so on.

And there are buddy-system fanatics to beware from (I guess they can be found worldwide?). Some may harass a diver with hand-signalled questions "Where the heck is you buddy????" if one dives too far away from his buddy...

 

[Stoo]

Some may harass a diver with hand-signalled questions "Where the heck is you buddy????" if one dives too far away from his buddy...

I ran into a dude like this while diving in Cozumel, years ago. Where I come from, we have a hand signal that we use to reply to this sort of "helpful" fellow. One rolls all fingers into a loose fist, then slowly extends only the middle finger, until it is straight up, all by itself, representing the "solo diver". Solo finger = solo diver!

I never did figure out his reason for concern. He was an Instructor from Texas, with terrible skills in the water... kicking the crap out of coral, grabbing sea fans for stability. Thankfully, be planted his thigh on a bristle worm on the second dive and was taken off the boat screaming in agony. The drama was amazing!

My home base for diving is Tobermory, where there is a National Underwater Park. There is a "rule" against solo diving, but not a "regulation". (The difference being a suggestion vs. a requirement). Over the years, I have had a few debates with Park Staff, who didn't appreciate the difference, but I think they have finally given up trying to convice me that solo diving is the work of the Devil!

There is a regulation requiring that boats not be left unattended while at moored wreck sites, which I think is a good idea. My g/f, who doesn't dive much in cold water, is my boat tender generally and this works well! Other times, I will dive "with" a buddy... just at different times, while the other tends boat.

 

[Rookie_J]

“Scuba diving,” as used in this chapter, means the use, in the Pacific Ocean adjacent to the shoreline within the city boundaries, of any face mask, diving fins, snorkel, knife, abalone iron, spear or spear gun, in any combination or combinations, together with any self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

you might be able to argue the hooka, depending on what dictionary they use to define "SCUBA". some use the 'compressed air' verbage

 

[james croft]

Two or three years ago I was solo diving the U.S.S Huron in the Outer Banks in N.C. It was a beach dive. Upon exiting the water I was challenged by a DM who charges folks money for a guided tour of the Huron. He confronted me in front of his paying customers and gave me a lecture. He also advised he was with also with Ocean Rescue and that if he had been working that day he would have me "yanked".
Can you say "Yank This!" ? I was sort of taken back as I had made it out and back with no problems. I am a certified solo diver. I had redundant gear and conditions were great. I did not want to argue with the guy and left but I wasn't sure if there was an ordinance against it or what authority anyone has to "yank" me. Does anyone out there know for sure ? There is a gazebo at the site that advises it is a sanctuary, noe spear fishing, etc. but no mention of buddy diving. I am just curious as I will be diving that area next month, probably by my lonesome.

 

[rat314]

I e-mailed the Missouri Water Patrol department to clarify Missouri states position on solo diving. Missouri has no regulations against solo diving, but the Patrol's represestative did stress the importance of using a high quality dive flag...and surfacing within 50 yards of it. A good reminder for everyone perhaps.
Dave

 

[abman]

Question, should we have a post attached to the solo divers forum indicating the known state and city ordinances for solo diving........might save someone some bucks!

point lobos state park here in ca. requires that you show your cert. and check in and out of the park with your buddy. if you don't have one ,don't bother trying to dive here even if you make your reservation 3 months ago. they also let a max. of 15 dive teams dive in the park per day. it is a state reserve, with a NO ITEM (other than photographs) WILL BE TAKEN rule strictly enforced. ken

 

[H2Andy]

All state parks in Florida that allow scuba require a buddy. Private springs
almost always insist on a buddy, some to a greater extent than others.

that i know of, there is no prohibition against solo diving at public beaches in Florida.

 

[cmcloughlin]

Question, should we have a post attached to the solo divers forum indicating the known state and city ordinances for solo diving........might save someone some bucks!

I do a lot of diving in an area where it is hard to tell if one is in NY Conn. or Rhode Island
(ie: Fischer's Island Sound). I received a ticket once for diving during daylite (a certain breakwater you are only allowed to dive at nite) but never for diving solo.
chris