ScubaSteve
Wow.....what a DB
I am simply astounded by the ignorance of the people that cannot see why boats might choose to be protective of their locations. What if you found the coordinates for an old and yet undiscovered German U-Boat that was sunk somewhere in the Atlantic? A charter's business relies on their ability to take their customers somewhere that interests them. Without that, you've got nothing. To gain an edge, an option is to take the customer somewhere that nobody (or only a few) is aware of. Perhaps this is why they are somewhat secretive at times. If it is a "known to the world" site then who cares. Even still, if they keep the precise location within the charters, then you will not have person crafts taking their business away.
Also, somebody had mentioned that it was not as if they are protecting a fishing site. Well, I have never called a charter up and said "HEY! Can you please take me to a place that is barren of fish?". The reality is, if the dive site is not well known then there is a very good change that they will be lots of marine life on it. No guarantees but fisherman follow hunches and do exploratory trips just like divers......and once the fisherman are in there, diving can become dangerous and/or somewhat boring.
Also, somebody had mentioned that it was not as if they are protecting a fishing site. Well, I have never called a charter up and said "HEY! Can you please take me to a place that is barren of fish?". The reality is, if the dive site is not well known then there is a very good change that they will be lots of marine life on it. No guarantees but fisherman follow hunches and do exploratory trips just like divers......and once the fisherman are in there, diving can become dangerous and/or somewhat boring.