My buddy was stopped during lobster mini season for a boat inspection they demanded his "Diver License" (No Not drivers) what they wanted was his C card.
Lets be clear there is no such thing as a "Divers License" there is no requirement to have a C card. It is an industry certification and not a requirement to dive. Commercial dive boats require it because their insurance companies told them they had to check it.
They also harrassed the divers down saying they needed a flag, NO the boat has the flag the diver had a bouy so they could keep track of him.
Next they threatened to arrest him, too bad I said it would have made a great law suit. FMP are a bunch of over zelous cops on boats that don't seem to know the law and make stuff up.
Don't be intimidated by the Florida Marine Patrol know you diver rights and laws. They are just looking for an excuse to write tickets.
Lets be clear there is no such thing as a "Divers License" there is no requirement to have a C card. It is an industry certification and not a requirement to dive. Commercial dive boats require it because their insurance companies told them they had to check it.
They also harrassed the divers down saying they needed a flag, NO the boat has the flag the diver had a bouy so they could keep track of him.
Next they threatened to arrest him, too bad I said it would have made a great law suit. FMP are a bunch of over zelous cops on boats that don't seem to know the law and make stuff up.
Don't be intimidated by the Florida Marine Patrol know you diver rights and laws. They are just looking for an excuse to write tickets.