SCUBA law

Paladin · Jul 12, 2009

Hey, Guys,

Just curious; are there any states in the US where it is illegal for an uncertified diver to dive? The reason I ask is, last week my cousin was visiting from Florida and he was telling me that Florida has a state law requiring divers to be certified. I told him I didn't think any state has a law regarding certification but he insisted that Florida does. What's the real deal?

Rick Inman · Jul 12, 2009

I don't think any "State" has a cert law. I do know that there are certain dive sites (dive parks) that have specific ordinances that require certification. Some have buddy laws or, for a while at Laguna, even snorkel laws. But state laws? I think, no.

Thalassamania · Jul 12, 2009

There are no state laws requiring certificaiton. There are local ordinances requiring various stuff, I would not doubt if there were one, somewhere, that required certificaiton.

imwright1985 · Jul 12, 2009

im pretty sure FL doesnt have any laws reguarding it, im not positive though. I suppose there may be a reckless endangerment they may be able to pin on you and possibly him if anything would happen and the cops wanted to be jerks. I do know that certain parks require your certified and that you cant get fills without being certified. Also your cousin wont be able to go on a charter for the liability reasons.

Splash-X · Jul 12, 2009

Where in Florida is your cousin from? If he is from the Keys there is a good chance there may be a law or ordinance regarding the state parks and preserves.

You wont be able to rent gear or tanks without a valid C-Card.

mike_s · Jul 12, 2009

the only state law in Florida about diving is that a dive flag is required anywhere boats are allowed.

themagni · Jul 12, 2009

I always say that, "there's no SCUBA police, but the rules are enforced by the coroner."

meierdierck · Jul 12, 2009

themagni:
I always say that, "there's no SCUBA police, but the rules are enforced by the coroner."

I like that, that puts it in perspective,

Paladin · Jul 12, 2009

My cousin lives in Deltona. He has no interest in diving himself. I was telling him of my sons' desire to learn SCUBA and he told me of the supposed certification law. I told him I didn't think there was such a law but he was adamant that there is.

I dove for more than a decade uncertified, but I had an experienced teacher. I would not advise anyone to just grab some gear and dive with it. That is a good way to commit suicide or to cripple yourself for life.

meierdierck · Jul 12, 2009

He has no interest in diving himself.

prob just misinformed, alot of bad info floating around this plant, y'know

SCUBA law

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Paladin

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