Palm Beach diver loses arm as group hit by boat - Florida

[KathyV]

It’s not the whole answer, but the easier it is to see the more likely it is to be acknowledged.



Then, I would hope, you are in favor of using the same punishment for a yield sign on the highway. The punishment should be in line with the offense.



That needs to be changed, but I don’t think summarily executing offenders is the proper way to do it, although it could work.

1. Research a reasonable way to increase the visibility of dive flags. And make clearcut definitions of offenses.

2. Start with a $500 fine, loss of boating privileges (all states are starting some kind of boating license program) for a year, community service about dive flag awareness, and recertification to operate a boat.

If the boat “gets away” but is identified, it is confiscated until the operator is identified.

3. Increase penalties for each repeat offense.

4. Set up undercover enforcement at dive locations. Once law enforcement takes it seriously, so will boaters.


Once there is an accident, a whole different set of laws apply.



Bob

Are their laws or rules for jet ski drivers in place in most watersport locations? I see them racing around, often young drivers, and frankly they scare me and I usually decided to stay our of the water when they are around.

 

[Clayton122]

It’s Florida. I thought you could shoot at anything that moves.

No, thats Texas.

 

[tekkydiver]

I don’t have a handheld reel, just a spool and this thing which I’m sure I will hate. Lines too thick and it’s too bulky. I’m going to need to work out a different line holder.
View attachment 553048

Try Power Pro Braided fishing line 60# test, not much thicker than thread. Little or no drag

 

[Bob DBF]

Are their laws or rules for jet ski drivers in place in most watersport locations? I see them racing around, often young drivers, and frankly they scare me and I usually decided to stay our of the water when they are around.

Same as any other vessel. The problem is enforcement. The fines are not large enough to support the enforcement, and the punishment not severe enough for operators to respect.

The move to “license” operators is a step in the right direction. Prior to this there was no education necessary or privilege to suspend for casual operators.


Bob

 

[wgw04024]

Although the braid would be strong enough and low drag, I wonder about what happens when it rubs up against the diver, or someone else. That stuff can be pretty sharp with any weight on it.

 

[scubadada]

The DGX hi-vis line is very strong and reasonably small diameter, I don't think it would cut or abrade anything. The hi-vis comes in handy when others are ascending on your line and also in seeing your line if you are passing or being passed by another group to avoid entanglement, a real PITA

 

[Diver below 83]

Anyone out there have first hand usage with this bad boy? Visibility is great. Just not sure about the drag factor

3d buoy, safety marker, buoy, bouy, dive flag, dive buoy, SNUBA HOOKAH AIR LINE BREATHING HOSE DIVING TANKLESS DIVING DOWNLINE MAXAIR GASOLINE POWERED SYSTEM BATTERY POWERED BOAT SYSTEM BOAT CLEANING LOBSTER CATCHING SPARE AIR PONY BOTTLE

 

[myshadeofred]

Found this. Diver who lost arm in boat accident ID'd

I think some information is still missing. According to this, the boat captain did see the dive flags and slowed down. It doesn't say how far the guy was from the flag, but really I don't know why the boat still continued in the area of the flags, nor do I know what the distance legally should be.

 

[scubadada]

Anyone out there have first hand usage with this bad boy? Visibility is great. Just not sure about the drag factor

3d buoy, safety marker, buoy, bouy, dive flag, dive buoy, SNUBA HOOKAH AIR LINE BREATHING HOSE DIVING TANKLESS DIVING DOWNLINE MAXAIR GASOLINE POWERED SYSTEM BATTERY POWERED BOAT SYSTEM BOAT CLEANING LOBSTER CATCHING SPARE AIR PONY BOTTLE

I can't imagine having that on a boat!

 

[Bob DBF]

It doesn't say how far the guy was from the flag, but really I don't know why the boat still continued in the area of the flags, nor do I know what the distance legally should be.

“Divers must make reasonable efforts to stay within 300 feet of the divers-down flag or buoy on all waters other than rivers, inlets, and navigation channels. Any person operating a vessel on waters other than a river, inlet, or navigation channel must make a reasonable effort to maintain a distance of at least 300 feet from any divers-down flag or buoy.


In both locations vessels that approach within the required distance must proceed no faster than is necessary to maintain headway and steerageway.”

In rivers inlets and channels divers must be within 100’ of their flag.


Bob