Horse beating continues: Diver in Cozumel REFUSES to remove gloves and knife.

[scubawife]

I wonder what all the photo bugs are going to do if they decide to start banning photography . . .

I would be all for having to do a "check out dive" to demonstrate that you have the buoyancy and other general dive skills needed in the local conditions to dive safely and with respect to the reef BEFORE you are allowed to go down with a camera in your hands. Whether it's an individual dive op's policy of the park rules, I'd support it 110%!

First day of any dive trip, even in locations where I go a couple times a year, I dive with no camera. I want to focus on my diving and check out the conditions, deal with any needed gear adjustments, etc. There's also dives that I know might take more effort for me so I'll leave the cameras behind then too. But heck, if people don't have the sense to know their own limitations and use good judgement, do it for them.

 

[deco_martini]

I can't find any evidence their either PADI or SSI _mandates_ a knife for their OW certification. This is simply false. You may be trying "lawyer" around it being "basic gear" semantically, but it is not required.

I don't think being intentionally obtuse makes your point look any better to the casual reader.

 

[300bar]

Very thru but in the late 90's (big) knives where in,sheares not.

 

[scubawife]

Very thru but in the late 90's (big) knives where in,sheares not.

Welcome to 2009.

 

[300bar]

I can't find any evidence their either PADI or SSI _mandates_ a knife for their OW certification. This is simply false. You may be trying "lawyer" around it being "basic gear" semantically, but it is not required.

I don't think being intentionally obtuse makes your point look any better to the casual reader.

Maybe you should look at the manual again.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
1. During all open water training dives, each student diver, certifi ed assistant
and instructor must have:
a. fi ns, mask and snorkel (Although recommended, Ice Diver, Wreck Diver
and Cavern Diver Specialty course students are not required to have
snorkels.)
b. compressed gas cylinder and valve
c. buoyancy control device (BCD) (with tank mount or separate backpack)
and low pressure infl ator
d. regulator and alternate air source
e. submersible pressure gauge (monitoring device)
f. depth gauge (monitoring device)
g. weight system and weights (if necessary for neutral buoyancy)
h. adequate exposure protection appropriate for local diving conditions
i. at least one audible emergency surface signaling device (whistle, air
horn, etc.)
2. During all open water training dives, instructors and certifi ed assistants
must also have a timing device, compass, knife/diver’s tool (except where
prohibited by law or local regulations) and two surface signaling devices
– one audible (whistle, air horn, etc.) and one visible (infl atable surface
tube, fl are, signal mirror, etc.).
3. Use a dive fl ag where required by local law. Consider using a surface
support station with a dive flag.

 

[Christi]

And yes knives are basic scubagear by most if not all agencies.
But most say "unless local laws prohibit them."

OPTIONAL gear, not MANDATORY/REQUIRED gear and in this case, local law prohibits them

2. During all open water training dives, instructors and certified assistants
must also have a timing device, compass, knife/diver’s tool (except where
prohibited by law or local regulations)

This says TRAINING dives - not ALL dives. It also says knife or dive tool - so the KNIFE is not required - and again - it's prohibited by local law

 

[300bar]

Welcome to 2009.

Thanks,makes me feel so much better.

 

[deco_martini]

OPTIONAL gear, not MANDATORY/REQUIRED gear and in this case, local law prohibits them

I like that he bolded the part that nullified what he was saying completely.

He was also quoting the part that would have affected the dive master and not the diver. There was no requirement for a knife in the student part.

 

[300bar]

OPTIONAL gear, not MANDATORY/REQUIRED gear and in this case, local law prohibits them

Required unless local law prohibits.

nitpicking is a skill,maybe someone should write an outline.

 

[Christi]

Required unless local law prohibits.

nitpicking is a skill,maybe someone should write an outline.

Who is nitpicking? You're the one that claimed that a dive knife is required equipment. there's a HUGE difference in REQUIRED vs. OPTIONAL..also a HUGE difference in the INSTRUCTOR needing one during a TRAINING dive vs. a recreational dive where he is not instructing or leading the dive.

FWIW - Local guides are authorized by park regs to carry a knife for emergency purposes!