The Chairman
Chairman of the Board
First, don't let the natives, semi-natives, transplants or otherwise overly protective people keep you out of the Keys. They are a national treasure: Especially the sanctuary areas.
- Keys Cops just love to stop boat trailers. I'm not kidding.
- Know the rules in Florida!
- Make sure your tags and registrations are up to date!
- Have all the FLORIDA required gear on your boat
- Don't forget your tie downs!
- Be sure of your tires, bearings, tie downs, etc. These things are astronomical in the Keys.
- Be sure about where you launch, especially if/when they close for the evening
- Know the Florida Flag Laws!!!
- Boats must fly a minimum 20x24" flag but only when there are snorkelers or divers in the water.
- Divers and snorkelers must stay within 100 ft of their flag.
- Boats under power must keep at least 300 ft away (with exceptions).
- Having a good lookout is a must!
- Whenever possible use park buoys
- First come, first serve
- Don't hog the buoy
- Be sensitive to dive ops taking a lot of people there to dive!
- If you must anchor, don't drop on grass or coral!
- Don't tie off to bridges or navigation buoys.
- Leave a lookout on the boat!
- Make sure they know how to use the radio
- Even better if they can operate it too! Drift dives are the best!