Scuba Duffer
Contributor
scubagirl15:So...when speed boaters are anywhere, that means no one else is entitled to safely enjoy the same area...?
Why would boats need to come to 50 feet of the dock where that fateful dive allegedly occurred? If conditions are bad, isn't it possible for speed boats to check their speed?
Please don't misunderstand me: I'm not trying to start a flame here, just getting frustrated at the sense that might is right....
Of course everyone has the right to enjoy the water. But, unless changes are made to regulations and licensing, you also have to consider the dangers of diving in areas of high boat traffic.
No it's not right that boats travel that fast and in a lot of cases, don't know what a dive flag is. But what is less right, IMHO, is the fact that any adult can drive my boat right now - no test - no license required. 32 feet, 11,000 pounds, capable of 60kms/hr and can easily handle rough water that would stop you from seeing a dive flag.
Is the fact that anyone can operate a boat like this with almost no experience or training the boaters fault? I don't think it is. If you just gave a new driver the keys - no training - no test - is it his fault he didn't stop at the stop sign?
Eventually, enough tragedies like this will happen and something will be done about it. Until then, and probably even after that, you won't catch me shore diving in areas of high boat traffic.
Do boaters have more right to the water than divers.....absolutely not. But, for me, I'm not diving BBP or the Morrison from the shore. There is just too much recreational boat traffic. The problem is, if I get into that arguement, the boat is gonna win. Thats not right and it's not fair, but it is the reality of the situation!