Wreck legislation

[Janos]

Let's hope that it is just a scare, however we ought to make our voices heard. Few people know just how many divers there are.

I would rather send off 100 faxes that weren't needed, rather than not send one that was.

Janos

[darthmoll]

thanks brian, but you still didnt say what a modern diver is.

Tell me what changes can be made to stop people robbing wrecks, we have all been here before. It greaves me to think that due to the actions of a few, we may not be able to dive wrecks.

You can call me negative but what will happen if the newspapers get the bit in their teeth, after all some of the most powerfull people could not stop fox hunting being banned, and many see diving as an eiltest sport, only done by well off people, of course we know thats not true, but when did facts ever matter.

[Brian of Aquanauts]

No problem, Darth, your welcome... I've been waiting to give you that one since you redded me on one of my first posts about an EFR course we were doing last year. Anyways I only said you are often too negative and that divers can change.

My idea of a modern diver is your guy that rarely goes past 30m, the majority diver that keeps well within recreational limits, probably under represented here but there are more of them than us. In this range there is nothing left to steel anyway and legislation will only damage our sport. Divers from the older generation have already ensured that everything to be had has already been taken. Your more conscientious "PADI" diver of today would be more likely to report any and all find and will have been encouraged by the PADI respect our wrecks campaign to leave in situ.

Spidge hunters are the huge minority that it would be up to us to encourage by name and shame to tow the line. This will require a change in attitude, but it is wholly possible in a relatively short time. I for one could probably start quite close to home and make a difference very quickly.

Bri

thanks brian, but you still didnt say what a modern diver is.
Tell me what changes can be made to stop people robbing wrecks, we have all been here before. It greaves me to think that due to the actions of a few, we may not be able to dive wrecks.
You can call me negative but what will happen if the newspapers get the bit in their teeth, after all some of the most powerfull people could not stop fox hunting being banned, and many see diving as an eiltest sport, only done by well off people, of course we know thats not true, but when did facts ever matter.

[chrisch]

If the proposals were to stop the spidgers then it would be OK. Like Darth I have known a few that consider a crowbar to be standard dive kit.

The problem appears to be twofold.

First that the proposals could take half or more of the known wrecks off the "diveable" list.

Second that bastard Blair and the Brownies as ever do not consult with the people who matter.

The obvious organisation to fight this is BSAC. Whether they will remains to be seen. If thy do we should all support them. As a motorcyclist I'm used to this kind of shit and that's why I belong to MAG. MAG has changed the bike scene and impressed the government and fought all manner of fuckwit legislation. We are a democracy (sortof) and this is not a done deal.

Clare, I suggest you get Mr Cameron to stand up and oppose this as well as ID cards. (I will change my sig. to Vote Tory if you do... fuck I can't believe that offer...)

This is a pile of crap from a crap government that cannot help itself from meddling in everyones daily lives.

I beg you all don't let this go unopposed. If BSAC will not do anything then YD should. Form the Divers Action Group. Lets give Bren something to fill his days up with

On a practical note does anyone know much about Prescott (other than his fondness for pies...) He's a diver and an ex seaman. For or against?

grrrrrrrrrrr...........

Annoyed.

Chris

[Clare]

You are right Chris that the people who need to be in on the working group are BSAC (as they do represent divers acros the country - which will have the greatest impact on constituency MPs )

Keith L has been very helpful and I will work with him and his contacts happily. The political point to make is that a working group without direct representation from the diving community is "unworkable".

I need some facts and figures. I've asked the House of Commons Library but if anyone here can help please shout.

Estimate of the number of active UK divers.
Estimate of the worth of diving to the UK economy.
Number of people employed in diving/diving services (like skippers, technicians etc.)
Did any agency representative on here get consulted about the changes... I am presuming not and will question the Secretary of State accordingly but would be interested.

It is unlikley that this has crossed John Prescott's desk - but if we have any Yder from Hull we can ensure that it does Likewise it would be helpful to have people from:

Coastal towns who can set out the loss to the local economy. Hazel - this would impact hugely on you - can you add anything about the local situation there.

And also:
Dulwich (Tessa Jowell)
Sheffield Central (Richard Caborn)
Tottenham (David Lammy)

[Janos]

Estimate of the number of active UK divers.
Estimate of the worth of diving to the UK economy.
Number of people employed in diving/diving services (like skippers, technicians etc.)
Did any agency representative on here get consulted about the changes...

Some people might argue that this is the sort of research that DCMS should be commissioning.

Janos

[Scuttler]

Add me to the list!

[Clare]

True. But then I'm not working for the DCMS - I'm working for the opposition

[RickW]

it seems as if BSAC are already on this; have tabled a parliamentary question and were involved.

http://www.bsacforum.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=3604

[darthmoll]

You are right Chris that the people who need to be in on the working group are BSAC (as they do represent divers acros the country - which will have the greatest impact on constituency MPs )

Keith L has been very helpful and I will work with him and his contacts happily. The political point to make is that a working group without direct representation from the diving community is "unworkable".

I need some facts and figures. I've asked the House of Commons Library but if anyone here can help please shout.

Estimate of the number of active UK divers.
Estimate of the worth of diving to the UK economy.
Number of people employed in diving/diving services (like skippers, technicians etc.)
Did any agency representative on here get consulted about the changes... I am presuming not and will question the Secretary of State accordingly but would be interested.

Hazel - this would impact hugely on you - can you add anything about the local situation there.

I dont agree i think PADI would be a better orginisation to sit on any working group, as they train the most divers in the UK by far, and also employ people to do it.