Phi Phi park chief allows additional dive sites

[rooster59]

Phi Phi park chief allows additional dive sites

Officials confirmed that a total of 18 dive sites are currently open in Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. Photo: Gazette File

PHUKET: After a lengthy meeting, Phi Phi officials have agreed to allow 18 dive sites to remain open following an incident on Wednesday when a speedboat seriously injured two Russian divers (story here).

"After talking to all relevant parties, we have decided to allow diving to continue at many of the current sites in the park," confirmed Sarayuth Tanthien, chief of the Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.

"However, I must still submit a proposal for official approval to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). In the meantime, the sites are available for use."

Full story: http://www.phuketgazette.net/phuket-news/Phi-Phi-park-chief-allows-additional-dive/63076?desktopversion

-- Phuket Gazette 2016-01-06

[farcanell]

So... After reading the links;

1/ it seems that the speedboat driver is facing reckless driving charges and been suspended.... Good

2/. Dive company involved is being investigated.... Good

3/.18 dives sites open to divers, but plans to heavily monitor the areas.... But no mention of what will be done to ensure future safety, other than monitoring,which is not good

4/. 1000 baht fines for divers in wrong areas... How the hell would a diver ( tourist) know if he's in the allowed zone. The fine, per diver, should be levied against the operator. IE... 20 divers in the wrong area means the dive company is fined 20,000 baht

Thai companies and employees ( which by law, must be employed) have to ( must be) be held accountable against realistic regulations, otherwise nothing will change

Unfortunately, to enforce regulations, a body of water police ( and craft) will need to be used... Or the navy need to be involved with these infractions, vs worrying about beach chairs.

[stevenl]

No worries, it will be the companies that will get fined, not the divers.

[springheeled jack]

yes by all means open up more dive sites but adequate care must be provided someone on duty with medical knowledge and most of all everybody must know what they are doing in order to avoid accidents .

[springheeled jack]

yes by all means open up more dive sites but adequate care must be provided someone on duty with medical knowledge and most of all everybody must know what they are doing in order to avoid accidents .

[gyrosman]

It's called a COAST GUARD, inlet waterways patrols. Second, as a diver markers can be anchored to the bottom for safety reference.

So... After reading the links;

1/ it seems that the speedboat driver is facing reckless driving charges and been suspended.... Good

2/. Dive company involved is being investigated.... Good

3/.18 dives sites open to divers, but plans to heavily monitor the areas.... But no mention of what will be done to ensure future safety, other than monitoring,which is not good

4/. 1000 baht fines for divers in wrong areas... How the hell would a diver ( tourist) know if he's in the allowed zone. The fine, per diver, should be levied against the operator. IE... 20 divers in the wrong area means the dive company is fined 20,000 baht

Thai companies and employees ( which by law, must be employed) have to ( must be) be held accountable against realistic regulations, otherwise nothing will change

Unfortunately, to enforce regulations, a body of water police ( and craft) will need to be used... Or the navy need to be involved with these infractions, vs worrying about beach chairs.

[farcanell]

maybe they need those fully encircling floating booms.

It's called a COAST GUARD, inlet waterways patrols. Second, as a diver markers can be anchored to the bottom for safety reference.

So... After reading the links;

1/ it seems that the speedboat driver is facing reckless driving charges and been suspended.... Good

2/. Dive company involved is being investigated.... Good

3/.18 dives sites open to divers, but plans to heavily monitor the areas.... But no mention of what will be done to ensure future safety, other than monitoring,which is not good

4/. 1000 baht fines for divers in wrong areas... How the hell would a diver ( tourist) know if he's in the allowed zone. The fine, per diver, should be levied against the operator. IE... 20 divers in the wrong area means the dive company is fined 20,000 baht

Thai companies and employees ( which by law, must be employed) have to ( must be) be held accountable against realistic regulations, otherwise nothing will change

Unfortunately, to enforce regulations, a body of water police ( and craft) will need to be used... Or the navy need to be involved with these infractions, vs worrying about beach chairs.

[hanssna]

[hanssna]

No surprise....

[LivinginKata]

that image speaks volumes .... speed boat parking problem ...

[Dtaw]

Need to find more places for Chinese tourists to destroy.