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NAUI Scuba Diver 210 APPENDIX APPENDIX B BEING A RESPONSIBLE DIVER As a responsible diver, you must follow certain guidelines for etiquette (good manners), boat diving, and diving in general. DIVER ETIQUETTE As a NAUI diver, you should observe the following guidelines for proper etiquette: • Manage your equipment and vehicles as compactly as possible so that you do not block sidewalks, driveways, or public accesses. Maintain a tidy equipment area to avoid clutter at the dive site. • Take care with spearguns. Loaded spearguns are forbidden on land and on boats, and any spearing should not be done in crowded beach areas. • Ask before using or crossing private property, whether to gain access to a dive site or for recreation after a dive. • Do not change clothes in public. Be discreet, and use vehicles, changing robes, or tents. Think of others who are passing the site or using the beaches. • Create a good impression of divers. Talk pleasantly to interested non-divers who are curious about your sport. Be careful of your language and behavior, particularly regarding the use of alcohol or other drugs around dive activities. • Do not violate the rights of others to enjoy the environment, run businesses, or have a pleasant town to live in. • Obey all laws, whether they are fish and game regulations or designated parking and access areas. Cooperate with local police. • Do not litter beaches or otherwise destroy property. Beach environments are often fragile ecological systems that require your careful use if they are to survive. • Patronize local merchants. Divers can have a positive economic impact on an area, from restaurants to dive stores to motels. Good economic rapport with a community means continuing good communication and access for divers. • Begin your dives early in the day for optimum diving conditions, less crowded beaches, more parking, and more freedom of choice regarding dive sites. Do not exceed your diving capabilities in selecting your site. Ask local residents or divers about possible sites, and rely on their knowledge of water and bottom conditions. • Make sure that your fishing license is current, and obey local fishing regulations. Take only as much game as you can use. Collect as little as possible, clean fish only in designated areas, and dispose of any waste properly. • Be helpful to other users of our aquatic environment. It makes you, as a diver, better than the faceless crowd, and it gains respect for your sport. Also, it removes many hassles of diving and makes you a happier, calmer, and safer diver. NAUI RESPONSIBLE BOAT DIVING PRACTICES The NAUI Responsible Boat Diving Practices include the following: • Select a licensed boat that is fully equipped with all required safety gear, including oxygen and other diver support and safety equipment. • Ask to receive boat diving techniques training as part of your Advanced or Master Scuba Diver course. • Rely on the captain’s knowledge of the most suitable dive sites. Plan your dive using the specific site information provided by the crew or divemaster. • Sign up only for trip destinations consistent with your ability and dive plan. • Arrive at the boat at least one-half hour before departure. Stow your well-marked gear in its


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