Interesting conversation at Manatee (with a new Ranger)

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Originally Posted by Ben M

anyone have a link to the current rules?

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This is what is on the website:
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SCUBA DIVING
Scuba divers must present their certification upon registration. Open water, cavern and cave diving is available in Manatee Spring or Catfish Hotel Sink. Dive instructors are required to purchase a Commercial Dive Permit. All divers are required to register with the office prior to diving and must have a dive buddy. All divers must be registered by 3:00 pm and out of the water, with their c-cards returned, by 5:00 p.m.

Divers must dive within their certification limits.
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Update to this thread.

A buddy and I were at Manatee today (3Mar13) and were notified that we were not allowed to use our scooters. The same explanation as others had reported previously was given: “We are now enforcing the rule that has been in place all along, scooters are not allowed.” Further discussions with the ranger at the gate, after he got further clarification from the park manager, was that scooters are not permitted, even with DPV certification. He went on to indicate that this is due to the impact of scooters/scooter divers in the cave system. I did my best to diplomatically explain and contrast the difference between individuals properly trained and qualified vs. the non-qualified, however it was not the appropriate time/place/audience for that discussion.

Quite unfortunate as current conditions are absolutely fantastic. We were there on Saturday (with scooters) and had crystal clear conditions and relatively low flow from catfish right through to beyond the second crack.

-Blake

Well, scratch Manatee off my list.

I realize we are required to kiss the butts of the State Park staff so as to not upset them, but out of the water and have our cards turned in by 5pm when it doesn't get dark in the summertime until well past 8:30? No, thanks. I'll stick to Ginnie and Jackson Blue, where we can actually get two dives in per day.

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Originally Posted by Slüdge

but out of the water and have our cards turned in by 5pm when it doesn't get dark in the summertime until well past 8:30?

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I asked a ranger on check out once why 5pm and was told because it gets dark. No joke. I informed her it's always dark in the cave. She shrugged her shoulders.

That's a really bad sign. We weren't able to dive today due to manatee reaching the limit by 1pm...but had brought our scooters expecting to use them...

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Originally Posted by L.A.

I asked a ranger on check out once why 5pm and was told because it gets dark. No joke. I informed her it's always dark in the cave. She shrugged her shoulders.

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What purpose did that comment serve? Most dullards know its always dark in caves, the reason why the 5PM cut off time is selected should be obvious.

Your post implies that you think the parks should be more accommodating to cave divers? but since the cave diving community is microscopic compared to the community at large, who should pay for all of these accommodations? staff, insurance, lighting & utilities?

How much are you personally willing to spend every month to help offset these added expenses?

The scooter rule I was made aware of after a long and detailed conversation with one of the staff, they were upfront about the existence of the rule and the fact that they looked the other way.

Rather the criticize the underpaid employees that have no say in the creation of new policy, I'd sped time trying to understand why and what specifically happened or changed that led them to this.

I suspect that some group is bending the ears of the people that can and do make decisions.

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Originally Posted by Jont

What purpose did that comment serve? Most dullards know its always dark in caves, the reason why the 5PM cut off time is selected should be obvious.

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Obvious? What's the reason? Park hours are 8am until sundown 365 days/year. Plus they allow camping thus the park isn't gated at night. Campers can come and go as they please. My point is the the rules seem arbitrary.

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Originally Posted by Jont

I suspect that some group is bending the ears of the people that can and do make decisions.

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Who is pushing the EOL at Manatee?

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Originally Posted by wilsonb6

Update to this thread.

A buddy and I were at Manatee today (3Mar13) and were notified that we were not allowed to use our scooters. The same explanation as others had reported previously was given: “We are now enforcing the rule that has been in place all along, scooters are not allowed.” Further discussions with the ranger at the gate, after he got further clarification from the park manager, was that scooters are not permitted, even with DPV certification. He went on to indicate that this is due to the impact of scooters/scooter divers in the cave system. I did my best to diplomatically explain and contrast the difference between individuals properly trained and qualified vs. the non-qualified, however it was not the appropriate time/place/audience for that discussion.

Quite unfortunate as current conditions are absolutely fantastic. We were there on Saturday (with scooters) and had crystal clear conditions and relatively low flow from catfish right through to beyond the second crack.

-Blake

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If DPV's aren't allowed for good, I'll never dive Manatee again. I hope this was a misinformed employee.

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Originally Posted by mdax

Seems that someone who is currently communicating to them could try and get them to allow certified scooter divers. Is anyone here currently talking to the admins there? Are you stressing the removal of scootering, certification or allowing them?

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I'd much rather not indulge the "DPV certification" requiement that Ginnie has already put into place. I'd hate to see that spread to other divesites.

We don't need to be certified on every stinkin piece of gear we dive... sometimes a little forthought and mentoring goes a long way(and way further than most formal classes).