Quote: (Originally Posted by Andy M)
See
http://www.divernet.com/news/stories/280206fifty.shtml
for relevant information to this thread. I guess there is diver representation of sorts, but not formally.
I think the Divernet article misses the point somewhat. Just because there are no proposals now, it doesn't mean that someone on the WP might not chip in just before the end of the last meeting with something that could kill UK wreck diving.
The second point is that just because the people writing the legislation don't intend it to affect UK wreck divers, that doesn't mean that poorly worded legislation won't be written that could be "interpreted" by (for example) Portland Port Authority to impose restrictions on divers. Think it won't happen? Remember Wolfgang what's-his-name at the Labour Party Conference being arrested under anti-terror legislation.
The thing that concerns me is that there is no-one representing the interests of recreational or technical divers on either of the committees. Yes there are marine archaeologists on the WPs, but I bet if wreck diving is licenced then those people are not the ones who will have trouble applying for or getting licences to dive wrecks. They certainly don't represent me or my interests.
Anyway, I, ahem, understand that the chairman of the DCMS Select Committee is going to ask the Sec. of State for a formal statement of intent. If the statement clearly says that recreational diving is unaffected then, and only then, will I sleeply. I'm not sure what the plan is if it's not, but that when we will really need to step up the campaign.
Janos (professional bureaucrat, but acting in a personal capacity).