Contents:
1. CYLINDER PRESSURE TESTING
Those who are professionally engaged in the filling of compressed air
(employers in diving-firms, diving-schools, fire brigades etc.) are subject
to regulations forbidding them to fill cylinders that have not been hydrostatic
pressure tested within the latest two years. It is futile to try to entice
such personnel to ignore these regulations.
To index
2. MILITARY AREAS
Generally speaking diving is fairly free in Norway, but in the vicinity
of military installations diving will not be permitted. These areas are
usually, but not always marked on maps, so we recommend foreign divers
to consult the local police or military authorities in advance, to find
out about possible restrictions.
To index
3. DIVING FLAGS
In
Norway the international flag "A" (white and blue split flag)
is approved as an indication of a submerged diver.
The boating activity makes it essential that divers mark their presence
clearly.
To index
4. WRECK DIVING
On account of our long traditions as a seafaring nation there are obviously
many wrecks along our extensive coastline and in our long fjords. The imperative
rule for wreck diving is: "Look but don't touch!" Those who do
not observe this rule will not only in many cases do irremediable harm
to the wrecks, but in addition most certainly contribute substantially
to the obstruction of future sport diving in Norway. For this reason we
invite our guests to use their eyes, and, by all means, their cameras,
but not to take anything along up or destroy anything they may see. This
rule applies not only to a wreck, but also to any separate objects found
under water.
Should you find an old wreck (it could be the long sought "Spanish
Armada"), the correct procedure is to mark the spot and then report
to the nearest police station or maritime museum. It should be sufficient
to mention the discovery of the "Runde treasure", in which case
the divers (two Swedes and one Norwegian) acted according to the rules.
The knowledge about, and responsibility, for shipwrecks are spread out
on different hands:
Objects of cultural value:
Norsk Sjøfartsmuseum
Bygdøynesvn. 37
0286 Oslo
Stavanger Museum, Sjøfartsmuseet
Musegt. 16
4000 Stavanger
Bergen Sjøfartsmuseum
Po box 2736, Møhlenpris
5001 Bergen
Universitetet i Trondheim, Museet
Erling Skakkesgt. 47
7000 Trondheim
Tromsø Museum
Universitetet i Tromsø
Lars Thørigs v. 10
9006 Tromsø
Wrecks with pollution danger:
Statens Forurensningstilsyn
Strømsvn. 96
0663 Oslo
Other commercial shipwrecks:
Søfartsdirektoratet
Thv. Meyersgt. 7
0555 Oslo
To index
5. LOBSTERS
A rule against fishing lobster by other means than the lobster pots
that the regular fishermen use has been passed by the Norwegian authorities.
It is therefore illegal for divers to take lobster with their hands or
in similar ways.
It is also illegal to catch fresh-water crayfish.
Spear fishing is legal, but restricted. That is to say; it is illegal
to use any type of artificial light, and to fish for salmon or trout. We
emphasize also that spear-guns, or harpoons, are considered to be weapons,
and should be treated in such a manner, that is; loaded and used strictly
under water.
Divers are free to catch crabs, as long as they measure at least 13
centimeters across the back.
To index
6. CONFISCATION OF EQUIPMENT
Norwegian legislation provides the police and other official personnel
with the right to carry out inspections and, if necessary, confiscations
in cases where a diver has applied his or her equipment illegally. Not
only objects unlawfully taken up may be confiscated, but also equipment,
that has been used for that purpose. The same applies where illegal fishing
is concerned. Don't take the risk of having your embassy pay your fare
home while your good equipment stays in this country.
To index
7. DIVING FROM BOATS
To practise diving from a boat, one must be accompanied by at least
one Norwegian citizen, regardless of the size of the boat. Areas around
bird-sanctuaries and sea-farms are protected, and should not be ventured
into.
To index
8. HARBOR AREAS
A special permission has to be obtained from the harbor authorities
BEFORE attempting to dive in harbor areas.
To index
As a conclusion we would like to emphasize the necessity of making
a joint effort to preserve our underwater world and our possibilities of
exploring it.
The Norwegian Diving Federation
Hauger Skolevei 1
1351 RUD
NORWAY
Telephone: +47 67 15 47 14
Telefax : +47 67 15 49 04
dykke@oslonett.no
To index