Frontpage

RULES FOR SCUBA DIVING
IN NORWAY
Written by :
the Norwegian Diving Federation (NDF)

Contents:

1. CYLINDER PRESSURE TESTING
2. MILITARY AREAS
3. DIVING FLAGS
4. WRECK DIVING
5. LOBSTERS
6. CONFISCATION OF EQUIPMENT
7. DIVING FROM BOATS
8. HARBOR AREAS


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