Where can I get SCUBA tanks filled?

scamper



Joined: 10/06/2009
Posts: 45

Message Posted:
14/06/2009 12:47

I am a qualified diver, have all my own equipment which is serviced and in excellent condition.

I have been resident in North Cyprus for just over one year and am finding it increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to have my SCUBA tanks filled without joining a Dive Centre or agreeing to dive with the centre, (average cost per dive £20.00). I am not interested in deep diving, wreck diving, Nitrox or specialist, just in extending my snorkelling time in relatively shallow water with my dive 'buddy', as and when the mood takes me.

I have been given a number of frankly spurious reasons as to why centres are unwilling to fill tanks ranging from 'agaist the law' to 'not believing you will dive with a 'buddy'. and 'you may be intending to take historical artifacts'.

Having dived in many other countries, this is the first time that I have been unable, on production of my qualification, to fill my tanks. Does anyone have any suggestions. Thank you.

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
14/06/2009 13:29

try jono at cyprusunderwaterexplorers situated at the manyola hotel lapta



(00 90) 533 879 4421



http://www.cyprusunderwaterexplorers.com/

louthlass


Joined: 09/11/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
14/06/2009 13:43

You cannot dive in the Trnc unless you are with a registered dive centre. All the above reasons are true.

stilluvithere



Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 765

Message Posted:
14/06/2009 14:30

The local law states that you must dive with a guide from a qualified dive centre due to the reasons you have been given. I like you would like to dive without having to dive with a centre but if the Coast guard catches you, you will be nicked

scamper



Joined: 10/06/2009
Posts: 45

Message Posted:
14/06/2009 19:55

Thank you all for your responses. For the sake of my sanity, (and with a background in law), I intend to find this 'law' and establish fact from fiction. If indeed there is a 'law' then I shall and must comply, my feeling however, is that the law is being interpreted to favour the dive centres. For those other frustrated independent divers I will update this forum ASAP.

kiwikid


Joined: 18/08/2008
Posts: 496

Message Posted:
14/06/2009 22:48

I have ask my friend who runs a diving center here about this, as people seem to think it is just made up and another way of conning the brits, he has said he will provide me with all the details of this as you put it "LAW" tomorrow. Including regulation numbers. Even the locals dive at centre's, all dive centre's offer discounts for local divers and even more of a discount if you have your own equipment.

I will post information as soon as I have it.

Angela

ginty


Joined: 11/03/2009
Posts: 228

Message Posted:
14/06/2009 23:51

DOES THIS LAW STILL APPLY IF YOU ARE QUALIFIED

nurseawful



Joined: 06/02/2009
Posts: 5934

Message Posted:
15/06/2009 06:33

Have you tried Drew and Caroline at Turtlebay Dive Centre which is at the Sempati Hotel in Lapta? They are pretty clued up as regards the law and they might fill your tanks for you. Good Luck

Scubadoo


Joined: 08/06/2009
Posts: 162

Message Posted:
15/06/2009 07:28

Does not matter what level of diver you are you cannot dive unless you are with a registered dive centre,

louthlass


Joined: 09/11/2008
Posts: 271

Message Posted:
15/06/2009 09:40

Basically there are restricted areas where you can and cannot dive, the same for all sailing vessels. If you want an official answer, I suggest you contact the Turkish Army.

scamper



Joined: 10/06/2009
Posts: 45

Message Posted:
17/06/2009 23:23

Thanks to everyone for the replies, I am in the process of setting up a meeting with the Chief of Police in Girne and with a local solicitor. From information obtained thus far it does seem that regulations are in place but with regard to unqualified divers only and to any that dive in restricted areas, spear fish, or take historical artifacts, none of which apply. Best regards.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 00:26

Scamper - best of luck with the Police.



I think that you will find you also (or instead) need the Military and Antiquities departments.



You might find that you (anyone) will be considered guilty until proved incocent with regards to breaking the regulations -too many things have been stolen over the years.

Lifestylesols


Joined: 17/06/2009
Posts: 14

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 00:51

Hi,



Scamper,



Please keep us fully updated.



Thanks.



David.

Littlenige



Joined: 24/12/2006
Posts: 3594

Message Posted:
18/06/2009 08:41

bubble fun in safe buddies letting people know where and when you are in and out should be ok.

scamper



Joined: 10/06/2009
Posts: 45

Message Posted:
16/07/2009 18:20

Hi all, my sincere apologies for the delay in response. It would be good to be able to supply a diffinitive answer to the question originally posed and to confirm or dismiss the 'law' as stated by local dive schools vis a vis independant diving. Sadly, however, neither the Police nor Army are able to qualify the situation,

(or to produce 'law' in writing.)

I have, however, been informed of certain regulations regarding the taking of fish by speargun whilst SCUBA diving, diving in Military controlled areas, and the taking of any artifact.

(This, to any responsible diver is both expected and respected.)

As for qualified divers, and 'buddies' on (production of qualification, and in some cases production for inspection of regulators and tank test certificates) there is no law that requires the diving with a guide or club.

This information supplied by a club that does not support the 'closed shop' principle. My tanks will be filled.

Regards to all.

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
16/07/2009 18:47

go to jengas at north cyprus scuba aligadi beach everyday from 10 30

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
16/07/2009 18:57

Hi Scamper,



I am glad you have been able to negotaite through some of the mirk on this.



Did you talk to the Aniquities and also the "Naval" authorities too? They might have shed a little more light on the position.

scamper



Joined: 10/06/2009
Posts: 45

Message Posted:
18/07/2009 22:41

Thank you to both racoonchick and to flightholiday, Jenghis was indeed very helpful and was able to give both good advice and the offer "air" without the restrictions imposed elswhere. Having just now purchased a boat I will indeed attempt to make contact with both the Navy and Coastguard service.

If ever I am able to find "in writing" rules, laws, byelaws, orders or directions, be assured I will post them.

regards.

Scamper.

bridie


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 308

Message Posted:
19/07/2009 09:04

Have document you need will email you.

loslobos


Joined: 02/04/2009
Posts: 167

Message Posted:
19/07/2009 09:39

See Drew at the Hotel Sempati Dive School

mahdel


Joined: 28/05/2009
Posts: 255

Message Posted:
19/07/2009 18:32

what exactly are the laws on spearfishing here? I was hoping to do some during the summer but nobody I've talked to seems to know when, where and how it's allowed so I don't really want to risk getting arrested for the sake of a couple fish.