Wondering how close is too close for other boats to be while you're diving?

With dive flag up, occasionally I'll get boats that come within 40-50' of me.
(I'm always there first, because I don't dive right next to where someone else is fishing).

Should I be saying something to boaters that are getting this close?

Had someone do this to me today... and to boot, they were casting at our boat which put their lines 20' from my craft. I believe they were having anchor issues and within minutes were about a hundred yards away, so I didn't raise issue.


Just wanted to know how you guys felt about this issue?

I believe the law is 300' at a slow idle.

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Gulf Coast Councils Personal Touch!

Wow okay. So 50' is way closer than they should be.

That's weird...boats that do that to us typically have "anchor issues" as well.

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That phenomenon seems to affect our area as well... On an unrelated note, anyone want to buy some cheap anchors?

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My Videos: http://vimeo.com/user6153343

I found 2 anchors and a spiffy Shimano Spheros while diving yesterday so I'm good.

I am taking offers on the spheros for all who are interested though..

I think it also depends on the attitude of the crew on both boats. I have been anchored on a wreck with divers in the water and have had a boat approach me wanting to dive the wreck. They asked how many I had in the water and where they were and if I minded if they anchored up and put some divers in. I was watching air so I knew were my divers were, I informed the other captain and he anchored up no problem. It was a relatively small wreck and we wound up about 10-20 yards apart from each other. I didn't care. As long as he was safe about it and didn't come by me on plane.

It's amazing what a little communication can solve...

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Capt. Sean Patterson

Members and non-members only...

Another boat can be inside 300' from you as long as they are at idle speed. Everyone thinks they have a 300' magic barrier that nobody can cross, not the case. Technically the other boat is doing nothing wrong other than being inconsiderate.

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Still searching for that extra fish my neighbor always ask about

In the Middlegrounds a 1/4 mile may be too close. However in Miami we've pulled up and anchored on a wreck that 3 other boats were already anchored and rod & reel fishing. Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I asked the captain (who was a local) whether we should wait to dive and he told me that it wasn't a problem - we rolled and hunted without any complaints or dirty looks - nobody even batted an eye. Part of it depends where you are as to what is acceptable or accepted.

Up in Boca we drift dive down reef lines for fish and lobsters. I don't care if you drop your divers 50 yards upcurrent of mine, but you better not drop them 250 yards downcurrent unless you clear it with me first.

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Don't tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish.
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What about anchoring up within 300' ?

I'm not trying to be a PITA out there, just when someone gets so close that I worry about getting hooked, it bothers me a little..

Honestly I think if someone is already there, you need to go somewhere else, or at least ask first on big wrecks/reefs.

Just My .02.

If they can talk with the guys that are there first then usually not a big deal unless they anchor in a bad spot and the boats drift gets too close while settling. Seen many reefs in the Keys that are packed with 10+ boats (The reef in key largo came to mind). Some where divers some where fisherman come where charters. But it seemed to be the norm.

The boat with "Anchor issues" may have just been drift fishing and not intending to stick an anchor but casting lines towards your boat was a bi no no for me i would have said something.