Dive industry rules imminent
PHUKET CITY: Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Nivit Aroonrat confirmed today that although the new dive industry regulations have not yet been signed by Phuket Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura, he believes that they will be “soon”.
Yesterday K. Nivit told the Gazette that the documents had already been signed but this afternoon, after rechecking, he said that they were currently awaiting review by Vice-Governor Worapot Ratthasima before being passed to the Governor for signature.
V/Gov Worapot is currently in Bangkok, but is expected to be back behind his desk tomorrow.
K. Nivit said, “The regulations were forwarded from my office last week. They are already complete, with all the rules needed, so I think we can announce them officially soon.
“We sought comments [from the dive industry] but we have not had any [official] opposition.”
He said that a notice would be posted on the official notice board at Provincial Hall and announcements will also be made through the media.
The Palad added that although the signing of the documents has been slightly delayed, their provisions will still come into force on September 1.
K. Nivit’s secretary, Aekachai Soonthorn, told the Gazette that one major change was made to the draft regulations that had already been distributed to dive operators on the island: dive operators will now also have to report to the Phuket Marine Office which dive sites they use.
He added that Thai Diving Association President Ronnachai Chindapol and Kanakorn Limkraidej, Managing Director of dive operator White and Blue Harmony Co Ltd, have been added to the committee that will review applications, so that the private sector is represented.
The Phuket Marine Office is located near the Deep Sea Port at Cape Panwa, at 88/5 Sakdidet Rd, Moo 7, Tambon Wichit. Tel: 076-391174.
