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Hi Jurgen. Yes, it's a complex and difficult problem with the demand for
illegal drugs in our country. There are many ideas on how to address the
problem, and likely the best approach will be a combination of education and
interdiction.
As to how it affects us submarine hobbyists, we could possibly be
pro-active in protecting our freedom to explore this hobby without excessive
government restrictions.
Being members of the psub group is a good first step, because we are
transparent and publish our names and project photos for all the world to see.
Although we as a group know our little boats aren't suited to carrying
large amounts of ANY cargo, whether legal or illegal, and they are way too slow
to be of any use for drug transfers from ship to shore, I just wonder if a
system of registration, or club certification, or some thing like that would
help prevent undue restriction on our use of our boats.
I can see a scenario where paranoid politicians make it impossible to
launch or sail a small submarine because of a perceived threat or
possibility of illegal or threatening activity. It wouldn't be the first time a
few bad apples caused additional restrictions on our civil rights.
If, for instance, we agreed as a group to carry a radio tuned into the
right frequency, or had a beacon type device that identified each boat and it's
location, or maybe had a set of procedures set and published that we as a group
followed when using our boats for recreation. Something that the authorities
could feel that they have the ability to communicate with us without having to
send out the navy or what ever, basically making us a "non-threat".
I remember years ago I was interested in building an ultra-light airplane,
much like a submarine in terms of recreational use. At the time there were few
restrictions and you could fly them almost any where, as long as you used common
sense. Now they have been restricted in use to "designated" areas, because of a
perceived threat of accidents. Although there have been almost no accidents, and
the few that have occurred only resulted in the pilot getting hurt with no
damage to any one on the ground, the restrictions imposed have pretty much
killed that hobby because you can't really use them any where now. I can see
where a "perceived" threat could put an end to little submarines because they
are difficult to track and may have some potential to cause alarm.
If we as a group worked to alleviate the "perceived" threat we may be able
to prevent useless restrictions.
I assume something like pilots use where they file a "flight plan" could be
of some use. Maybe with the harbor master or coast guard, or local police if
it's an inland waterway. Some kind of standardized device or procedure, adopted
by us voluntarily, and used universally when we go out in our little boats.
I'm just thinking out loud on some random ideas, that could make our hobby
a little safer, and maybe prevent undue restrictions.
I plan on having a support boat nearby when I dive, and again, my little
sub can't go very fast, very far, or carry any cargo. So I know I'm not a
threat, but like many things in the world, a "perception" of problems or
ignorance on the part of non-subbers could easily result in the type of
restrictions that could effectively end our hobby, much like ultralight planes.
Most people I talk to ask me right off "are you allowed to do that?"
when they hear about my sub.
For a long time I didn't think much about this, and just laughed it off.
The average person doesn't see any difference between our little boats and the
semi-submersible boats being used by the drug cartells.
We know the difference, but most people don't.
If we as a group came up with something that removed us from being labeled
as a "threat" it could help maintain our freedom to enjoy the sport.
I remember hearing about some problems Karl Stanley had when he first tried
to launch his first sub in Florida years ago. I don't know the details but the
coast guard said "no way" are we letting you launch a submarine in the harbor,
and this was long before Homeland Security was even created. With the current
state of paranoia and the new problem of drug cartells using subs, this won't be
good for our hobby.
Frank D.
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