On Wednesday, September 20, 2000 8:16 AM, Lee Bell Wrote:

(Big snip of lots of good stuff)

> In terms of coverage, the codes seem to be fairly good.  The goals seem
> solid, the procedures logical and potentially beneficial and, so far, not
so
> extensive as to stiffle the industry.  Of course, being the skeptic that I
> am, particularly working for my national government as I do, I expect taht
> to change.  One of the few things I consider more certain that death or
> taxes, is that given a chance, politicians will increase regulation,
always
> for the best of reasons, until nobody can do anything, ever.

You're right - and it is very concerning.  Sadly, the media here are
managing to have a field day with the diving industry, largely as a result
of lobbying by vested interests. (A few diving doctors and Standards
Australia - an independent company with no official standing but with a
memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth government that ensures
that where legislation does not exist, the relevant standard agreed to
'voluntarily' by the concerned industry will have legal weight!  Once a
standard is published members of that industry - in order to comply - must
buy the document from Standards Australia.  At exorbitant cost!!)

It's a situation that causes reaction rather than positive and sensible
action!  :-)

> Hey!!!  How did I get on such a serious discussion of something that
started
> out as a joke.  Sorry if it wasn't funny.

It was - but reading your comments actually co-incided with a radio report
and interviews about this very topic!  :-)

> BTW, how'd you like the Olympic Advice?

Apart from the bit about taking your gear off AFTER entering an Ozzie home
<BWG> everything else seemed spot on to me!  <BBBWG>

Strike