Help, I Can’t Read the Tags!

October 9, 2008

Question: Please help!!! I need reading glasses to fill out my abalone tags and so do my friends. We used to be able to fill out the cards back at the car, which was fine. But now with the new tags and regs we are required to fill out the tags as soon as we leave the water, but we can’t see the fine print on the tags to fill them out! Our glasses are expensive and we have no way of bringing them with us when we dive. What can we do? Thank you. (David Gaon)

Answer: I can understand the challenges presented by small print and the difficulty you describe in trying to bring that very small print into focus without assistance. Unfortunately, there are no alternatives in the new regulations for either the diver or the game wardens – the report cards must be filled out immediately once coming ashore or boarding a boat.

The good news is that the tags and report cards are being redesigned for use next year in an effort to make them more “user friendly.” Hopefully, that will include larger print!

In the meantime, you might want to consider including non-prescription reading glasses in your dive bag and/or a small magnifying glass. Either can be purchased at many convenience stores for under $15. At least with these you would not have to risk losing or breaking your prescription glasses and you will be able to comply with the regulations to legally continue taking abalone.

October 9, 2008
 Our glasses are expensive and we have no way of bringing them with us when we dive. What can we do? Thank you. (David Gaon)

What BS, I have my reading glasses in the same little rock solid pelican case that holds my card, pen, zip tys, and even a little piece of towel.