Divers Picking up Bombs and Bringing Them Home
A dangerous and stupid pastime trend is moving through some elements of the Southern California diving community: picking up bombs off the bottom.

At one time or another most of the Channel Islands have been controlled and/or used by the military for bases, maneuvers and live-firing ranges. Still controlled and used heavily by the military are San Nicolas Island and, in particular, San Clemente Island, where live-fire training activities take place on a nearly weekly basis.

Of course, the military closes the areas affected during the exercises, and patrols them during the closure, but when the areas are reopened, diving, fishing and boating activities can return to normal.

On shore, and close to shore underwater, however, unexploded ordnance may still be present. Dumb divers have of late been taking it upon themselves to head up into shallow water to find and recover these “souvenirs.” Some even take them home for display in their homes, often with full knowledge that the ordnance is live!

First, it is illegal to approach within 300 yards of San Clemente and San Nicolas Islands even in open areas. That is THREE football fields. (Check at www.scisland.org for a schedule of closures at San Clemente Island). If you intrude upon the closed areas, including the no-approach zone of 300 yards, you have committed a serious offense and they will throw the book at you (especially in light of post-9/11).

Second, if you find any suspicious objects underwater at San Clemente or San Nicolas Island, note its location and report it to the Coast Guard. DO NOT handle it in any way or try to bring it aboard a boat.