Normative tolerances for scuba divers and snorkelers: An application of the Potential for Conflict index₂

Abstract

This study examines Florida Keys snorkeler and SCUBA diver encounter norms using the Potential for Conflict Index₂ (PCI₂). Snorkelers and SCUBA divers evaluated the acceptability of encountering a specific number of other snorkelers and SCUBA divers on a 7-point scale ranging from extremely acceptable (3) to extremely unacceptable (-3). Statistical analysis results were put into PCI₂ templates to construct a graphic display of encounter norms for each recreation group. According to both snorkelers and SCUBA divers, as encounters increase, acceptability evaluations decrease. In addition, acceptability starts to decline at an encounter level of 5, not 0, which may be a function of safety. All recreationists consider a large number of snorkelers to be more acceptable than the same number of SCUBA divers, possibly due to their location in the water column.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the 2009 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium

Citation

Heesemann, Lauren M.; Vaske, Jerry J.; Loomis, David K. 2010. Normative tolerances for scuba divers and snorkelers: An application of the potential for conflict index₂. In: Watts, Clifton E., Jr.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2009 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-66. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 144-151.