Legislation and the State’s institutional role regarding divers’ situation on the Atlantic Coast

Abstract

Free diving in lobster fishing activities has been a traditional Miskitu activity.  From 1990 on, it has been transformed into an extractive industry and labor activity carried out in deep waters.  This transition was accomplished in an abrupt and disorderly fashion for the workers.  Labor, health and hygiene regulations, established by national and international laws, were disregarded.  In this article, the author analyzes how widescale commercial diving, encouraged by businesses, has had a negative impact on the health of Miskitu divers.  The lack of knowledge of risks involved, lack of training and adequate equipment, the absence of labor and economic alternatives in the area as well as the divers cultural, linguistic and ethnic characteristics are considered the immediate causes of this situation.