DNER issues orders suspending illegal diving excursions

Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Waldemar Quiles Pérez

By The Star Staff

The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA), Waldemar Quiles Pérez, has made it clear that members of the Rangers Corps have issued several suspension orders to businesses unlawfully offering diving excursions in the El Escambrón beach area of San Juan due to their lack of proper permits.

“All concessionaires operating in the Maritime-Terrestrial Zone must hold a valid concession permit from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. There are no exceptions to this rule. I want to emphasize that no business is allowed to operate in this area without a permit issued by our department. Our Rangers, whom I commend for their unwavering commitment to enforcing the law, have taken decisive action with these orders, which will remain in effect until these businesses fulfill the necessary requirements for their concession permits,” the secretary declared in a written statement.

During an enforcement operation on Friday, May 30, security personnel intervened with Try Scuba / Adventure Puerto Rico for unlawfully offering diving and snorkeling tours to tourists without a valid DRNA permit. Additionally, a stoppage order was issued against the Scuba Dogs business, which was conducting recreational diving classes without authorization.

“We are committed to enforcing the law without compromise. We also want concessionaires to operate efficiently, which is why we have streamlined the permit process to reduce bureaucratic delays. I urge any business that requires a DRNA permit for its operations and currently lacks one to apply immediately. Know that our enforcement actions will persist in the coming weeks,” he asserted.

These stoppage orders are issued in accordance with Article 5, paragraphs A(2) and B(2{b}) of Law No. 1 of June 29, 1977, known as the “DRNA Natural and Environmental Resources Overseers Law.”

Businesses that fail to comply with this order will face legal consequences, as the department will take decisive action through appropriate administrative and judicial avenues.