Cenote tour with a solo operator... how do I know he's safe?

[alwayssummer]

I had been discussing doing a cenote dive with someone at my hotel in PDC. She came back from yoga today and explained that she was introduced to an instructor who works for a well known shop that has a good reputation here on scubaboard. If you ask for recommendations for cenote diving from PDC, their name will come up. The shop allows him to use their gear to run tours on his own. I've verified his instructor status with PADI and he sent us a document showing his identity documents. I believe he's really an instructor. Is there any way to know about his safety record?

 

[rick00001967]

many instructors / guides work independently and book through various dive shops in the area. why not just give us the instructors name and the shop you would booking through?

 

[alwayssummer]

many instructors / guides work independently and book through various dive shops in the area. why not just give us the instructors name and the shop you would booking through?

I didn't know if that was acceptable... Julian Gonzalez. He works for Tank Ha, but we're booking directly with him.

 

[rick00001967]

we have used tank ha many times but it has been awhile. if matt is still running things there he is a solid guy and a trust him and his judgement.

i cannot say i remember anyone by that name but if he works for matt i would think he is a good choice.

any particular reason to book direct with him rather than through tank ha? i assume it would be less expensive.

 

[alwayssummer]

we have used tank ha many times but it has been awhile. if matt is still running things there he is a solid guy and a trust him and his judgement.

i cannot say i remember anyone by that name but if he works for matt i would think he is a good choice.

any particular reason to book direct with him rather than through tank ha? i assume it would be less expensive.

I'm not the person doing the arrangements. I just wanted to stop here for a quick sanity check before I agree to go with the plans another diver made. We met him today and he spoke like a safety-conscious operator.

 

[Ontwreckdiver]

Does he carry liability insurance ?

 

[rick00001967]

for what its worth.....tank ha did confirm they started using this guy recently and do recommend him. this came from Sylvia at tank ha.

the previous post about liability insurance may be relevant to you. might be a good idea to make sure. this is mexico we are talking about after all. lol

 

[34109411]

Does he carry liability insurance ?this doesn't exist in mexico even if it will operator especially dive shop will have to pay outrageous cost to cover there operation. this why after hurricane for example boat, building etc are not rebuilt...no insurance.

 

[alwayssummer]

this doesn't exist in mexico even if it will operator especially dive shop will have to pay outrageous cost to cover there operation. this why after hurricane for example boat, building etc are not rebuilt...no insurance.

Please cite your sources? Honestly, this is sort of my default expectation when diving off the beaten path in low and middle income countries. I think it behooves the diver to ensure they have their own trusted plan for dealing with accidents. That said, why do you think Mexican operators don't/can't do this, which runs contrary to the advice already posted above?

 

[34109411]

Please cite your sources? Honestly, this is sort of my default expectation when diving off the beaten path in low and middle income countries. I think it behooves the diver to ensure they have their own trusted plan for dealing with accidents. That said, why do you think Mexican operators don't/can't do this, which runs contrary to the advice already posted above?

short answer because i work 3 years in mexico for a tour operator. even you own travel insurance will not cover you in case of something happening during a cenote tour.

Before you leave ask them if they got you cover while
doing a cenote tour in mexico.

Are you expecting a scba shop in mexico to write a check or pay for your expenses in case of an emergency? This will not happen.

Again premium for dive shop in mexico will be so hight that they will not be able to sell you a scuba tour at a reasonable price that you will agree to pay.

Most of the dive shop and tour operators will ask you to sign a form informing you that they are not responsible in case something arise. read the fine prints.

South of the border it s just doesn't exist or work that way. This include Mexico, Belize in Honduras.

Be safe