Dive Knives, US/Mexico Customs etc?

[RonFrank]

I had my knife with me last time in Coz. I used it exactly zero times!

It was on my BC, and I did not even think about it when packing. I'd try and remember to remove the knife, but do NOT carry it on the plane if you value it at all.

 

[Christi]

ScubaTexan,
Thank you. That's what I needed to know. If they confiscate a disposable razor, they'll probably confiscate a dive knife.

Thanks.
Robert

I don't understand the big question here. It should be obvious to anyone by now that you can't take a knife of any kind in your carry-on luggage on board the plane. And aside from that, it will not be confiscated if packed in your checked bags with your dive gear...HOWEVER...as others have said, you don't need it in Cozumel, nor is it permitted in the marine park...so you might as well leave it at home.

 

[potablewater]

Hey everybody.

I'm getting ready to head down to Playa del Carmen & Cozumel later this summer. Will by flying in/out of Cancun and enjoying the pleasure of dealing with American TSA and Mexican customs authority.

What can anyone tell me about transporting dive knives into/out of Mexico.

I always like to have a knife with me but really don't want to be an honored guest of the federales.

Thanks.
Robert

I don't understand the big question here. It should be obvious to anyone by now that you can't take a knife of any kind in your carry-on luggage on board the plane. And aside from that, it will not be confiscated if packed in your checked bags with your dive gear...HOWEVER...as others have said, you don't need it in Cozumel, nor is it permitted in the marine park...so you might as well leave it at home.

He said Cozumel and Playa del Carmen...and an appropriate sized cutting device is called for in most any diving. I didn't have a dive knife when I went Cenote diving last August 2007, but I did have a 4 inch long pocket knife that I packed in my checked luggage and had NO issues with US or Mexican authorities.
Only you know if you need a knife in your dive kit. So Pack It!

All the best,
Geoff

 

[kuma1720]

I personally took a small dive knife during my last trip to Coz, which I had forgotten was attached to the hose on my BC inflater hose. Attempted to carry the regulator bag through screening and was snagged.

It was obvious that I was completely unaware of the violation along with being extremely embarrassed. I was allowed to exit the area and check it in without an issue.
I agree you definitely don't need it. Don't suffer my embarrassment.

 

[ScubaTexan]

And aside from that, it will not be confiscated if packed in your checked bags with your dive gear...

My disposable razor was packed in my shaving kit, which I had packed in my dive bag. They went through ALL of my bags with a fine-tooth comb. They took it out of my shaving kit to confiscate it.

I'll admit, it's a crapshoot going through security in COZ, but I don't believe it's worth the gamble. And, besides that, they aren't allowed in Cozumel anyway, so leave it at home.

 

[nmdiveboy]

I don't understand the big question here. It should be obvious to anyone by now that you can't take a knife of any kind in your carry-on luggage on board the plane. And aside from that, it will not be confiscated if packed in your checked bags with your dive gear...HOWEVER...as others have said, you don't need it in Cozumel, nor is it permitted in the marine park...so you might as well leave it at home.

Christi,

Maybe what you're missing is that I never asked about bringing the knife in carry-on. So maybe you read someone elses question? Not sure where you got the idea.

My question, as indicated by the title of the thread relates more to the Mexican government/customs. When I go through customs in Mexico, they may or may not search every inch of my bags.

My QUESTION is - if I'll face any trouble with mexican officials if i pack the dive knife AND it's discovered?

And second - if I have possession of it in my gear bag, in Mexico, and I'm stopped for some reason, is their a crime for possession of a weapon if I have the dive knife?

Some of the folks responding answered the question.
Others clearly didn't read what I was asking, so they just posted for the sake of posting. Like telling me "you don't need a knife." The odds of that being true are high. But so are the odds of never needing other dive stuff like a safety sausage, or dive alert air horn, but I have those anyway - just in case.

I appreciate everyone's time.
Robert

 

[okiraku_diver]

My QUESTION is - if I'll face any trouble with mexican officials if i pack the dive knife AND it's discovered?

I worry about same thing everytime I go diving in foregine countries.
So I leave mine at home not to be troubled.

I have checked Mexican customs regulations but can not find restriction of knife.
But I think you had better leave yours at home.

 

[pickledboodah]

Why not just bring a pair of EMT shears?

 

[driftin' by]

Maybe what you're missing is that I never asked about bringing the knife in carry-on. So maybe you read someone elses question? Not sure where you got the idea.

Easy now!
With all due respect, your question was broad, vague and poorly punctuated.....

What can anyone tell me about transporting dive knives into/out of Mexico.

Nevertheless, knives are not allowed in the marine park so when veterans here tell you not to bring it, they're simply implying that a rule exists.

but do NOT carry it on the plane if you value it at all.

... or your freedom!

 

[mstevens]

I take a knife in my check-through baggage on any trip. I've never had a problem anywhere. Mine is a folding Spyderco, so I don't run afoul of restrictions on blade length. My primary use for a knife when I travel is to cut up fruit in the hotel room.

In 28 years of diving I've never needed a knife underwater while diving. I did get badly fouled in fishing line once while swimming (without a knife, of course) but the line was long enough that I was able to surface and slowly get disentangled while treading water.

I've never seen anything underwater in Cozumel that would present a risk that a knife would solve. I'd be willing to wager that those who work there and have vastly more experience in the area would say the same.