DiveTheGalapagos
Contributor
I've written on Scubaboard and discussed privately that I've experienced more challenging conditions at Gordon Rocks than anywhere up north where the reputation suggests otherwise. There have been 2 deaths at Gordon Rocks in 2012, one in Feb and one today, both out with land-based dive operators who do not have permits (patentes) to dive. The Park still looks the other way as all permits are not yet finalized for land based operators and politically, it's not too wise for anyone to rid a Galapagueno of a way to earn a living when things are in a state of flux, as they often are. I know a lot of people try to get the lowest price possible and obviously live to tell the tale, but I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone heading to Galapagos for land-based diving to stick with Scuba Iguana. They are professional and legal. And they won't allow you dive Gordon Rocks without 30 logged dives. I've known of illegals who took discovery dives there, even down to 90 ft because there was a whale shark the rest of the group wanted to see. Yes Scuba Iguana cost more because the less expensive illegals don't have to pay thousands for a permit, onboard safety equipment, insurance, etc. And then there's the educated desire to be prepared by having trained dive guides onboard.
If you're a 25 year old back packer, you probably don't care and will opt for the savings. But the vast majority of deaths over the years in Galapagos are people in their 50's who have issues they're unaware of before diving. Most get chalked up to heart attacks. I've always been amazed that, given the number of divers that do dive Galapagos each year, there aren't more incidents given the lack of professionalism in so many of the land-based operators in particular. There has been no death on a liveaboard since the high profile case in Jan 11 which I feel was most likely panic given her age, the 2000 psi in her tank and the site she was diving. The incidents that happen on land based dives are barely heard of beyond Galapagos.
The man in February who died at Gordon Rocks was alive at the surface, but there was no oxygen on the boat nor anyone trained in CPR. By the time they got help from a nearby cruise, he was gone. I'm not saying people can't die with Scuba Iguana, but there is oxygen onboard and people trained and regularly refreshed in EFR. I look at the extra cost as insurance. Scuba Iguana has been operational for around 20 years and all you hear is good. Says a lot. No I'm not naming illegal operator names. Some I actually like a lot as people. If you're booking your own land-based diving and considering anyone else, ask to see their 'patente'. That's their permit. And I wish even that guaranteed more than it does, but it's a start. It means they're legal so you don't run the risk of being turned back because some Park Ranger decides to enforce the rules that day.
If you're a 25 year old back packer, you probably don't care and will opt for the savings. But the vast majority of deaths over the years in Galapagos are people in their 50's who have issues they're unaware of before diving. Most get chalked up to heart attacks. I've always been amazed that, given the number of divers that do dive Galapagos each year, there aren't more incidents given the lack of professionalism in so many of the land-based operators in particular. There has been no death on a liveaboard since the high profile case in Jan 11 which I feel was most likely panic given her age, the 2000 psi in her tank and the site she was diving. The incidents that happen on land based dives are barely heard of beyond Galapagos.
The man in February who died at Gordon Rocks was alive at the surface, but there was no oxygen on the boat nor anyone trained in CPR. By the time they got help from a nearby cruise, he was gone. I'm not saying people can't die with Scuba Iguana, but there is oxygen onboard and people trained and regularly refreshed in EFR. I look at the extra cost as insurance. Scuba Iguana has been operational for around 20 years and all you hear is good. Says a lot. No I'm not naming illegal operator names. Some I actually like a lot as people. If you're booking your own land-based diving and considering anyone else, ask to see their 'patente'. That's their permit. And I wish even that guaranteed more than it does, but it's a start. It means they're legal so you don't run the risk of being turned back because some Park Ranger decides to enforce the rules that day.