ANOAAT Cozumel

[Christi]

Many of you have been supporting the newly revamped Cozumel watersports association, otherwise known as ANOAAT (Associacion de Operadores Actividades Aquaticas Turisticas). Last week, Cozumel for You published an introduction to the association and our goals/missions so I'd like to share it here for anyone who hasn't seen it.

ANOAAT Cozumel - Cozumel 4 You

We have been extremely successful in the past few weeks working directly with the Regional Harbor Master and Commander of the Marines to establish reasonable and safe protocols for port closures and reopening. For example, last week when winds were strong out of the South, we were still able to dive the northern reefs from Punta Tunich and north. There are many, many other things in the pipeline and we are having working meetings each week with different committees formed within ANOAAT, Harbor Master, Marine park and military.

ANOAAT Member boats will soon have decals so that guests can easily identify ANOAAT boats.

You can also follow us on Facebook at Log In or Sign Up to View

Our page is not very active yet - but give us some time - we're still getting many things into place.

Thank you all for your continued support

 

[Trailboss123]

Love it-- Thanks for posting and sharing with us Christi!

 

[Shawn C]

Thanks for all you do... and are trying to do!

 

[lionfish-eater]

Christi, I applaud all your efforts.
I have a question.
Is this group open for new operators to join or is it only open to existing permit holders.
What is the position of the group as regards issuing new permits to get unpermitted boats up to the same standards?
Thanks in advance for your answer.

 

[Christi]

Christi, I applaud all your efforts.
I have a question.
Is this group open for new operators to join or is it only open to existing permit holders.
What is the position of the group as regards issuing new permits to get unpermitted boats up to the same standards?
Thanks in advance for your answer.

We WELCOME New Members - as long as they are operating legally with all permits, insurance, and business licenses, etc. in place or proof that they are in the process, we welcome them! We have many goals, but our main mission is to promote safety and quality for our guests!

 

[kelemvor]

Are new permits being issued? I recall other operators complaining they were unable to obtain permits.

 

[Sloeber]

Are new permits being issued? I recall other operators complaining they were unable to obtain permits.

To my knowledge, permits have been issued only one time - at the start of the marine park, with no plans for any future permit additions. My understanding is the Marine Park prefers to eliminate permits versus adding more. If I am incorrect in this I'm sure Christi or Dave will correct me.

Permits are available - at an expense. My shop is new as of December 2016. I was able to purchase permits from a dive shop owner looking to get out of the business. I know of permits currently available for sale as well.

 

[Christi]

Are new permits being issued? I recall other operators complaining they were unable to obtain permits.

Thank you Henry - you are correct.

NEW permits have been on moratorium even since before I started my shop 17 years ago. Even at that time, the ONLY way to obtain permits was to purchase an existing boat with current permits. When I purchased my second boat in 2005 (just a few days before Wilma graced us) it was the same - but I purchased a boat without permits and purchased the permits from another boat that was being retired.

There are in fact limits on how many boats/divers they want in the park - but it's nothing new. NO ONE has been able to walk in and apply for new permits in two decades. However, there are permits available for purchase and transfer.

There is an issue of people sitting on permits that are not being used. This is on the radar and one that I personally would like to see addressed, it is important - but Rome wasn't built in a day and we are working tirelessly, putting one foot in front of the other to keep Cozumel among the top dive destinations in the world!

 

[lionfish-eater]

This is in todays news.
Google translated.

They denounce blockade of the Conanp
February 26, 2019

In Cozumel

0

By Karina Carrión



COZUMEL, February 25.- Providers of nautical and water services operating in the maritime reserve "Caleta", denounce that the local representation of the Commission of Natural Protected Areas, denies them permits to operate within the Marine Park, while the deputy director of said dependency, Brenda Hernandez assured that no more permits are being issued due to the limit load that the reefs of the locality have.

Nearly a dozen whistleblowers, told the media that their disagreement was derived from the economic impact they claim, they have the lack of support from various agencies such as Captaincy of Puerto and Cozumel Marine Park, who instead were designated to block these sailors.

Complainants who operate irregularly in the marina "Caleta", located in the southern part of the island, agreed to mention that they have noticed the supposed "favoritism" that is given to companies solved by foreigners like Playa del Carmen or in Other cases, by foreigners, when they are local are not considered to grant them permits with which they could enter the reefs of the Marine Park located in the south of the island and thus be able to offer their nautical services, at least so expressed Alberto Vivas Estrada.

In the same sense, Gustavo Martínez said that this situation has caused the fall of services that they grant, because they can not enter the area that goes from the maritime terminal of Puerta Maya to Punta Chiqueros, since it is considered part of the Park Marino, coincided Carlos Silva, another of the protesters.

In all cases, the complainants said they had made requests to the Harbor Master's Office and the Marine Park itself, but that they are ignored and denied access, even though some of them meet all the requirements, they said, pointing out that to a support, they consider that they have been victims of a witch hunt.

In this sense, Brenda Hernández, deputy director of the Arrecifes National Park of Cozumel, mentioned that they are not giving authorizations for more vessels to enter the marine park, because they are working with the capacity of cargo issued in 2014, which allows traffic of up to 236 vessels, highlighting the interviewee that are exceeded with seven more permits totaling the total of 243 vessels entering the park and therefore, is not contemplated issuing more permits at the moment, he said.

 

[gopbroek]

There are a couple of issues that it would be nice to know what the position ANOAAT has on them.
1) Permits, any chance that the park will go to (and actually enforce) a use it or lose it policy? They should know how often a permit is utilized by how many bracelet fees are collected. I would think there should be a minimum utilization rate and if not met the permit be relinquished. If there are unused permits sitting fallow in the jungle, while no new permits are being issued, you will have pirate boats oporating outside the regulation since it is a rigged system they can not participate in. Kinda like Taxi cab medallions.
2) Reef friendly sunscreen. I believe Cozumel was a pioneer with this at Xel Ha (still part of Cozumel I belive). It disgusting to watch the oil slick coming off a mega load of snorkelers and even worse to see certified vacation divers trowling it on during the surface intervals.