Beginner questions

[Christi]

I shot a wedding while in Coz, was that illegal? That did not even occur to me. Then again, I'm a guy with a camera at a wedding, so it would be difficult to say. However similar to a guy with another diver doing drills.

Completely different.

I do know that there are PLENTY of illegals living here in the USA that go to work every day! I guess turnaround is really not fair play, but I always get a chuckle when other countries are SOO strick about enforcing VISA's and immigration laws while at the same time their native born sons expect the USA to have some kinda open boarder policy! fftopic:

The fact that the US can't control its borders is not the problem of countries who do.

 

[dimitrik]

Didn't mean to open a can of worms.

Christi, I had a GREAT time diving with your crew. I look forward to doing it again, hopefully sometime before the end of the year.

 

[RonFrank]

The fact that the US can't control its borders is not the problem of countries who do.

Well, last I checked there were not a lot of US citizens attempting to illegally enter Mexico, or any other country. I doubt Mexico or Canada could do a better job of boarder control if US citizens did want to flock to those countries illegally.

 

[wilkie]

I think I hear a can opener....


Na, just my bad ears.....Whew.

 

[akbpilot]

My wife and I did our classroom/pool locally, and got a referral for our O/W checkout in Cozumel with Blue Angel.(Both PADI OPS). Did 2 shore dives and 2 boat dives on 2 days. Worked out well,good instructor, Blue Angel issued a temp card on the spot, sent in the paperwork, and we had our cards a week or so after we got back. Cost a bit more, but we weren't interested in doing a winter dive in Alaska, or diving in a gravel pit in the summer. The warm-water/ cold-water thing was not an issue for us either, as we have no interest in cold-water diving.

Even if you get certified locally, you'll be low time when you get to Cozumel. I would suggest at least hiring a divemaster in Cozumel to accompany you for your first few dives from a live drift boat. Maybe check around a bit and see if you can find another low-timer or someone who wants a refresher and the two of you could share a divemaster for a few check-out dives.

 

[HockeyPlayer]

Thanks to everyone for the quick, informative responses. Keep it coming, I'm paying attention.

 

[Garrobo]

I did my OW in Ohio quarries. I thought about doing it in Florida until my instructor said to me: "Look Dude, if you can do your OW's in a quarry in Ohio in the fall of the year, anything else will be a breeze." I agree.

 

[wilkie]

Say Ron, I agree with you on the check out dives, that's why I mentioned the Blue Hole... Not too cold, reasonable viz , check outs are too soon for "mud diving" at least for some folks.

 

[RonFrank]

Say Ron, I agree with you on the check out dives, that's why I mentioned the Blue Hole... Not too cold, reasonable viz , check outs are too soon for "mud diving" at least for some folks.

I did my CO dives at the HOLE. I continue to dive there several times a year as I really enjoy the spot, and the folks. Low VIS is more difficult vs. cold.

I highly recommend the hole for CO dives, but it is a bit expensive, and a 400 mile drive from Denver. By the time you pay for CO dives ($150), gas, lodging, and food it's about the cost of airfare to FL!

OTOH, CO dives anywhere a plane is involved are going to run Airfare, Hotel, Food, Car rental (maybe), CO dive costs, and possibly boat costs. Those that think doing CO dives in a warm destination are not going to be that much more than at the Blue Hole, or Crater are ignoring a LOT of the expenses involved with a trip.

 

[wilkie]

Yep,that's why a whole lot of diving doesn't get done in colorfull Colorado.... I'd like to at least meet you, and some of the RMO's sometime , dive or not.

I did my CO at the Hole also, AOW on the other hand was an adventure