Because I have been diving Tunich in the afternoon and I'm sure I'll find myself there again. If I am in a similar circumstance as the OP, I want to know as much about his experience as possible ( and how to avoid it or deal with it ).
This inquiry is not about putting Chisti or her dive operation on trial.
It is about gaining info to deal with this type of dilemma.
Inquiring minds want to know!
If I really thought you were serious about needing their shore exit location to learn how to "deal with this type of dilemma", I'd be very worried about you diving in Cozumel, not to mention teaching others how to dive beyond basic OW.
Why? Because your excuse is completely unrealistic.. There are so many different variables it would render any 'safety plan' or exit strategy practically useless without a considerable amount of research and understanding of the entire shoreline prior to the dive.. Measuring currents just prior to the dive (real measuring.. Not shooting it by eye), knowing precisely where you are going to drop, keeping up with dive time, holds in position to accommodate divers falling behind (taking pics), factoring in any cross current swimming, etc.. etc.. etc.. ...to make it to the same egress point they used, should the same extremely rare event arise again. Talk about taking the fun out of diving..
Beaver Divers, you already know what any diver needs to deal with a situation like this... But, for those that don't know, haven't read about them earlier in this thread, and / or might be new to diving in Cozumel, here's my list:
Equipment:
1. Well maintained Regulators, BCD, mask, fins, snorkel, etc
2. A Surface Marker Buoy.. IMO, every diver or buddy pair/team should have at least one and know how to deploy it, at least on the surface.. Big plus for adding a spool and learning how to deploy from depth. While I can't speak for all DM's in Cozumel, I know both Pedro & Miguel have been happy to teach divers how to properly deploy SMB's prior to surfacing, when asked. I'd be surprised if others wouldn't do the same.
3. A mirror or reflective device that can be spotted from a distance - via water or air
4. A whistle or other noise maker.. (Sorry, you or you dive buddies screams are not very effective at all outside of working everyone up)
5. PLB = Personal Locator Beacon.. There are many flavors and quite a few threads here at SB discussing them.. While I'm not sure the Nautilus Lifeline is really considered one in the strictest sense (no satellite coverage), it still will aid nearby boats in locating you, as well as allowing you to communicate directly with them.. I own a Nautilus Lifeline and won't dive open ocean without it any longer. For diving way off shore, a personal EPIRB & case is a smart move to have should you find yourself floating in really open water thinking how you would trade just about anything to have the Coasties show up..
Nautilus Lifeline... A small price to pay and the obvious choice if you want the added insurance and don't want to waste all that time researching shore lines, currents, etc... But, you knew that already BeaverDivers...
---------- Post Merged at 09:00 PM ---------- Previous Post was at 07:56 PM ----------
*Note* Didn't mean to look like I was piling on... I typed up my response and didn't submit until after supper and then the Internet went poof.. Just saw the other responses which cover pretty much the same.