My first dive trip was to Cozumel approximately 6 years ago. I was certified in NJ along with my daughter, who was 14 at the time of our trip a few months later. I did my research, and found that conditions in Cozumel could be a bit more challenging than at some other destination due to current, prevalence of swim-throughs, and depth of dives. I learned that many of the sites we wanted to dive were a bit deep for new divers, so we took that into account!
My daughter and I did our OW, practiced in PA quarrys, practiced more, did our AOW, practiced more, then headed out for our first dive trip. I dove with BlueXTSea, and welcomed a private DM. Aside from safety factors, we were concerned about depth, SAC rates, and holding up a group with more experience. After all, I was diving with my daughter; I wanted to make it great, but increase the safety factor every way I could think of. Our concerns about our abilities proved groundless, and we did just fine. After 2 days, we were told we did not need the DM, but I requested to continue with the private DM for the rest of the week. What a great decision! As new divers, we would never have seen anywhere near the diversity of life on our own as was shown to us by our private DM, particularly in a current! After all, that is why we were there - the private DM just nailed that trip for us - we were hooked on diving in a big way. We each have nearly 200 ocean dives under our belts now. I have since consistantly told anyone interested of the true value having a private DM presents - not only in peace of mind for the newer diver, but the advantage of having a great guide to really show you what there is to see, and not merely what your inexperienced eyes would identify as you follow a group.
I will be returning to Coz again in April for the fourth time. I am deeply saddened by the loss of this diver, and feel that based on the few facts known that the presence of a private DM could and probably would have prevented whatever tragic events led to her loss. New or inexperienced / rusty divers, please consider all the advantages a private DM can offer. The added safety may be the basic rationale, but it is far from the only reason to consider this option. They are not nannies or crutches but can assist tremendously with adjusting to an unfamiliar environment, and can offer tremendous added value to introduce a newer dive to the reef environment.
I hope that new or new to Cozumel divers reconsider any misgivings they may have about the use of a private DM, and consider instead the many advantages they may offer.