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Buscador de datos por Área Natural Protegida
It's the CONANP website in case the link also dies in the future.
Cozumel Marine Park Rules
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Buscador de datos por Área Natural Protegida
It's the CONANP website in case the link also dies in the future.
I was looking for the rules the other day as I thought there was something in the rules about number of divers per divemaster and divemaster needing their park card but only found this
Marine Park Rules
Marine Park Rules
This is dated to when the park first took authority but I believe that they still apply. First, the dive master (guia) must be trained by the park in ecological concerns and possess a card allowing them to work in the park. Then the number of divers per DM can be no more than 6 on night dives (usually ignored by most operators) or 8 per DM on day dives.
If things have changed maybe Christi can help.
Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers
If things have changed maybe Christi can help.
Dave Dillehay
Aldora Divers
@Christi - tech questions here
The park card that people have, the ones that work in the park, DM's and Captain's - being that they are "working", can a temporary resident without permission to work take that class and get the card?
Private boats - can someone own a boat and dive in the park with friends and family?
I am in no way trying to skirt the law, take anyone's business or anyone's job.
The park card that people have, the ones that work in the park, DM's and Captain's - being that they are "working", can a temporary resident without permission to work take that class and get the card?
Private boats - can someone own a boat and dive in the park with friends and family?
I am in no way trying to skirt the law, take anyone's business or anyone's job.
WetInPortland
Contributor
Thanks!
And at the risk of posting another link that my die in the future, the interactive map is fun: Mapa Interactivo de las Áreas Naturales Protegidas
DjDiverDan
Contributor
I might be wrong, but haven’t the rules changed over the years? I started diving in Cozumel late in 1989, and during one trip in the early 1990s, maybe 1993 or 1994, I booked with Del Mar Aquatics. Del Mar put like 23 or more divers on a big boat, and put them all in the water at the same time, with one DM leading the pack and one at the rear (to drive the stragglers, I guess); this was a REAL cattle boat operation, as the DMs were driving a herd of divers in the water just like they were on a cattle drive. I cancelled the rest of my dives with Del Mar and found a different Dive Op. Obviously, that kind of diving is no longer allowed in Cozumel, and for very good reason. But was it EVER allowed? Or were the rules changed when a cattle boat operation managed to lose some stragglers?
Dave is correct - same rules in place.
In order to get the marine park guide credential, you must be a legal resident and be legal to work in Mexico.
Private boats are supposed to get a special permit to be in the park, but I think it is often ignored as well.
I've said this numerous times in posts here, but the Marine Park is NOT law enforcement. They serve other purposes, including establishing the regulations for the marine park, MONITORING activity in the marine park, MONITORING the condition of the reefs, etc. etc. but they are NOT law enforcement and do not have the power or jurisdiction to go after those who are not following the rules.
What they CAN do is revoke permits, suspend park guides from working in the park, withhold permits for those applying who have been working in the park illegally, etc.
So when any of you want to blame the marine park for issues or claim they are doing nothing - you are severely misinformed. Even most DM's and Captains don't truly understand the role of the marine park or who is responsible for enforcement - so just because your DM says so, doesn't make it true. So what people "think" they know because they heard it from a local friend or a local DM - is very rarely the whole picture or the accurate picture.
However, with all of that said, The Marine Park and agencies with jurisdiction are working together to resolve these issues. In the meantime, ANOAAT and the Marine park are working together at least to bring awareness to the islands visitors as to who the legal and legitimate operators are.
Were you envisioning anchoring somewhere in the shallows (where you still need permits and such) and swimming to near-shore reefs, or were you picturing having someone piloting the boat following divers' bubbles? Honestly, there's enough going on out at the reefs that I'd prefer not to have to contend with boats captained by anyone other than experienced local captains.
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