I don't know who to dive with in Montego Bay!

[Ann Marie]

Hiya!

I'm going to Jamaica in July. We are staying in Negril for a couple of days and I have my diving set up with Sundivers (they sound great)!

Then we transfer to Rose Hall which is close to Montego Bay. Someone recommended Scuba Jamaica but when I contacted them they said they limit thier bottom times to 30-40 minutes.

No way! As long as I'm diving within recreational limits I won't dive with an operation that limits my bottom time to less than an hour. If there are certain conditions that prevent that, that is one thing but if it is just regular reef diving, give me an hour or I'll take my money elsewhere. I don't mind cruising under the boat so that the staff can feel more comfortable.

So, can anyone make a recommendation?

Thanks!

 

[Scuba One]

Contact Christian Rance at Scuba Jamaica http://www.scuba-jamaica.com/ and explain your situation, you may have talked to someone on the phone that was giving generic information.

Also try Welcome to Resort Divers Jamaica - Jamaica's Premier Scuba and Watersports Centre and talk with Everett Heron.

Both can be contacted off thier web sites.

I have made lots of dives with Myron now at SUNDIVERS NEGRIL JAMAICA when he worked at another resort. I am sure they will do a good job.

Sucba One Travel - Negril Jamaica Underwater photos

 

[Ann Marie]

Thanks Randy for the information. It was Christan that wrote me back. I didn't play the 'I'm an Instructor card' I just asked their policy.

When he told me their policy is: They are based on the air consumption of all divers on the dive and the depth to which they are diving. All dives are lead by an Instructor or Divemaster. Generally dives are 30-40 minutes. Collectively as a group the diver with the lowest air should be at the surface with at least 500psi and all divers will be brought to the surface at that time. The only exception is if a group requested to have their own guide on the dive, thus effectively splitting the group into different teams.

Really, I can understand that and I'm willing to stay with the group and when the divers that are low on air go up, I don't mind hanging around the reef under the boat but I don't want to ascend with 1500psi. (I don't mind a hour limit set either.)

So, I wrote him back and said, "Thanks for the information Christian. I think I'm going to look for another dive operation as I don't want my dives limited to 30-40 minutes (unless of course I need to ascend keep from going into decompression)."

I'll try the other place you recommended, thanks!

 

[Seanpaul]

Anne Marie,

Your going to have difficulty finding anyone in Jamaica to do what you describe as part of a dive group. Jamaican dive practice is more tightly controlled than US dive practice and doesn't allow you to dive without being accompanied (I have over 100 logged dives in Jamaica). In my experience the only way you will be able to do what you want is to hire a local divemaster/instuctor for a private dive only. Most resorts offer this at a fee. Hope that helps.

 

[Scuba One]

SeanPaul is right. As I understand, it is a Jamaican regulation that all dives are to be guided. In writing I can see where they will give you the official government standard. You might request another divemaster be sent on the dive for the experienced divers. I think if you explain the situation, especially after showing you are a responsible diver and instructor with a logbook showing recent experience, they will give you some leeway.

Having worked in Jamaica as a watersports director/dive instructor I can understand their predicament. The idea of the guided dives regulation was to make the dives safer while creating more jobs. In reality it also increases the liability risk to the dive operator. One of the largest payouts from a dive accident happened right down the street from where you are staying at the Ritz-Carlton, so they are probably even more cautious.
Record payout to paralysed diver - DIVE Latest News