No gloves or knives in the park, AND No pocket or belt knives in public

[DandyDon]

And you're seriously defensive. If Mexico is of no interest to you then why bother to post here?

Hehe, I get the same thing in the Bonaire forum. I'd like to dive there, even tho it's so much further and more difficult to get there, but can't stand the idea of having to leave vehicles unlocked so thieves won't break the windows, having to carry my prescription glasses in my BC, and leave nothing of interest in the truck. I have posted on some of the break-in threads there and been asked why I post on the forum if I don't want to go.

I would prefer to bring this back to the subject. Thanks Don for the notice, I didn't know I couldn't carry a knife around. One question, I always carry a Leatherman, would the blades on that be in the same category?

And Really, I think the point here is not a discussion of whether or not there is crime in Cozumel, it is a warning that the laws there are not the same as in the US and that if you do not follow local law, you have the potential to face the consequences of those actions.

I have two cousins right now who chose to ignore Fiji's drug laws and will be spending 5 years in a Fijian jail. Sorry, but not the sort of vacation I would like.

I don't know for sure, but I'd say leave it in your luggage or room. It's got blades.

Reading that conjured up the picture of a mugging victim struggling to get out his pocket knife and open the blade while the mugger... what? Stands there and waits for him?

My favorite is a 5" blade, 10" open. Doesn't lock, but I never cared. From my belt to a watermelon in 2 seconds...!

 

[Belmont]

gawd! As if we need another thread on this subject but I see where you're coming from Don and I applaud you for posting. Plain and simple: Gloves and knives are not allowed. It's their rules and who are we as visitors to object? If you don't like it, dive elsewhere. As experienced Cozumel divers, it's our responsibility to set a good example.

Also, FWIW my wife used to ALWAYS dive with gloves as she is very susceptible to bad allergic reactions to just about everything including hydroid and thimble jellies. She was told a number of times on the boat not to use her gloves. Recently while putting them on discretely underwater, the DM noticed and told her to take them off. Now she doesn't even bother and like I mentioned in the other post, she realizes that irritations on unprotected skin is just part of the scuba diving game. No biggie, we just follow the rules and have fun.

Here is a suggestion for your wife: use barrier cream (silicone based) that is sold to protect skin from dish washing water or for mechanics who need to protect their skin from grime.

 

[Tigerman]

I figure it dont matter anyways, Ill just stop by this guy Miguel Caballero .:. Moda y Seguridad personalizada - Fashion and Security clothes on my way

 

[firstdive2005]

If you happen to own a gun make sure your luggage or carryon has not got a left over bullet or spent shell from the range, you WILL end up in jail for a bit if it is found. Usually travellers can talk their way out but you will be detained.

 

[MMM]

Sheeh. Am astounded about talk of knives, guns, AK 47s, mortar or what have you. My biggest threat in Coz was chasing (on my bicycle) after a kid (also on bicycle) who tried to grab my dry bag from my carrier. It ended up with a family on a scooter and another in a car helping me hunt the kid down. (I got my bag back and scared the crap out of the kid!) Get over yourselves. Life is easy if you want to, and are willing to do so, go with the flow. Sheesh.

 

[firstdive2005]

MMM. I think this thread is a warning to leave behind the tools/knives. It is not about threats on Coz. At least that is how I read it.

 

[Pony]

My favorite is a 5" blade, 10" open. Doesn't lock, but I never cared. From my belt to a watermelon in 2 seconds...!

I'm surprised a good Ole' boy from the west Tex plains hasn't figured this out yet. You take old diving shears....break in half....sharpen up the edge really good on the grinder (calf cutt'n sharp); Presto!! a Scnife. Problem solved. If the authorities question you about it, just tell them that the other half was stolen:shocked2: Tell them to look for the guy thats bleeding Then proceed to to slice a watermelon and offer them a piece...with a thousand peso napkin

 

[DandyDon]

Haha grinders can eat up cheap steel. I have several hand sharpening tools, carry a small, Arkansas white stone with me. Like my 2 different V-tools best.

If I ever have my first confrontation in Mexico, I'll still go for run like hell. Dealing with authorities as an outsider in another country is low on my prefernces.

 

[ggunn]

Haha grinders can eat up cheap steel. I have several hand sharpening tools, carry a small, Arkansas white stone with me. Like my 2 different V-tools best.

If I ever have my first confrontation in Mexico, I'll still go for run like hell. Dealing with authorities as an outsider in another country is low on my prefernces.

That reminds me of words of wisdom imparted to me by my middle school band director:

What if someone tries to pick a fight with me?
I walk away.
What if he follows me?
I run.
What if he chases me?
I run faster.
What if he catches me?
I pity the poor SOB.

 

[driftin' by]

Hehe, I get the same thing in the Bonaire forum. I'd like to dive there, even tho it's so much further and more difficult to get there, but can't stand the idea of having to leave vehicles unlocked so thieves won't break the windows, having to carry my prescription glasses in my BC, and leave nothing of interest in the truck. I have posted on some of the break-in threads there and been asked why I post on the forum if I don't want to go.

Oh now, I'm sure a country boy like yourself remembers the days of leaving things unlocked. Spending my high school years living in a small town in Arkansas in the 80's we never locked anything and nothing every happened. The police blotter was hilarious: "Mrs. Mable reported someone stole 3 peaches from her peach tree." "Mr. Jenkins reported a spinner bait was missing from his tackle box." "Aubry Miller, son of Mr. Miller, reported that he was mobbed while visiting his grandmother, Mrs. Ada Mills in Atlanta, Georgia."

Seriously, we were in Bonaire for the first time in February and it really wasn't that bad and our trip was incident free. It's unfortunate that you will absolutely hear every trip that involves a theft incident but not the millions that go off without a hitch. Leaving the truck unlocked and windows down wasn't a problem. The excellent diving and freedom exceedingly outweighs the risks and deciding not to go because of it is a shame, IMHO. I cannot wait to go back and I figured out a way to make the long and expensive flight more worthwhile: Stay for 2 weeks instead of 1!!!

Sorry for Bonaire hijack.