Question about shore drift diving in Curacao

[Damselfish]

I've done upwards of 150 dives in Curacao. Usually when we go down and try to decide which way the current is going, there's so little it's hard to decide, and you can pretty much go whichever way you want. I've done a few very mellow drifts from boats, nothing you couldn't swim against.

Not that it can't happen. Once, doing a shore dive from Habitat, a really strong current suddenly appeared just as we turned to head back. Naturally it was going the wrong way. We had a long slog in, diagonally across the shallows trying to get out of the worst of it. Very memorable because of the strength, and because it just wasn't expected there. As people crawled out of the water we were all like, ***? Folks in the shop seemed pretty surprised by it too.

 

[RJP]

So I'm new to the board and a relative novice diver. We are heading to Curacao on the 22nd of this month for a week.

The thing that seems odd about the crime is that with today's technology it would be so easy to stop. I'm sure remote video cameras could be set up with a $5 fee from every diver to pay for the cameras, maintenance, and someone to watch them. Even if you started with 20 cameras, transmit over cell service, it wouldn't cost that much. Even some cheap deer cameras would identify the thieves. It's a small island. I think most divers like me would gladly pay even a $25 fee for the week to get some type of car pass to hang in the window or whatever to use the protected/monitored sites. That would be well worth it to not have to worry about things being stolen. And it might increase tourism. It seems like a simple solution to me. Maybe not?

When you get back from Curacao and get a feel for the level of technology/infrastructure down there, pop back over here and let us know if you still think that's a viable solution.

 

[jbtut]

When you get back from Curacao and get a feel for the level of technology/infrastructure down there, pop back over here and let us know if you still think that's a viable solution.

I'm a novice diver. I'm not new to the islands or crime in general. I live in one of the safest cities in America and there was a shooting and a stabbing yesterday. And I don't feel unsafe. Theft from vehicles isn't unique to the Caribbean. I've had my own truck broken into. When I lived in a small town in Montana no less. And they didn't even take anything, but it still ended up costing about $750 to fix.

They don't do it in Hawaii either and I know it would be a viable solution there. And they have pretty much the same problems if you go shore diving. Heck we have common problem of people stealing catalytic converters at our transit park and ride lots here in the city and the transit authority won't put in cameras for whatever reason. And I know they have room in the budget for it if they wanted it.

Self contained solar powered cellular transmitting cameras are about $2,000ea. So they are kinda spendy, plus service costs etc. Nokia sells a cheaper one for about $900, but I don't know if it's tied to a service contract.


In the end maybe trip insurance and a bit of inconvenience may just be cheaper.



My other thought was that you could have a safe of some sort in the car.

 

[jd950]

Jbtut; your points are valid, and there is all kinds of technology and tactics that could seriously slow down the types of crime we all talk about. Some of it isn't even that expensive, but it just isn't going to happen on the islands anytime soon. For whatever reasons, this is not a priority for the authorities and you and I are not going to change that. Maybe I am wrong and they just don't have the money and manpower, or are too busy with more serious crimes, but I doubt it...

Besides, the thieves would just steal the cameras.

All you can do is enjoy the positives and try to avoid being a victim...none of us tourists are in a position to change the legal system in other countries. Try not to dwell on this stuff, it can't make the trip more fun.

You know what they say about "When in Rome...." No one is likely to install safes in the rental cars, just go with the flow and leave nothing in your car that you aren't willing to have taken. It's a bit of a drag, but it isn't terrible. Or, take your mother-in- law and have her sit by the truck while you are diving!

You need to visualize nice beaches, warm water, seahorses, mango smoothies, lumpias, Indonesian food, David's pizzas and Amstel Brights, and not how to install a safe or video camera in your rental truck. Truly.

 

[Curacao Sunshine]

Awww, look at you, almost a local including loempias.
Really, when we first moved here we couldn't understand why things are the way they are. Let's face it we're not in Kansas any more. We've learned to accept things. Sometimes, a lot of times, not readily. There are so many things we'd like to see changed but do not delude ourselves in thinking we can do it. Change will take time, a couple of generations.
When I read about poor service, I don't know what to tell you - it's the normal. We've accepted it. This is an example of a long term change.
When I read about why isn't there more ...... it's the money and it's not going to happen.
When I read about thefts, I don't see the bars on the windows anymore; they're just a part of the buildings.
When I read about dogs, they are considered to be crime deterrents.
Thefts from cars happen around the world. A simple solution is just to not leave anything in an unmanned car.
Elaborate systems are not on the island; heck some weeks dairy products are hard to find on the island. The cost for most small businesses is too high. The government owns the public places and is not going to spend money that as JD stated might possibly broken or stolen. A camera left in a car and stolen from a tourist doesn't justify security systems at every public location on the island. There's just too many - for example, dive sites. It's not going to happen.
Please!!! Come on vacation, take normal precautions (not disabling the car but locking your room), relax and enjoy.

 

[jd950]

And now I guess I even know how to spell the name correctly.