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Scuba Diving Safety from Belize and Mexico

by tacogirl 06/08/2015
written by tacogirl 06/08/2015
best diving in belize

The Belize Mexico transition is common for many divers. Today’s guest post brings you dive safety tips and stories from experienced divers in both places, one on vacation in Playa del Carmen and the other a local dive shop owner in San Pedro.

Tips and Stories and Diving Safety in Mexico by Norbert Ross

In this write up, I’d like to comment on dive safety and how to evaluate and find a safe diving outfit to enjoy some underwater adventures during your vacations. The idea to write this came from my own experience some two weeks ago. However, before continuing I would like to start by saying that diving is a very safe sport, yet accidents can happen. However, most accidents are avoidable and can be dealt with. In fact, most serious dive accidents happen when basic rules are not followed (and most often more than one) and panic arises when things go bad.

On a recent trip to Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya, I decided to go diving. Looking mainly at prices and a bit in a hurry (as the trip was rather short and not planned) I organized three days of diving at what at first sight seemed to be a trustworthy dive shop. Excited about going diving in cenotes (sink holes that appear in limestone) as well as in the ocean, I didn’t check online for reviews. That might have already been my second mistake. I say second mistake, because my first mistake was not to bring my own gear (in particular the regulator – the stuff you breathe through!), but simply to trust the gear handed to me. Dive gear is for the most part simple and durable but it needs to be serviced regularly – especially rental gear that is used often and usually not treated well.

On my first dive the regulator (the mechanism you breathe through) stopped working at about 30m depth, and while my tank still had air – I didn’t. My regulator stopped working and I had to get air support from the guide. As most experienced divers I have trained for situations as such, yet had to wonder how a nervous a novice diver would have reacted.

While equipment can always fail I realized over the next two days of diving that the rental equipment we received was rather in poor shape and we had to exchange twice more regulators – as they were blowing air. In fact, on the second day the guide had to fix his regulator under water, and again remember, regulators are the stuff you need to breathe!

Clearly the dive shop didn’t take care of their equipment. This is hard to evaluate from the outside, but customers can always ask about the service schedule and the maintenance of the gear. Also a look at the gear usually reveals its age. While well-maintained and serviced dive gear can last long, rental gear should be replaced frequently. So if the gear has an old look to it (tears in the fabric, old hoses or if it throws bubbles when submerged in water) you might want to look for another dive store!

The gear issues made me wonder how such accidents would play out with novice divers. This is when I realized things at the dive shop were worse than I thought. Not only were they relaxed in terms of gear maintenance, but also in terms of organizing and supervising dives: fairly novice divers were taken on dives for which they were neither trained nor certified. For example, on one occasion divers were taken to a wreck dive (30m depths) in strong currents (drift). This specific dive is officially classified for “experienced divers only,” yet the guide took the divers into the wreck despite the fact that most of them were not certified for wreck-diving.

But it didn’t end there. Although the guide was constantly updated on the air supply, he decided to carry on with the dive to the point that two of the five divers ran out of air!! Furthermore, no one had received any signaling device in case of an independent ascent! Fortunately none of the novice divers were affected, yet they were shocked enough to cancel the second submersion of the day.

What can we learn from my experience? First of all, if you can, bring your own equipment (especially the regulator set!). Make sure you bring also things such as a signaling sausage in case of an emergency ascent independent of the dive guide. If you cannot bring your own equipment assure yourself that the equipment is in good shape (visual check) and has been serviced and maintained regularly (ASK!). If you question the age or condition of the rental equipment walk away and look for another dive shop.

Once you signed up for a dive and are on the water keep in mind that you are responsible for yourself and your buddy (dive partner). Even if encouraged by the guide, do not dive beyond your training and capabilities. Dive shops might not only think they do you a favor by pushing you, but pushing limits also allows them creating bigger groups (which in turn means more money for them!).

In fact, if you see the dive shop ignoring certification requirements, step away and look for another place!

But back into the water: Keep in mind that your dive guide is just that, a dive guide. Most likely they have more experience than you, but again you are the one responsible for your dive. Conduct your buddy check as you learned it and stay close to your dive partner, making sure you both are attentive of each others conditions. If you or your dive partner feel you are running out of air, request an ascent and do not allow for discussions about that. Worst case you ascend safely with your buddy (as you have done several times during your training). This is why I mentioned above that bringing your own signal sausage/whistle can be important.

I started out by saying diving is safe. It is, yet only if we follow certain safety guidelines, one of them is not to depend on the guide for your safety. A few reasons for this: they could have too many people to take care of, might simply not be attentive, or in the worst case might need help themselves. This means that at any point in time you have to be able to help yourself and others. Which could prove difficult for novice divers if the dive outfit takes you beyond your abilities and certifications on drift dives into wrecks at 30m depth or into caves (which I have also seen).

Diving is fun and exciting, don’t let anyone convince you to dive beyond your experience – it’s not worth it! Go ahead and get more training and experience and come back to do the dives you didn’t do the first time around. Yes, vacation time is rare and precious, but so is your life! Safety first so not only will you enjoy your dives longer, but also in a much more relaxed fashion.

Author Norbert Ross is a Professor of Anthropology conducting research among Maya people. He is also a PADI Dive Master.

belize mexico

Cenote Angelita in Quintana Roo Mexico

belize mexico

Norbert with Itza’ Maya woman

Moving on from Mexico to Belize and Being a Safe Diver by Kendall Beymer

Owning a dive shop in a Caribbean location means you see loads of divers – and loads of skill variations. Ecologic Divers is a PADI 5 Star IDC shop; so we routinely get divers that have hundreds of dives as well as people that are just getting certified. There is one great equalizer among these vast ranges of skill levels… safety. People will tell you all day long that Scuba is a safe sport – and IT IS! But there are many practices that when not followed can make you have a rough day.

By far, the most common cause of dive issues is diver caused, but first a few notes about gear. Anyone can likely understand that the most important issue under the water is breathing (as Norbert mentioned above.) All that gear, and all that prep, and it comes down to supporting something you do all day and night with your unconscious brain – breathe. Between you and your dive buddy you should have a total of 6 options… good redundancy. With that said it amazes me how many people don’t bring their own gear or bring gear that doesn’t work!

We staff a person that is fully trained to service and repair regulators (the breathing part), but not every shop does – and we certainly don’t have every part of whatever your brand might use. If you have gear – service it before your dive trip and BRING IT! Don’t rely on gear you’re unfamiliar with to save your life and take proper care of your gear.

At our shop we roll “concierge” style; our Dive Masters take care of all your gear changes and swaps… but before each dive they say “everybody check your gear, make sure it’s set for diving.” We don’t miss stuff, but you know your own gear best. Never turn down the opportunity to go over it one last time before that back roll entry.

Most dive accidents are the direct result of decisions made by the diver. You went too low…for too long… you went up too fast… you held your breath… you didn’t hydrate like you should… you put your hand in the sharks mouth… all silly decisions. I could write paragraphs about each – but any diver understands them. I will mention a bit about the most neglected one and the most common cause of decompression sickness – hydration.

Nitrogen needs smooth running blood to get out of your system. If it’s not getting out in an efficient manor then those little bubbles can cause lots of problems… like death. Deco is not an exact science by any stretch – but we know hydrated blood is efficient blood. Proper hydration makes up for a myriad of other failures, so drink water till you are peeing clear, then drink some more.

Our office door has a bumper sticker that says “I love to pee in my wet suit”. You should drink so much water that doing so is the only option! Being safety conscious, we shove water at you before each dive, after each dive, at service intervals, and again before and after the next dives – drink it. Hyperbaric chambers are expensive and not a fun way to spend your vacation.

Kendall Beymer – Ecologic Divers San Pedro Belize.

Follow Ecologic Divers on facebook to see more diving pictures. Kendall also writes a good Belize blog. You can watch his current blog Reset and Restore for notification of his Meandering fool, his new blog.

best diving in belize

Diving in Belize courtesy of Ecologic Divers

best diving in belize

Flamingo tongue snail courtesy of Ecologic Divers

best diving in belize

Amazing underwater courtesy of Ecologic Divers

Click through to read Ecologic Divers Belize reviews. Ecologic is currently #2 of 48 Boat Tours & Water Sports in San Pedro.

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tacogirl

Laurie Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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2 comments

Deanna Jones 23/11/2015 - 2:59 pm

You’re right about how important it is to make sure that my diving gear is checked and maintained on a regular basis before I use it for diving. I rely on my scuba gear to keep me safe while I’m in the water. Taking the time to maintain everything and make sure everything checks out will help make sure that I’ll be able to safely breath while I’m underwater. I’ll have to do more to maintain my diving gear. Lately, I’ve been forgetting to check it properly right before I would go under water. Doing that from now on will help to prevent any accidents, so I’m glad that you reminded me to make sure that everything is working properly. Thanks for the tips!

Reply
DoloresB 24/08/2015 - 8:36 am

I like the part where you state that most issues are diver caused. It makes it easier to fix the problem if you know what is causing it. The gear will work for diving if you prep it properly. You can safely dive when you pay attention to the details of your gear.

Reply

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I just returned from my trip to Belize in mid-June 2022. I had been planning the trip weeks / months in advance and... Laurie (taco girl) wasextremely helpful in preparation for my trip. Her intimate knowledge as an expat who was ONCE a tourist, really helps because she is able to share first hand knowledge of how a tourist can explore Ambergis Caye like a "temporary local". An example of this, was she recommended 2 yoga classes for my wife to enjoy while on vacation that we would not have known about otherwise and the class was far better than a class arranged by a hotel, as you get the local experience not a staged one. In addition, she was helpful in providing recommendations for dinner and sharing some discounts she has arranged with local retailers. Reviewing the taco girl blog and reaching out to Laurie is like having a tour guide, but more important a tour guide that KNOWS Belize.read more
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From the perspective of a couple preparing for a permanent move to Belize, Laurie has been enthusiastically helpful in... both answering our questions and connecting us with local resources for our move. Highly recommend you contact her and make use of her valuable services!!!read more
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Laurie was super helpful in providing places to eat, things to do and best yet had ongoing blogs that allowed us to... look back on other places that she pointed out. A fantastic resource for both first time and return visitors of Ambergris Caye!read more
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Fantastic service .I needed to find a place where I could buy a local sim card as my UK sim doesnt work in belize and... Tacogirl put me on the right path .Decided to walk across town and discovered so much more in beautiful San Pedro.Many thanks.BWread more
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We have been using TacoGirl for what feels like decades when planning our trips to Belize! It has only been a few... years but she is the first place we stop to see what is happening in our favorite vacation spot. She knows all the best spots to get away and do so many fun things - whether it is relaxing or exploring! We are planning our next trip with our twins and she was the first person I reached out to. Knowing we have a resource like her, makes trip planning a breeze!read more
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Found tacogirl while doing some research on an upcoming trip to Belize. This is the place for all the information you... need to plan your vacation. Incredibly helpful and responsive. I sent an email with lots of questions and received a very quick and detailed response that helped us finalize our plans.read more
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We have been following TacoGirl for years now and before booking any trip to San Pedro we check to see what is... currently happening. We love the emails to let us know when a new blog has been posted. Keep up the great work Laurie, we feel like we know you.read more
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I first got my Passport in 2012 and Taco Girl was my first connection back then Great then and Marvelous Now! She's... blossomed and developed into a wonderful contact for any and all information Belize. She goes above & beyond to respond with information that you need whether visiting Belize or relocating! I wasn't able to fund the move then but now that I have much more equity I am doing it.This time she was the 1st person I reached out to! Now I am selling and moving to Belize. She responds immediately! Like I do in my Pet Sitting Business! I was so impressed I followed her all this time. And was not disappointed!Pamela Nixonread more
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Wanted to give a shout-out to tacogirl belize for helping us! She is a plethora of knowledge and was super helpful and... responsive in helping us find longer term stay on the island. Thank you so much for your help!read more
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I've spent the last month exploring Belize. I'm retired & seriously considering moving down to Belize permanently from... the US. I contacted the local San Pedro expert "Taco Girl" to help me get started in finding an apartment to rent. With her help, I've located several places that meet my needs & budget requirements. Thank you Laurie!read more
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I am very glad I found you and asked you a question about a spice in Belize. You helped me figure out the name of it... and where i could buy it. You went above and beyond to help. Thanks again.read more
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I am so grateful for the time and energy Laurie has taken to share about her experiences traveling to and living in... Belize as well as provide thorough recommendations for planning a trip there. I was so thankful (and honestly surprised) that Laurie took the time to respond to several of my questions via email. I highly recommend reading Laurie's blogs and helping to support her business. Thank you Laurie!!read more
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As a Canadian—tired of long winters—I cannot wait to spend some time in Belize. I haven't set foot yet, but I am... yearning for lots of Caribbean adventure. Thanks so much to tacogirl for her endless enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. She is a constant stream of up-to-date information. Her knowledge and love of the area is priceless, and I will need her expertise for future endeavours!read more
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We started coming to Ambergis Caye in 2014 and stumble on to Tacogirls blog, so glad we did! We used her 15% discount... at The Premier Duty-Free shop in the airport! It worked great all we did was let them know we read it on her blog . She has great information awesome pictures, we have tried several places she has recommended, all were amazing. Highly recommend reading her blog. Kathleenread more
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It was my first time visiting Belize and San Pedro so naturally I had a ton of questions when it came time to planning... the travel. Taco Gril's blog was an invaluable source of information for all the travel questions in Ambergris Caye. I was able to learn a lot of basic information, as well as many tips and tricks. In addition when I reached out to Taco Girl for advice on finding a local photographer and a restaurant recommendation, she was very quick to respond and gave me many helpful suggestions. She also provided a lot more information from a local's point of view, which was much for valuable than than a typical guidebook. Thanks to her helpful suggestions we were able to celebrate my daughter's birthday at a nice restaurant, and had a great photo family session with a local photographer. I'm very thankful for all her resources and knowledge.read more
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I started coming to San Pedro Belize in 2007 and that is when I met the online presence of Taco Girl. Her blogs on the... island and area are very personable and informative. She gives out promo codes from time to time so watch out for those. You cannot go wrong with someone who was a tourist and now lives here for quality info. Thanks Taco Girl for helping make my trips memorable!read more
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I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
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Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton!I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
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Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice... to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
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I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
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I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local... information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
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I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
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Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do what... everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
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Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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Belize Blog Est. 2007

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ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation. If you have any questions or want Belize help planning and booking, please feel free to contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

A few childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age. Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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