Ultramar and dive bags/tags

[Jake]

Just got back from my first trip to Cozumel; what an amazing place.

We used all three ferry companies during the trip, and on our last trip from Cozumel to PDC the attendants would not give us bag tickets if the bags had scuba gear in them. My Spanish is ok but not great, so I didn’t quite understand why they wouldn’t tag our bags. Sounded like maybe we were supposed to pay a separate fee, but I’m not certain.

On the way to the island a different ferry company tagged everything without any problems.

Would anyone know why Ultramar wouldn’t tag our dive items?

On an unrelated note, huge thanks to Tres Pelicanos and Cenote Xperience. What amazing companies they are.

 

[Prop Joe]

While I'm not exactly sure... I'm pretty sure they do not want to be held liable for damaged dive gear as it can be uber expensive to replace. They do tend to heave the bags onto the vessel rapidly and stack bags on top of bags. If you are foolish enough to pack fragile stuff in any bag then try to sue the handlers for miss handling. Guess what... Your SOL.
Another Rule/Law made to protect us from our own stupidity.

Edit: I deny the fact that there is dive gear in my bag and take full responsibility that it is packed correctly. I carry all of my fragile stuff in my carry-on and do not trust the airlines in this regard either.

 

[ReefHound]

While I'm not exactly sure... I'm pretty sure they do not want to be held liable for damaged dive gear as it can be uber expensive to replace.

What does providing a bag tag or not have to do with liability? All the tag does is ensure (if they check) that the bag is handed back to the same person/party that handed it to them. I doubt you'll have much success holding them liable for alleged damage to any item in any bag, tag or no tag. Besides, it that was the concern I think the question would be is there any electronics or anything fragile. My guess is that dive gear is often wet, and they don't want anything wet dripping onto all the other bags.

I doubt they handle bags any rougher than the airlines do. Just imagine checking your bags at the airport, being asked if it contains dive gear, and if so then it doesn't get tagged.

 

[ReefHound]

Edit: I deny the fact that there is dive gear in my bag and take full responsibility that it is packed correctly. I carry all of my fragile stuff in my carry-on and do not trust the airlines in this regard either.

And suppose you get your bags back and discover your new regulator set is missing. Now you're in the awkward position of claiming dive gear is missing from a bag you already declared did not contain dive gear.

 

[gopbroek]

The alternative is buy a ticket for another ferry. I do not think this is new, several years back I was asked the same question when checking a bag. I don't remember Barcos Caribe or Mexico Waterjet asking but it's been a few years since I have hauled dive gear to the island.

 

[Frank Storms]

I used Ultra Mar last Monday and was only asked if valuable items
were in bag. Answer was no. Wife was walking with me!

 

[Charred]

Question:

I carry-on my gear in a single duffel/backpack. Can you not keep a carry-on with you on the ferry?

 

[Streydog]

In January I carried dive gear back and forth 3 times. All but one time on Mexico Water Jet and they never asked, even when it was in a mesh dive bag they checked it. The one time on Barcos Caribe they would not check it and had me carry it on. There are a few things about the ferry boats I don't understand.

 

[Frank Storms]

Question:

I carry-on my gear in a single duffel/backpack. Can you not keep a carry-on with you on the ferry?

I have seen passengers toting two or more bags on board, no problem as far as I know.
May be a little awkward going to the upper decks, but fine on main deck.

 

[ReefHound]

I've been on light ferries, sometimes nearly empty, where space was ample and they probably couldn't care less how much you bring on board. At other times when the passenger load is heavy it might be an issue. You might need to board last and disembark last so as not to interfere with all the passengers trying to get on and off.