Cozumel Port Closure

[manta_man]

Today many of the dive industry here in Cozumel met in front of the Captainea de Puerto's office. This person has the authority to close the port to all water activity when dangerous conditions are present. The problem over the past few days has been---are conditions dangerous enough to close the port? I believe that the unanimous concurrence from the dive industry on this question was-- NO--water is as flat as a pond, Wind is from the east at 4 to 7 kph and the sun was finally starting to shine through the persistent rain clouds. Here are the events of this morning. At 7:30 am we called the Captainea and were told that the port remained closed. However we were asked to call back at 9 for an update. This we did and were told that the report would be given at the normal time of 10:30. With the rain diminished, the clouds breaking and the sun starting to poke through the clouds, my shop manager and I went down to the Captainea's office. There were other members of the dive industry already gathering at the first floor office. Within fifteen minutes perhaps 60 others joined us. Although all of the conversation was in Spanish, some of the bilingual persons translated for us non speakers. We were told that three persons associated with the dive industry would be allowed to talk to Captainea. This did not go over well. Reminiscent of the 60's we all gathered on the front sidewalk and held a civil protest. The only shouting was in verse by the entire crowd---"OPEN THE PORT--OPEN THE PORT--OPEN THE PORT". We just wanted an answer to the question---WHY IS THE PORT CLOSED UNDER THESE CALM CONDITION.--and we wanted Captainea to address the entire gathering instead of three people. TV cameras had been rolling for over and hour and interviews of people from tourists to dive masters were done. Just after 10 am rumor had it that he would open the port at the 10:30 radio address. Many of the dive workers returned to the Caleta to prep boats. When the report came over the air at 10:30 the port remained CLOSED. Now with half of the civil crowd dispersed we again went into the first floor office and asked to talk to Captainea. I could see no advantage to me being there and I had clients to contact so I returned to the shop. Thirty minutes later word came down that the port was ABIERTO (open). We did two very nice dives at Columbia and Delilah and the conditions were excellent. This evening I contacted my shop manager to find out what had happened. After the 10:30 radio report. He along with four others associated with the dive industry were escorted in to see Captainea. It was a cordial meeting. I was not there, but was told that this is what occurred: Captainea explained his responsibilities and that he was new to the area. Representatives from the dive industry countered ---we understand and we know that every Captainea who has sat in that chair has been under the same pressure. However we live here and know when it is safe to go out and where we can go safely. The industry does not want to lose people or boats to bad weather. Also we do not want to lose visitors to one of the worlds best dive areas. Losing divers translates into losing tourists which translates into losing dollars/pesos which translates into losing jobs. All we ask is that you work with us.----A longer story shortened--- The Captainea was impressed and is willing to work with the industry and rely on their years of experience when weather becomes hazardous. Once again-- I was not present for this meeting so some of my report may need to be corrected. However the outcome of the meeting was good. We protested by CIVIL disobedience politely and non violently. The Captainea responded by listening and stated that he would gladly receive input from the dive industry to help him make his decisions. I believe that everyone involved was pleased at the outcome. The future will tell if we were successful.

 

[CAPTAIN SINBAD]

So how often does the port close? Is there a particular season where chances of a port closure are higher than usual?

 

[mmmbelows]

Today many of the dive industry here in Cozumel met in front of the Captainea de Puerto's office. This person has the authority to close the port to all water activity when dangerous conditions are present. The problem over the past few days has been---are conditions dangerous enough to close the port? I believe that the unanimous concurrence from the dive industry on this question was-- NO--water is as flat as a pond, Wind is from the east at 4 to 7 kph and the sun was finally starting to shine through the persistent rain clouds. Here are the events of this morning. At 7:30 am we called the Captainea and were told that the port remained closed. However we were asked to call back at 9 for an update. This we did and were told that the report would be given at the normal time of 10:30. With the rain diminished, the clouds breaking and the sun starting to poke through the clouds, my shop manager and I went down to the Captainea's office. There were other members of the dive industry already gathering at the first floor office. Within fifteen minutes perhaps 60 others joined us. Although all of the conversation was in Spanish, some of the bilingual persons translated for us non speakers. We were told that three persons associated with the dive industry would be allowed to talk to Captainea. This did not go over well. Reminiscent of the 60's we all gathered on the front sidewalk and held a civil protest. The only shouting was in verse by the entire crowd---"OPEN THE PORT--OPEN THE PORT--OPEN THE PORT". We just wanted an answer to the question---WHY IS THE PORT CLOSED UNDER THESE CALM CONDITION.--and we wanted Captainea to address the entire gathering instead of three people. TV cameras had been rolling for over and hour and interviews of people from tourists to dive masters were done. Just after 10 am rumor had it that he would open the port at the 10:30 radio address. Many of the dive workers returned to the Caleta to prep boats. When the report came over the air at 10:30 the port remained CLOSED. Now with half of the civil crowd dispersed we again went into the first floor office and asked to talk to Captainea. I could see no advantage to me being there and I had clients to contact so I returned to the shop. Thirty minutes later word came down that the port was ABIERTO (open). We did two very nice dives at Columbia and Delilah and the conditions were excellent. This evening I contacted my shop manager to find out what had happened. After the 10:30 radio report. He along with four others associated with the dive industry were escorted in to see Captainea. It was a cordial meeting. I was not there, but was told that this is what occurred: Captainea explained his responsibilities and that he was new to the area. Representatives from the dive industry countered ---we understand and we know that every Captainea who has sat in that chair has been under the same pressure. However we live here and know when it is safe to go out and where we can go safely. The industry does not want to lose people or boats to bad weather. Also we do not want to lose visitors to one of the worlds best dive areas. Losing divers translates into losing tourists which translates into losing dollars/pesos which translates into losing jobs. All we ask is that you work with us.----A longer story shortened--- The Captainea was impressed and is willing to work with the industry and rely on their years of experience when weather becomes hazardous. Once again-- I was not present for this meeting so some of my report may need to be corrected. However the outcome of the meeting was good. We protested by CIVIL disobedience politely and non violently. The Captainea responded by listening and stated that he would gladly receive input from the dive industry to help him make his decisions. I believe that everyone involved was pleased at the outcome. The future will tell if we were successful.

Glad to see the dive industry working together. This was my point when the marina was closed due to the race organizers, the industry benefits and is stronger when it works together rather than single dive shops looking out only for themselves, competition is fine but you have to know when to set rivalry and personal gains aside for your greater good.

 

[Reidkon]

Unbelievable that the vacation I work my arse off for, plan and pay for months in advance can be ruined by some green horn port master. The port was justifiably closed for a couple of days during my first visit a few years ago, however the port master allowed larger dive boats to run and we still got to dive The sea was rough and the ride wasn't pleasant but after diving from rubber ducks in South Africa it was like a swim in a pool. I certainly hope the new guy gets educated before we arrive in January.

 

[Cam1]

Manta Man, thanks for this information. I couldn't figure out why rain was closing the port, now I know. My dive buddy and I will be arriving CZM Friday and diving with you folks at Tres Pelicanos starting Saturday for 4 days. The weather forecast looks pretty good for our trip, hope it holds. I also read another post regarding boas being forced into town by the rain, that could make going to the hotel from the bar kind of interesting, what do you think, bring the really big dive knife? Ok, that was a joke, I don't want PETR, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Reptiles, on my butt.

 

[manta_man]

First I would like to point out that the Captainea de Puerto is in a thankless position. Should he close the port or not. What happens if he leaves it open and a boat is sunk or damaged. I believe it is fair to state that all of us should bend to the side of caution. In my opinion this was his thinking for the first day of closure. A tropical depression had stalled over the Isle. A large amount of rain had fallen and lots more was forecast. Visibility conditions during some of the squalls on the water was not good. Boats had their navigation lights on. Divers aboard were cold and shivering. However Captains and crews had seen these conditions before. In mere minutes the rain blew away leaving cloudy drizzly skies, but plenty of visibility to see other boats and divers. Backrolling into the warm water (85 degrees on my computer) was like heaven. Under the water the vis was at least 80 feet. Darker light conditions due to the lack of sun which made for interesting dives.
To answer a few questions asked--Norte season is usually from December through February. Please correct me if I am mistaken about this period. My experience on port closings has been due only to wind. When the wind turns and comes from the north it creates waves that are not fun to ride in. Many of the dive boats are of the panga style. The Captainea has the option to close the port to smaller craft.- Boats over 48 feet (I think) can sometimes be allowed to go out. I can tell you that when we have a Norte---you look out over the bay and the waves are crashing over the seawall on Raphael Melgar (water front street) the port will be closed.
I don't believe the Captainea is inexperienced. Only that he may have been stationed in a port where tourism is not as important as it is here on Cozumel. If he were stationed in a fishing port, then rain may be a good reason to close things down. However--here---tourism is about all that Cozumel has to offer. Captains know that when winds are blowing from the south, the furthest boats might go is Punta Tunich or Santa Rosa.--The point here is that we all hope that the new Captain will listen to the folks who have been here a lifetime--know and understand sea conditions, and work with the industry.
Boas were reported to be in the streets. NON poisonous, these reptiles were only trying to find high--dry--ground. Those who have been in a Cozumel down pour know how the storm drain system works--NOT-- as water flows down towards the ocean and ponds on the low areas of streets. I drove through areas where the water was at the top of the tires on my Nissan pick up. The proper authorities were called out to manage the snakes--removed and taken back to the jungle.
In closing I hope that the new Captainea gains experience by working with the people who have a lifetime knowledge of the waters. Closing the port using a weather forecast from Veracruz--may not apply to this area. Closing the port due to rain may effect a fishing village, but not dive operators and boat captains who know how to operate during a sudden rain squall that will go away in ten minutes. Lets all give the Captainea the benefit of doubt for these two closings and hope that the future will bring wise decisions.