DR Underwater Cave Discoveries Article

[phillip1]

From the info I got, the restricted access it is due to vandalism and has nothing to do with diving.
I don't think the research should be stopped and it is not a new thing either, the research has been going on for a long time since 94 I think and there was never any access problems until now.
In a cave that I will leave unnamed thieves stole the water pump, they also steal electrical cable and it had apparently got so bad that the park authorities decided to act and try and control the situation a bit better.
As for renting tanks, from my experience the various shops don't really like to rent tanks to people they don't know as opposed to it being a certification issue.

[DRSharky]

In a cave that I will leave unnamed thieves stole the water pump, they also steal electrical cable and it had apparently got so bad that the park authorities decided to act and try and control the situation a bit better.

I've heard about this long time ago, maybe a year or so. That was a cave that was closed to public and was used by the resorts as a water source. So it's either an old case and they decided to do something about it now, or it happened again recently (which I wouldn't be surprised).

Vladi,

There are places to rent tanks on the island if your cave certified... why would a shop not rent tanks if someone has the correct training and experience.
Why does your shop not rent tanks to cave certified divers?
Dave

I lived 2 years on the north coast and almost 2 years now on the south, so maybe you have more experience with renting tanks in DR then me. I haven't seen any dive shop on the north or here to do it - well I wasn't looking for one, but that's what all the shops I worked with told me.
I don't run a typical dive shop, only a dive boat. My shop is for meeting with clients or a classroom for courses. I don't rent the equipment, only to my clients that book diving with me online. I specialize in private diving, most of the clients bring their own equipment, I just supply them with weights and air.

Reason I don't rent the equipment - certification doesn't mean that the diver is a good diver. My friend is an instructor, but as a diver he is worse then some of my clients that are "only" OW divers. Also don't forget, most of the divers that come to the area like this are diving only when going on a vacation and they need a guide. Some of them are "trained" so well, that they cannot even set up the equipment by themselves. And they are certified too. Would you rent a tank to these people? I have to dive with people to evaluate their skills.
And in case of an accident while a diver uses my equipment - I wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

[DaveP]

There is a closed sign at Padre Nuestro cave.

"The cave where they were discovered, which is part of an aquifer and cave system that supplies water to nearby resorts, has been closed for research purposes."

http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/nor...und%20bayahibe