what are the rules for divers in caves in FL and mexico?

[Al]

ok, we got some very good governmental contacts, and we need to make some proposals now

Cris, you are concerned with safety, but there are many others who will advocate sensible sounding rules to enrich themselves. First. KEEP YOUR GOVERNMENT OUT OF DIVING. Figure out which shops/guides are ethical and responsible and teach them how to guide these dives safely. They will spend the money to advertise and differentiate themselves from the idiots. Be patient, this doesn't happen overnight. There are still some full 100% idiots guiding people in the Mexican caves.

al

[phillip1]

basically we were asked to help come up with a set of safety rules so we are trying to figure out what solution would be best for the caves here.
Geologically the DR is very similar to Mexico but much more of a rough country with way more lawlessness and a general "out of control" kind of feel in law and order , this kind of leads to a free for all in all aspects of life here especially diving with many dive shops really not caring about anything and getting away with it.

I think the govt has taken notice and are starting to understand our concerns with the extremely dangerous untrained "guided" tours going on and does not want an accident to happen, especially since it involves only 3-4 dive shops.

On the other hand the govt really do not want to close the caves either and want to come up with a solution suitable for all, which is really cool and I think might work out really well.
The advantage/disadvantage here compared to Mexico is that in the DR there are way less caves and way less dive shops taking "tours" into caves so it will be easier I think to actually implement safety rules when/if they are in place, the disadvantage is...there are less caves.

[OFG-1]

Don't you dive on the left side of caves in Mexico instead of the right side like we do in the states?

[CaveBuddy95]

...Mexico..left side of cave?? noooo, we are travelling bang in the middle..above the line

[allen]

Apparently the rules in Mexico have changed. Six years ago, Mexican cavern guides only had to have Intro Cave certification. The guide I went with then seemed safe and knowledgeable. He stayed on the premanent guideline and was very careful not to stray out of the cavern zone.

[Aktun]

the mx official standars by mx gov with help of local cave divers, check secctions 5.1.2.1 to 5.1.2.4.7, there are some mistakes about the max penetration in cave 2 and cave 3 zones
http://transparencia.yucatan.gob.mx/...UR-09-1997.pdf
ohhh, is spanish
david

[AB8CD]

When will those Mexican officials start to use some common sense and write their laws in good ol' English! Like good Americans... Oh, Hmnn... Just forget what I said... my bad...