Drawing The Line On Safety
Drawing the Line on Safety
By STEVE GERRARD
Last year (April, 2009), I wrote an article titled “SAFETY IS ALWAYS FIRST” that outlined some of the safety issues surrounding cave diving in the Riviera Maya. One of the problems is that the cave diving sites that were once impossible or difficult to visit are now easily accessible to everyone. A second problem is the resistance to change on part of some of the local cave diving community. Explorers who put in the time and effort to explore and survey these caves are, in some cases, finding it hard to let go, and accept the changes necessary so that these caves can accommodate more divers. I am speaking specifically about the need for improved guidelines for navigation, which are critical for diver safety, particularly in the light of increased traffic.
Though improvements to the existing line system have been agreed to, and implemented by the Riviera Maya Safety Officer Committee, which consists of officers from the NACD, NSS-CDS, GUE, and IANTD and TDI, over the last eight months, I believe there are further improvements to guidelines that need to be made, in addition to a change of attitude on the part of the apparent disgruntled minority. I would like to discuss both of these issues in this article.
As several of my cave diving friends have pointed out to me in recent years, I am “old school." What I've learned and practiced during 35 years of cave diving is that improving potentially hazardous guidelines is a matter of common sense and good judgment on the part of individual divers. My sincere belief that every cave diver has the responsibility to correct, improve or remove a potential guideline danger when we find or encounter it.
If you find a broken line, you fix it. If a guideline has been placed in a fragile part of the cave passage or hazardous location such as a line trap, hidden intersection or very silty area, you change the location. If the guideline is worn, frayed or difficult to follow visually because of size or discolored, you make it better, make it safer. Fortunately this philosophy has been practiced by the majority of cave divers for the last forty years and has gone a long way to make cave diving safer and better for everyone too. It should be a very simple process!
Over the years the sport of caving diving has grown, changing the dynamics of maintaining the caves from an individual’s responsibility to as is the case in both Florida and Riviera Maya committees established to deal with issues not only of safely but also conservation and access. The hope is that a committee will decide what will best serve the community as a whole and to implement the best procedures for diver safety. With committees comes the opportunity to discuss the issues and come to a general consensus, but as we all know this process is inherently more involved and it is a rare committee that is not swayed by personal agendas.
The situation has become critical in Riviera Maya, which is one of the reasons I wrote the "Safety if Always First," article and also made specific recommendations to the local Safety Officer Committee in April, 2009. Though myself and other concerned individuals have made improvements to guidelines when we have encountered potential dangers, our actions have been met with strong emotions and some bizarre acts by disgruntled cave divers. During the past eight months, for example, one or more individuals have begun cutting the tips off safety arrows in various systems in an apparent act of displeasure. It is hard to argue that this kind of action serves our sport and the community well.
This past November, 2009 NACD Safety Office Dennis Weeks came to my house to review and discuss the notes from the Riviera Maya Safety Committee meeting and the actions that they agreed to take to improve the guideline situation (see Appendix)
1). Overall, I am very happy with the response to my recommendations as many were accepted and agreed upon.
Respectively however, there are still a few more items that I think can be improved. The following are my additional recommendations that I believe will help make cave diving SAFER in Riviera Maya.
The Safety Officer Committee felt that the larger #45 braided nylon line is inappropriate in the caves. The argument is that there is no stretch or “give” when placing directional line arrows or making repairs or changes with this size of guideline. I always thought bigger meant it was safer to follow visually and or physically. However, I cannot dispute that there is no stretch of the chosen braided #45 nylon guideline. The solution is use a different type of braid and not a diamond braid. Another choice is use a smaller braided size line such as #36.
I do not agree that twisted lines are a safe alternative in popular and/or small passages, though the twisted #18 line is popular among cave explorers because it is in expensive and readily available.
Two months ago I wrote a letter to John Haugen who represents the E. L. Elwood Company of Stony Brook, New York which manufactures and distributes a wide range or cords and ropes. The National Association for Cave Diving and the Riviera Maya GOLD LINE working group buys “gold line” from this company. I asked John for his professional input on twisted versus braided cords. This is what he had to say:
FACT: Twisted rope of like materials will be stronger than a braided cord. To what percentage depends on the braid configuration. Some braid constructions are stronger than others. Twisted rope has a tendency to "hockle" or kink in some applications and a braided cord is then desired as those properties are lesser. Twisted rope may also spin its suspended material unlike a braided cord. If you are using "travelers" or clipping on to the line, braided cord is usually desired as well.
Twisted rope is typically the inexpensive workhorse and is seen of a kind of "throw away" item, where braids are more application specific. Abrasion resistance...Twisted rope is typically three (3) strands. Once a (1) strand is compromised, it puts an uneven load on the other two, lessening the strength and can lead to rapid failure. All nylon fiber hates being rubbed on sharp edges, rocks etc. whether it's twisted or braided. Braided cord deploys better and with a smoother profile, will typically resist snagging and abrasion tendencies better.
Virtually every cave diving manual and text states that braided nylon is the preferred and safer type of guidelines used for cave diving. Once a twisted string is nicked or cut, it becomes UNSAFE. That's why I don't understand why the Riviera Maya committee believes this kind of line is appropriate. I must add that Dennis Weeks supports braided cords 100%, however, the majority of this committee decided on recommending twisted string. Go figure. It has been said from a few members of our local cave diving community have stated that the original twisted exploration guidelines have a historical value (at least to the divers that laid them). That may be the case, but does this value exceed the value of a cave diver’s life? Perhaps they can be placed in a museum or put on eBay where at least they won't put a fellow cave diver in harms way.
I am very pleased that the committee agreed that a braided #24 nylon line color line be used for the upstream waterfall line at Cenote Taj Mahal. In addition, they installed a braided #24 line downstream to the Room of Cheers.
I do NOT, however, understand why GOLD LINE is considered inappropriate for upstream CENOTE NOHOCH NAH CHICH. During November, 2006 the landowner – Don Pedro Rodriquez – gave permission for gold line to be installed to designate the main line in the huge delta area. The gold line was donated by the NACD for that purpose. In December, 2006 Daniel Riordan ripped it out convincing the eldest son it was inappropriate. Dennis Weeks fully supports gold line for NOHOCH; however the majority of this committee was against it. In my opinion it is the superior alternative for diver safety. Isn't that the most important thing?
This concludes my report. I have one request please. I ask for comments, input and/or suggestions debating the twisted versus braided guideline issues and your “thoughts” for GOLD LINE designating main lines for popular caves in the RIVIERA MAYA.
THANK YOU. BE SAFE!
[email protected]
Appendix 1: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GOLD LINE.
During the Labor Day holiday first weekend of September, 1988 a young 21 year old woman certified as a Basic Cave diver was diving with her boyfriend upstream Orange Grove Sink – Peacock Springs Cave System, Suwannee County, Florida. After swimming pass a hairpin curve in the cave passageway they called the dive on Thirds and turned around to exit. Just as they swimming through the hairpin curve her primary light became dimmed (failed). They stopped and corrected the situation with a back-up primary light clipped to a “D” ring on her tanks. Because they were visually distracted with the task they had no visual contact with the permanent line. Located a short distance on the north side of the hairpin curve was an identical nylon string heading upstream an offshoot passage. When the couple completed their task and began to look for the permanent guideline, their eyes found the offshoot guideline not realizing it was the wrong line and began following it. Approximately, 300 feet into the passage the boyfriend realized they were NOT on the “main line” exiting the cave. He wrote a note on a slate informing the woman of the problem. They turnaround and began swimming back. As they passed another offshoot passage with clear water, the young lady bolted into it in total fear and anxiety. The boyfriend tried to catch her but failed and finally exited the cave. Her body was recovered the next day.
It was the first fatality of a “Basic Cave” trained cave diver with the NSS-CDS training program. This accident initiated the beginning a tremendously very successful and popular SAFETY program by installing large diameter GOLD NYLON BRAIDED lines in popular caves of North Florida. The intent was for this distinguishable and larger color line to designate the “main line” from all other guidelines for inexperienced cave divers or cave divers NOT familiar with the cave system. It was so popular that the NACD followed suit with their Gold Line program several years later. Today there are underwater caves all over the world with donated gold lines. The following cenote cave and caverns of the Riviera Maya have gold lines installed.
1. Cenote Aktun Koh. The main line completing the circuit through the Cenote Bear’s Den. This cave is no longer available for cave diving.
2. Cenote Calavera (Temple of Doom) –The Madonna Passage, the Coliseum Room and through the Hall of Giants Room.
3. Cenote Caracol (Labna Ha Eco Park) – the main line.
4. Cenote Carwash – upstream to Adrianna’s Room.
5. Cenote Chac Mool – upstream mainline 1500 feet/454 meters. Down stream to the Monster Room and past 150 feet/45 meters.
6. Cenote Dos Ojos – The downstream traverse to Cenote Dos Palmas to Cenote High Voltage to Cenote Tapir’s End to Cenote Monolito.
7. Cenote Eden. The River Run Circuit back through Cenote Zacil and Cenote Little Joe. The downstream passage to the Chapel Room air dome.
8. Cenote Mayan Blue - The “A’ tunnel 400 feet/121 meters past the Battleship Room. The entire “B” tunnel.
9. Cenote Taj Mahal – The Jumna River passage and towards Cenote Buena Vista.
The following cavern zones have gold lines installed:
1. Cenote Chac Mool.
2. Cenote Dos Ojos including the Bat Cave.
3. Cenote Eden.
4. Grand Cenote.
5. Cenote Taj Mahal.
6. Cenote Dreamland.*
7. Cenote Pet Cemetary*
*Installed November, 2009
THE RIVIERA MAYA GOLD LINE WORKING GROUP
There is a continuous difficulty in acquiring GOLD LINE for the caves of the RIVIERA MAYA. In the past the NSS-CDS and the NACD have generously donated GOLD LINE. The challenge in recent times is getting the GOLD LINE here to the RIVIERA MAYA. In addition, the COSTS of the BRAIDED NYLON GOLD LINE is now $79.00 per 1000 feet. This past summer I organized the RIVIERA MAYA GOLD LINE WORKING GROUP. The intent is to acquire the necessary funds to purchase and ship the GOLD LINE to the RIVIERA MAYA.
The following people have graciously donated money to this SAFETY cause:
Danny Allen $200.00
Ron Carmichael $ 50.00
Steve Clabuesch $50.00
Charles Cleland $100.00
Steve Gerrard $500.00
Darryl Harris $ 50.00
Dan Hartman $200.00
Jim Horvaka $ 50.00
Dr. Harry Mariniskis $100.00
Michael Munduno $ 50.00
Dan Orr $ 50.00
Richard Yost $100.00
Total so far: $1500.00
I would have at least another $1000.00 in donations, but several folks were very leery that the GOLD LINES would be ripped out of the caves by the few.
$750.00 was spent for the first 9,000 feet GOLD LINE as it was delivered on Friday, October 23rd. The GOLD LINE was installed by LUIS LEAL for the cavern areas of CENOTE DREAMLAND and the cavern area for CENOTE PET CEMETERY.
DENNIS WEEKS has suggested with their committee approval that the upstream CENOTE CARWASH GOLD LINE be replaced and there are several sections of the CENOTE DOS OJOS downstream traverse to be replaced.
The first week of February, 2010 another 9,000 feet of BRAIDED NYLON GOLD LINE arrived in the RIVIERA MAYA.
We are still seeking more funds to acquire more GOLD LINE in making the underwater caves SAFER. As long as good communication is maintained with the various personalities, there will be NO ripping GOLD LINES out of approved caves or caverns.
If you wish to contribute money to this cause for SAFETY please send your donation to:
STEVE GERRARD
2828 South McCall Road
SUITE 32
ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA 34224
Appendix 2: Notes Safety Officers Committee Meeting at the ProTec Dive Center in Playa Del Carmen Fall, 2009
Hello All,
Sorry for my dropping the ball with producing the notes from our meeting at Protec many moons ago. I am sure everyone understands that sometimes life and business get in the way of our volunteer past times.
Attached is a word document summarizing our meeting we held to discuss Steve Gerrards’ suggestions for changes in the area.
I have spoken to Steve Gerrard about his suggestions and told him that I am responsible for the delay in a response to these suggestions. If everyone can review my notes and make changes/suggestions where needed I will change the meeting minutes and then forward an official copy to everyone.
I look forward to your comments,
Dennis Weeks
Cenote Calimba
Concern that the current line is worn and requires replacement with a new thicker line: The RSO agreed that the line should be replaced and that the line would be a twisted knotted #24. The replacement of the line took place from the entrance to the tee junction. All arrows and markers remained in place.
A thick white line (#45) was removed from Calimba as inappropriate as the line has no stretch to it. A twisted and knotted #24 (approx) was installed to the T intersection.
Cenote Carwash.
Concern that the permanent line upstream starts too far back was discussed. Keeping in mind that many cavern courses are conducted at this site and that many open water divers continue to frequently dive the area, the following was agreed, that the permanent line going upstream towards Lukes Hope would be extended closer the entrance reducing the length of line required to make the connection from open water. The line would be extended with #24 twisted line out to the an area behind the stop sign just before the descent through the narrow area and approximately at the same depth as the sign.
The line was extended toward the entrance and tied off well beyond the stop sign and at the same depth of the stop sign.
Cenote Cristal /Naharon
Concern that that the #45 line was taken out from the upstream area leading to Chacs Room: The line was taken out because the line was unsafe; it floated towards the ceiling when the line came loose. There was concern that the line leading to Chac’s Room is stained and hard to see and that and the line be one continuous line to Chac’s Room:
It was agreed that the line should be replaced (and may need to be replaced on a more regular schedule due to tannin staining) with a #24 braided line. It was discussed that the configuration of the line be such that line running in the Halocline passage is configured with a gap on both ends and that the mainline be configured as a continuous line into and beyond Chac’s Room.
Cenote Dos Ojos
Concern that the upstream line “Imax” be changed to a continuous Goldline to the Air Dome. Replace the goldline running downstream on the River run to Cenote Monolito
Agreement that Dennis Weeks apply to the NACD for 6000’ of gold line to replace this upstream line.
Cenote Eden
There is concern that the line past Cenote Zacil to Cenote Repair shop is worn and damaged. It was agreed that the line should be replaced with a #24 line.
Sistema Dos Pisos
There is concern that the line in the entrance series is worn and damaged.
Agreed that the line should be replaced with a #36 braided line
Grand Cenote
Concern that the gap from the Grand Cenote/Cenote Ho Tul traverse line to the line leading into Paso de Lagarto is too much distance and should be shorter making the jump easier. It was agreed that the line leading to Paso de Lagarto should be extended bringing it closer the Grand Cenote/Cenote Ho Tul line.
Cenote Jailhouse
There is concern that the guide line is stained brown/black making it difficult to maintain visual contact with the line. Replacement of the line to the T with a #36 line and all other lines is replaced with a #24 line as required.
Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich
There was concern that a goldline should be used as the mainline in the upstream passageway of Nohoch:
There was a discussion was held to the merit of a goldline as the mainline in Nohoch. It was the consensus of the group of RSO that a goldline is not required due to the excellent visibility and the passage configuration.
Further discussion was held as to the distance of jumps and gaps in the Nohoch system. After discussion, it is recommended that all jumps and gaps in the Nohoch system be a minimum of 2 meters and when possible located 3m apart.
Cenote Minotauro
There was concern that the line was worn and damaged.
It is recommended that the line be replaced with #24 twisted and knotted line.
Cenote Pet Cemetery.
There was concern that #18 line is unsafe and that the recently installed #45 line will be removed. It is recommended that the #45 line be removed from the passage leading to the Blue Abyss as the line is unsuitable for a cave environment – it has no stretch and is virtually impossible to install markers or to repair tie off points that have come off. The line should be replaced with a #24 twisted line.
Cenote Regina
There was concern that the line is that the current line is too small to adequately provide a visual reference while exiting in silty conditions. It was recommended that the line be changed to #36 for the first 200 feet of passageway.
Cenote Taj Mahal
There was concern that the line to the waterfall room be changed to a line that is more easily referenced in the halocline. It was recommended that a braided #24 line be placed in this area of the cave. There was concern that the line downstream is worn and damaged and should be changed. It was recommended that the line be replaced with a #24 braided line.
Additional notes: The line before the first restriction past the Chinese Gardens has been cut back. The passage way is very unstable and diving is not recommended in this area.
Cenote Xunaan Ha
There was concern that the line be changed to #45 because the passage is smaller. It was recommended that the lines stay the same. There is current survey and exploration work taking place and any concern can be revisited in the future. In addition to Steve Gerrard’s suggestions for changes the following items were discussed.
Sistema Chac Mool
The line leading past Cenote Pakal will be cut back creating a gap. The reason for this is the passageway is very unstable providing a very unsafe environment.
Additional Notes:
Dennis Weeks will apply to the NACD for the NACD “Stop” sign for installation in numerous systems where the signs need replacing. He will also check with the NACD to see if there is any problem to print the NACD “Stop” sign here in Mexico, saving shipping costs.
No permanent line arrows in the cave systems should be removed, replaced, defaced or damaged in any way. Doing so adversely affects the safety of all cave divers. Please strongly discourage this practice if seen or heard of. Damaged or vandalized arrows may be replaced as required.
There is a Safety Officer Committee in the Riviera Maya. They consist of the following individuals:
Steve Bogearts - National Speleological Society – Cave Diving Section
Fernando del Valle Prieto - International Association for Nitrox & Technical Diving
Daniel Riordan - Global Underwater Explorers
Chuck Stevens – National Association for Cave Diving
Dennis Weeks - National Association for Cave Diving
Harry Gust - Technical Diving International. Harry “politely bowed out” of the committee as did not agree with some of their actions.
The following are a few responses to these reports:
“I re-read your essay on "Is Safety Always First" - it just does not make sense that intelligent people just cannot get over their biases and do the right thing. They are living in the past and not looking at what is best for the community. Even a moron would realize that a gold main line as a standard would be the safest thing the cave community could do to safeguard everyone. And anyone who has worked around lines would choose braided over twisted for 99% of all applications. Some safety committee. You should be commended for fighting the good fight, we can only hope eventually you will win!”
Steve Clabuesh – Diving Officer for the University of California – Santa Cruz - USA
“It is both amazing and with alarm that I read about your gold line project and the personalities that continue to pepper the good sense of the cave diving community. Keeping worn unsafe lines in a system for sentimental reasons is near goofy if not downright dangerous. I recall being taught that braided nylon was the only way to go in a cave. Durable and yes, expensive. But cutting costs is the beginning of trimming safe practices and ultimately an unwanted or catastrophic result. If you can't afford to do it right, don't do it!! Keeping old line because some dinosaur laid the line is really an excuse for being stupid. If you're that attached to the line, reel it up and make a shrine out of it, just keep it out of the way”!
Mike Poskey - Tallahassee, Florida - USA
“I really wonder about the hick-hack at the Riviera Maya.
I mean, safety is paramount for cave diving, regardless of the political or „religious“ diving community you belong to. Here in Europe, we get the impression that some people just try to bolster their ego. Obviously, we are very far from Mexico and have only small pieces of information.
As Europeans we always appreciated very much the almost perfect laid gold lines. We are trying to do the same in European caves. So we cannot understand the behavior of some people at your place or panels taking somewhat strange decisions……..
Keep in mind that above all, the safety should be the primary concern!
Best regards and safe diving all the way....along a secure gold line. Hope you get strong support.”
Beat Müller - Swiss Cave Diving
“I was sorry to hear of the people working against your cause to make cave diving safer! There seems to be no way to argue with your well founded points! As a lifelong boater, I have always used twisted nylon rope for anchor rode, due to its higher breaking strength. I have always used braided rope for docking and mooring due to the higher abrasion resistance. The large gold line does inspire confidence when returning to the exit after a long dive. I sure hope this can be worked out before you donate more of your valuable time and expense to make this happen! The gold line has been placed in many popular cave diving sites in N. Florida with no problems, I am aware of! It just seems malicious to take out the line. I don’t think there would even be enough value, if you could sell it on e-bay to even recover the cost of an air fill, much less the amount of crack cocaine you would have to smoke to come up with such a plan.”
Safe Diving! Doug Hand- Destin, Florida- USA
“I was shocked by several cave diving friends who informed me that Cave Diving Instructor Bil Philips was fully admitting he was cutting off the tips to many of the safety arrows and removing many of the safer guidelines and putting twisted #18 line in place of it. How immature and irresponsible!
Teri Orr – Illinois - USA
“My reflections on your article:
Very interesting read. It's good to hear that the region is developing and that those great cave diving sites gets more accessible. On the other hand more divers, many inexperienced with overhead diving, means higher likelihood for accidents and more stress on the environment. I really hope you keep your ground on these matters. I find it quite a bit ironic that you are the most senior or "old school" active cave diving instructor in Yucatan, and still you are the most open and constructive on the fact that cave diving in Mexico is changing and that the community needs to adapt. The world gets more crowded and exploited regardless of what we think. Deal with it.
I think a good overall guiding philosophy regarding permanently installed cave line and markers is that it should be intimidating and hard to find your way in (by use of warning signs and cut back main lines), but once you are in the cave zone it must be easy to navigate and find the nearest exit regardless of training and experience.
Navigational errors are the contributing factor or main cause in the vast majority of cave diving accidents. So to promote safer navigation by replacing old lines with new ones that are more visible and durable seems obvious to me. To say that the lines have historical value and should be untouched is like saying the same thing regarding dangerous roads. Safety is always first.
The thicker and more visible colored lines in high traffic areas are common sense. There are also braided lines with reflective material in them that might be used. Reflective markers in junctions and/or "road signs" could also be a good idea.
To continue the road analogy, if you drive on an outback road and there are branches on it or a road sign is hidden by vegetation, then stopping and fixing the problem is the right thing to do. If you have to write an application about it, present it to a community and have the changes approved, and then drive back out there the next day. Most of us won’t bother, and that does not promote safety.”
Maintain and be safe Steve!
All the best from Patrik and Karin Holmquist - Sweden
“About 2 yrs ago or so, you dived the Cenotes with a gentleman named Larry Babcock & a small group he took down (Michael Nichols & Stan Brown) from the Evansville, IN area. I am currently a cave diving student of Larry's. I just read your article on guideline safety down there & what you had to say makes complete sense to me. Under No circumstances should the guidelines or marker be removed, replaced or defaced by individuals just because they don't like it, like the change or ego issues. These guidelines are potentially someone's life. They should only be replaced when & as needed due to damage. I am currently only at the Introductory to Cave Diving level, but Larry has drummed into me the importance of the guideline & how to take care of it, why the different diameter sizes of the lines. In fact he recently had me to do a lost guideline drill in which I would come across a smaller sized line (side tunnel) before reaching the main guideline. I was successfully able to ascertain that the smaller line was not the correct line. It drove home the point of how things can easily get confusing, if one is not properly trained in them. Being that all cave divers I know are human, mistakes can be made. Confusion &/or the possibility of confusion should be kept to a minimum as much as possible. Thank you for such an enlightening article. Once I reach Full Cave certification, my hope is to some day come down to Mexico & to see these wonders of the underwater/ ground”.
Tammy Storm – Indiana - USA
“All I can say is go figure. Egos, egos. I myself prefer braided line because of the abrasion factor. It has been my experience that it holds up much better than twisted. Is cheaper twisted line worth a life? I too think Gold Line marking main passages is a very helpful and life saving idea. Too bad so many people let their egos get in the way of rational thought.
Keep trying diplomatically. Looks like you are making progress. I suspect as the cave diving community over times puts pressure on this committee to standardize with the rest of the world that it will eventually occur. It seems to be this way in all things as a population works towards a standard.”
Guy Bryant – Valdosta, Georgia- USA
“Cave lines are a very serious matter and our lives depend on them. I personally am very comfortable with you maintaining and improving the lines, because I know you and feel that you are one of the most, if not the most qualified to do so. The idea, however, that just ANYBODY can change the lines is really SCARY!!! I believe it is a fact that there are well-meaning individuals who THINK they are qualified to change the lines, but it is possible that some of these individuals are not as qualified as they think they are. If too many people start changing lines, even with the best intents, then we have a very serious, potentially deadly mess. I hate to involve government in anything (especially the Mexican government), but I can see where it may be necessary in this case. Perhaps it should be a crime for unauthorized individuals to interfere with the lines. Maybe there should be a government appointed safety officer to oversee this and only the most qualified, government appointed divers should be allowed to control the lines. I know this is an extreme viewpoint and maybe is not even do-able with local politics being what they are, but when I am in a cave, I want to KNOW that the lines are correct and are properly marked and maintained. I would be happy to pay a park fee to support this. I am very much aware of the argument that a cave diver should always be aware of where he is and should not be relying on the lines. Frankly, I wish I were good enough that this would always be the case. I am sure you are-I am not. More than once, I have gotten so turned around and confused that I have had to rely on my buddy to find the way out. That is a very uncomfortable feeling , but it happens., especially to those of us who don't get to go cave diving as often as we would like. For what it is worth, that is my input”
Tim Corwin – South Hampton, New York - USA
“Diplomacy is a delicate art that few possess. You have the bruises to prove the countless times you have bashed your head against this stubborn wall of resistance. Therefore my cautioning voice of saying much the same intent with a little less bitterness is hard to do. I know for I am a strong personality, who likes to roll up my sleeves and get things done too. I feel that you should have celebrated your victories in the beginning. And then went on with there is still more to do. The rest lays on the editing floor.
In your reports you have not mentioned how the committee is formed? Is there a governing body? Is there a vote on members? Therefore who grants these individuals the authority they are wielding? I ask this for as in all committees the best place for change is from within the committee.
Another note can you set up a pay pal account for donations?
And you can set up a Facebook page for Cave Diving Gold line.
It is not just in your area but an international issue and it could unite a few different cave groups and draw a spot light onto the issue.
Just a few thoughts. Good luck.
Bonnie Cotier – United Kingdom
“ONLY POSITIVE! A major written improvement in the ongoing attempt to encourage Mexico locals to improve the safety of these wonderful cave systems.
Before I forget, I'll donate $100 to the fund and have it delivered next month to your address in Mexico.
Not to many years ago, it was the responsibility of EVERY cave diver to maintain lines and keep the caves marked and safe. Somehow, in the complacency of a few, the fundamental training application has been lost. It's sad really that we can't have GOLD lines in all major sections. Debating this seems to be a total waste of time.
Your attempt to solicit support is well timed and very well written. Safety must be of highest priority”!
Safely Maintained,
Gary Gressett – Texas - USA
Welcome to the Cave Diver's Forum.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by NEON
If one does not know the cave well then staying near to and paying close attention to the line would only be prudent.
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