SAFETY IS ALWAYS #1!
The definition for safety is to free or minimize something from danger or risk. It is a natural act that we all do each day. When you drive a car safely you follow the proper speeds, wear a safety belt and perform the necessary maintenance in order for the vehicle to operate in a safe manner such as tires, brakes and basic mechanical functions. The same thing is true with cave diving. To minimize the risk or danger we acquire training, follow a set of basic rules, learn to properly use and take care of the equipment necessary to execute the dive to see and enjoy the cave and use a few tools for the most important aspect of safe cave diving – navigation. That means always be sure of your exit out of the cave. That makes the guideline the highest priority for safety. It is used as a visual aid and only in emergencies – lack of visibility – necessary to become a physical tool to find your way out of a cave.
During the past ten years Mexico’s Riviera Maya has dramatically changed from a very remote and secluded jungle area into a modern and bustling international tourist destination with a rapidly growing population. The cave dive sites that were once impossible or difficult to visit are now becoming easily accessible. One of the problems is a cave that was once only a few have visited or explored are now available for everyone. Another problem is change. The few explorer cave divers who made the time and effort to explore and survey a cave are seeing their little world change. It is tough to let go of something you possessed and now have to share with the many. The act of tradition and the excuse of a string having some type of historical value have no place for the benefit for safety. It happened in Florida and the transition is happening in the Riviera Maya.
The following are suggestions whose aim is to make unsafe situations safer and better for cave diving. There is no right or wrong, only ideas to put forward for consideration. Because is it not every cave diver’s responsibility to make cave diving safer?
CENOTE CALIMBA
This very popular cave dive site is a small, windy passage that has a few minor restrictions along the route to the Paso De Lagarto line of the Grand Cenote. The line is frayed and beat up in many places, broken and repaired in one particular location. If any line needs to be replaced, this cave passage should be a high priority.
CENOTE CARWASH
Why does the permanent gold line upstream begin over 350 feet/ meters from outside the cave? During the past twenty years there has been countless number of complaints and frustrations from visiting cave divers trying to find the permanent upstream guideline. There are arguments such as tradition and a few local cave Instructors desiring the need for students practicing running the primary reel. So when does the needs of a few outweigh the needs of the many? Why can’t the permanent guideline begin closer?
The offshoot guideline known as the Madden/Turner passage leading to the Room of Tears was replaced in 2003 with a knotted #36 braided white nylon guideline.
CENOTE CRISTAL – NAHARON
During 1995, Jim Coke (before moving back to Texas) replaced the stained #18 twisted upstream main line with a larger braided white line all the way to Chac’s Room. He did this because the guideline had become dangerously stained dark brown and very difficult to visually follow. You can say that Jim really cared for safety. During the next eight years that guideline gradually became stained dark brown again. During 2003 the dark stained guideline to Chac’s Room was replaced again and another 800 feet/ meters added further. Two years ago the #45 guideline was ripped out and replaced with a #18 twisted line. Why?
It is recommended that the #18 twisted line be replaced (again) with a safer #45 guideline. It is also suggested that the jump from the main line to the Halocline Room line be eliminated and that the main line be one continuous guideline into Chac’s Room. There is no need for a jump at this location as it regarded as the main line.
CENOTE DOS OJOS
The upstream passage beyond the cavern zone is known as the IMAX passage. It passes by Cenote Tak Be Ha and reaches a very shallow water air dome before continuing further to several other outstanding areas of this cave system. The line is a #18 twisted string. This cave passage is a very popular dive for cave divers. A #45 gold or white guideline installed all the way to the air dome would be the proper solution in making this dive safer.
CENOTE EDEN
The upstream passage past Cenote Zacil on its way to Cenote Repair Shop is a section of cave that is small and consists of worn & damaged #18 twisted string. It is a popular route to traverse to Cenote Chickin Ha or reverse. This line should be replaced with safer and more dependable guideline.
SISTEMA DOS PISOS at CENOTE PIG
This cave is located 7 kilometers south of Tulum on Highway 307 on Rancho Campesino. The land owner is Roberto Canche Camara. A year ago a road was constructed all the way to this cenote making the accessibility much easier and convenient.
The beginning 300 feet/90 meters is a very low and silty (clay) passage that is #18 twisted line. It is frayed and worn in several places and repaired in one location. The configuration of the cave passage forces cave divers to have physical contact. As this cave continues to become popular, it is recommended that this unsafe line be replaced with a safer and more dependable #45 braided white or gold nylon guideline.
THE GRAND CENOTE
The upstream main line from the Grand Cenote to Cenote Ho Tul ends. There is a 60 foot/18 meter gap to the next line, which goes to the Cuzan Nah area. In the past, Cenote Ho Tul was accessible and a viable entry point into the cave system. During early 2008 an 8 foot/2.7 meter high green chain link fence was installed blocking all access to the cenote. Therefore, why is there need for a long gap? It is recommended that a continuous guideline be established eliminating the need for using a reel or spool to fill in the gap.
The jump from the main line to the Paso de Lagarto passage has been a long 70 feet/21 meter distance since 1990. Why is there such a need for a long distance in a big and wide-open area? This junction area has been the center for controversy for many years. Because of the tremendous popularity of this underwater cave, why have a long distance jump?
It is recommended that a short distance of 21 feet/7meters or less be established for a jump or better yet, make this junction area into a permanent intersection properly marked with directional arrows making this area safer and easier for all visiting cave divers.
During early November, 1990 Jim Coke replaced the exploration #18 line with a white braided #45 guideline between the Grand Cenote and the Cenote Ho Tul. In addition, he eliminated the jump between the two cenotes and made it into a jump to the Paso De Lagarto passage.
CENOTE JAILHOUSE “The Muknal Siphon Area”
This cenote was once very difficult to reach requiring a 6 – 8 minute hike to carry your equipment to the water. Not many cave divers had dive this site as it was not very well known, challenging and hard to find. Today, the land owner has made the cenote easily accessible with a very short distance to walk to the water and plenty of parking for vehicles and now very popular for cave diving.
The downstream passage leads the cave diver to some of the most gorgeous power saltwater cave passages in the Riviera Maya. To swim to these areas the cave passages are located in the shallow fresh water zone. The entire Naranjal cave system is fed by a huge swamp drainage area located ten kilometers further inland, thus a continuous feed of tannic acid. After so many years, the once white guidelines become permanently stained dark brown. Because the fresh water cave passages are also stained a dark brown to black colors, this makes following the guidelines visually very difficult. It is suggested that periodically the stained #18 twisted lines be replaced with fresh white #45 or #36 guidelines in making the navigation safer.
CENOTE NOHOCH NAH CHICH
From 1988 – 2004 this cenote was only accessible by hiking 40 minutes from Highway 307 with all equipment carried by horse or burro for cave divers to enjoy the cave. It was established as a business for the benefit of the Don Pedro Rodriquez Maya family and a dive store business in Puerto Aventuras. All cave divers who chose to dive Cenote Nohoch Nan Chich were always under a guide system program provided by the dive store business. The dive store business was sold and a huge Outdoor Adventure company based in Playa Del Carmen obtained the concession to Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich to organize and conduct snorkel group tours for tourists from a long list of hotel resorts under contract. Because of the volume of people to use the cenote an agreement was made with the Rodriquez family and the Ejido Jacinto Pat to make the trail into a drivable road financed by the Outdoor Adventure Company. Once that road was completed, Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich was easily available for all cave divers to dive and enjoy.
The physical characteristics of the cave system are similar to a huge river only underground. As the water drainage approaches Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich the cave passages spread into a huge delta area, thus a vast network of exploration lines. There have been a countless number of comments of frustration and confusion from cave divers in trying to determine where was the main line.
During the summer of 2006 the National Association for Cave Diving graciously donated $500.00 worth of braided #45 gold guideline to be installed into Cenote Nohoch Nah Chich as has been previously done is several other cave systems in the Riviera Maya. Due to a few logistical problems with delivery the gold line was finally installed with the blessing of the land owner Don Pedro Rodriquez in early November, 2006. A month later the gold guideline was ripped out by a local dive store business and replaced with #18 twisted strings.
The cenote continues to one of the more popular cave dives in the Riviera Maya and establishing a safe guideline designating it is the main line would be the right thing to do for safety.
CENOTE MINOTAURO
The upstream cave section begins as a very shallow and small passage with a few minor restrictions and was consisting of a worn and frayed #18 twisted line. Twice during the past two years the unsafe line was replaced with a #45 braided guide line with approval of the land owner. As of March, 2008 the second generation #45 braided white guideline was still in place.
CENOTE PET CEMETERY
This cenote was entirely inaccessible since being first explored during 1993 and 1994. During the past three years, the land owner has invested thousands of dollars in making this cenote accessible. His goal is to develop the site into a popular snorkeling and outdoor eco area for tourists and locals to use and enjoy at a modest admission fee. The plus side for cave diving is gaining access to more beautiful underwater cave. What is quickly developing and will become one of the premier cave dives in the Riviera Maya swimming to the incredible Blue Abyss Room. This dive is a 45+ minute swim that requires negotiating three jumps and two minor restrictions from Cenote Pet Cemetery.
The permanent line to the Blue Abyss Room was a cheap #18 twisted string. It has been broken and repaired in several places. As of May 2008 the entire route to the Blue Abyss Room was replaced with a #45 braided white nylon guideline. Their have been threats to rip out the safer guideline and put back in place a twisted #18 line.
Luis Leal – co-owner and operator of the Aqua Caves Dive Center located at the Dos Ojos road entrance has been put in charge of the cave management of Cenote Pet Cemetery and many other cenote cave dive sites. He fully supports safer guidelines for the popular cave passages.
CENOTE REGINA
This cenote is located 4.5 kilometers south of Tulum at Rancho La Herrencia. The basin to this cenote is a nasty algae and extremely silty area. The permanent guideline begins at the surface tied to a tree stump. It leads vertically down to a ledge and mid-size opening at 15 feet/4.5 meters depth. The silt conditions are horrible while exiting. It is recommended that a #45 braided guideline be installed the first 200 feet/60 meters to make entries and exits for cave divers safer.
CENOTE TAJ MAHAL
The cave passage beyond the cavern zone leading to the jump to the Chinese Garden room areas was a worn and frayed #18 twisted exploration string. This passage meanders all the way to a feature known as the “water fall”. The passage is very white and in the middle of a halocline in some areas. The passage leading into the two rooms known as the Chinese Garden area begins with a minor restriction, craggily limestone and some halocline. Twice safer #45 guidelines replaced the old #18 twisted lines; these two locations are now returned back to #18 twisted strings. A safer and more dependable guideline would be the safe solution.
The downstream passage to the Room of Cheers is used by many Cave Instructors for many training drills and the line is a worn and frayed #18 string. This cave passage could benefit with a safer and dependable guideline.
CENOTE XUNAAN HA
This cave dive site is located behind the village of Chemuyil near the power lines. This cenote offers easy accessibility and is a great site for cave diving training. The upstream line consists of a #18 twisted line. Beyond 700 feet/225 meters the passage becomes very small. It is recommended that this unsafe line be replaced with a safer #45 white or gold guideline.
THE GOLD LINES PROGRAM
The gold line program was initiated by the National Speleological Society – Cave Diving Section during the fall of 1988 after the drowning accident of a certified Basic Cave Diver on September 6, 1988 at Orange Grove Sink part of the Peacock Springs Cave System. The purpose of the gold Kerman tile guidelines and years later changed to a braided #45 gold guideline is to designate the main line of the cave system that leads straight out of the cave with a larger size and/or different color. The intent of this program is to help navigate inexperience cave divers or cave divers not familiar with the cave to better understand what is considered the direct way in and out of the cave system. Within a few years all the popular underwater caves of North Florida had gold lines installed. Years later the demand for gold guidelines for caves in the Bahamas, Missouri and Mexico followed. During the late 1990’s the National Association for Cave Diving jumped on the band wagon with their Safety Officer program supplying requests from cave divers who desired gold lines for underwater caves.
The following caves of the Riviera Maya have gold lines installed designating the main line of the cave system.
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.
This is a great program that has proven itself in making cavern and cave diving safer and better for everyone. The NSS-CDS performed a magnificent job of initiating this safety program and establishing safe guidelines in the underwater cave systems. The NACD followed up with their contributions. However, both organizations have become weary and frustrated with the bickering and fighting in Mexico along with their own problems in the State of Florida, USA. Several members of both organizations have stated why Mexico cannot take care of its own problems. I totally agree.
THE MONEY TO OBTAIN SAFE GUIDE LINES
Nothing comes free. Luis Leal has asked me many times if I could obtain the safe gold #45 guide line for the Dos Ojos cave system and a few other locations. That is easier said than done, as this braided nylon safe guideline is not cheap.
I will recruit the necessary money. I can pledge a minimum $5,000.00 as many friends and supporters have informed me they are willing to donate to the worthy cause of making the underwater caves of the Riviera Maya safer. I personally pledge $500.00 to start this fund. As my friend Dan Orr – CEO and President of DIVERS ALERT NETWORK wrote me stating he would be very willing to donate money in the cause for safe cave diving. Because the majority of cave divers are from out-of-country, it would be appropriate if cave divers help make the cave safer. If you wish to help fund this worthy cause contact me at:
stevegerrard@cavediver.com
If you already know that you wish to donate$10.00, $25.00 or $50.00 to this GOLD SAFETY LINE for making cave diving safer in the Riviera Maya please send a check to:
STEVE GERRARD
2828 South McCall Road Suite 32
PMB 33
Englewood, Florida 34224
I will be sending out emails and letters asking for help. An accountant will certify all monies donated and all expenditures will be verified. A certificate will be issued to each person acknowledging his or her contribution.
Because is it not every cave diver’s responsibility to make cave diving safer?