Drawing the Line on Safety
By STEVE GERRARD
Six months ago (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 Riveria Maya Safety Officer Committee, which consists of officers from the NACD, NSS-CDS, GUE, and IANTD and TDI, over the last few 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 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 silt 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!
However, as our community in Florida and Riveria Maya has grown, we have also increasingly come to rely on committees, in addition to individual actions, to discuss safety problems surrounding guidelines and access, and hopefully decide and implement what will best serve the community as a whole far as diver safety. This approach has its own frustrations as committees can sometimes act more slowly, if at all, than individual acting alone, as well as being influenced by politics.
The situation has become critical in Riveria 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 earlier this year. 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. In recent 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 November, NACD Safety Office Dennis Weeks came to my house to review and discuss the notes from the Riveria 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 Stoney 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 it’s 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) strand. 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 Riveria 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 divers 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!
stevegerrard@cavediver.com
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 Cemetery.*
• Recently installed.
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:
Ron Carmichael $ 50.00
Steve Clabuesch $50.00
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: $1200.00
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 January, 2010 another 9,000 feet of BRAIDED NYLON GOLD LINE will arrive 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
PAYPAL: Go to www.deephorizon.info making contribution specifying gold line for the Riviera Maya.
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.
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
Concern that the line past Cenote Zacil to Cenote Repair shop is worn and damaged.
Agreed that the line should be replaced with a #24 line.
Sistema Dos Pisos
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.
Agreed that the line leading to Paso de Lagarto should be extended bringing it closer the Grand Cenote/Cenote Ho Tul line.
Cenote Jailhouse
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
Concern that a #45 goldline was stolen from the cave.
The goldline was removed from the system as requested by the land owner. The goldline was used to replace the worn and damaged lines in the cavern zone at Dos Ojos.
Concern that a goldline should be used as the mainline in the upstream passageway of Nohoch:
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
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.
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
Concern that the line is that the current line is too small to adequately provide a visual reference while exiting in silty conditions.
Recommended that the line be changed to #36 for the first 200 feet of passageway.
Cenote Taj Mahal
Concern that the line to the waterfall room be changed to a line that is more easily referenced in the halocline.
Recommended that a braided #24 line be placed in this area of the cave.
Concern that the line downstream is worn and damaged and should be changed.
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
Concern that the line be changed to a #45 because the passage is smaller.
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 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.