Dear Ben :
Thank you for your review of
Cantamar in your October issue.
However, I need to make some
corrections .
First, our live-aboard the Fiesta
does have a compressor aboard, a
Poseidon P-500 and we are installing
a backup Bauer 9 CFM.
Second, our procedures say
that three different people aboard
have to make headcounts before
the boat moves somewhere else.
You did not witness the procedure
and assumed we are too soft. I can
assure you we are not.
We have been in operation
since 1983, originally known as
Baja Diving & Service. The fact
that in all these years we have
never had an accident – any kind
of accident, road, boat, diving,
etc. -- should count for something,
wouldn’t you say?
I made 150 copies of your report and handed it to customers.
The vast majority of these comments
disagree with your perception,
but it did help me to improve
and pay more attention in certain
areas.
Fernando Aguilar
Dear Fernando,
It’s good that your procedures
say that three different people
aboard are to make headcounts.
Still, during my ten dives on your
day boat I never observed anyone
making a headcount – and I
watched closely. As you know, a
diver left behind in the middle of
the Sea of Cortez would be in serious
straits. I trust my article will
lead you to ensure that your crew
follows your procedures to assure
that all divers are aboard before
your boat departs a dive site.
Ben Davison