Club Cantamar Revisited

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