Hello BT'ers,

I am trying to determine possible funding sources and a governing body for a new program to benefit all divers who come to Bonaire. A possible name for the new program would be the Bonaire ShoreMaster Program. The goal is to create a group of "shore divemasters". Similar in some respects to a boat divemaster, except that the ShoreMaster would remain on land and only enter the water in case of an emergency. The ShoreMasters would be stationed at five different dive sites each day. One ShoreMaster per site. The sites would be rotated on a daily basis. The sites could be determined by the Dive Operator's Association and posted weekly where air and nitrox tanks are rented. The rotation would guarantee no one dive site suffers from over use and divers would have a variety of options available each day. Diving would not be limited in any way on the Island by this program. All sites regardless of a ShoreMaster presence would still remain open as usual.

The mission is to enhance the enjoyment and safety of divers. By their mere presence at dive sites, the ShoreMasters would offer a deterrent to theft and vandalism. Their local knowledge would encourage new exploration and enhance the dive experience of visitors by conveying unique characteristics of each dive site. They would be located in the parking lot area, possibly in a kiosk where appropriate. They would be equipped with a cell phone. They would wear a shirt with an appropriate logo. They may possibly be full time employees of the Established Dive Operators, on loan for one day every two weeks, but compensated by the new program. They might also be full time employees of the new program. All options should be considered.

STINAPA may play a role. The Established Dive Operators may oversee the entire program. The new program might also be completely autonomous. The funding of the new program would be the key to address this important issue.

There are many variables to discuss and the concept is still quite fluid. I feel this proposal can be established with minimal costs passed on to the divers themselves and at no cost to the Established Dive Operators. One suggestion is a small increase in the Marine Park Tag fee. Another suggestion is a minimal surcharge on each air tank rented. My theory is no one will avoid a trip to Bonaire if the MPT is increased by five dollars or a tank of air rises by fifty cents. The benefits of the ShoreMasters Program are well worth minor increases. Everyone will benefit through an increased awareness and understanding of Bonaire's Marine Park offered by the ShoreMasters. The increased level of comfort, knowledge, and security with the ShoreMasters Program will be the ultimate achievement.

How do you feel about such a proposal?

Kadushi Bob

bob, it sounds like a great idea to me. not only providing someone at the sites to deter theft, the knowledge of the dive masters about the particular site would be a great benefit as well. I agree, that a $5.00 increase on the park tag, or 50 cents per fill would not deter me from going to bonarie. plus, it would also provide jobs for those dive masters and instructors on bonaire. and for those that wouldn't use the benefit, they still have the shore dive freedom option to not dive where the DM's were.

It's an interesting idea, though really what we are talking about need-wise is basically a parking lot attendant.
My guess is it's an economic consideration - the number of thefts versus the cost of maintaining security. My understanding is that there is high unemployment on the island. A beach security squad could employ a lot of locals and encourage divers to return who have dropped BON as a destination because of crime and the official attitude towards it.
I still say they oughta paint all the spares red and white polka dots, or replace them with donuts.

Dear Mr. Fishman,

I have read with great interest, your proposal and I must say it has sparked a great deal of interest for me. As President BONHATA (Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association), Vice-President of CURO (Council of Underwater Resort Operators) and member of the Board of Directors of STINAPA Bonaire, I know too well the negative PR our island has suffered over the past several years due to theft's that have been committed against our shore diving clients. I would certainly be interested in pursuing your proposal further and feel confident that between the three above mentioned organizations we would be able to achieve a workable model.

I can tell you that all of the organizations above, especially BONHATA and CURO have maintained the issue of crime against our tourists of utmost importance and have been involved in meeting after meeting after meeting after meeting with Government officials in regards to this situation.

You are correct that one of the primary obstacles would be funding. Believe me, the cost of doing business on Bonaire is far greater already, than most could ever imagine and especially now with the threat of further lost revenue as result of fewer travelers due the war in Iraq. However, as I stated above and with the proper funding approach, we could achieve a workable solution.

I would welcome the opportunity to sit and discuss this with you, as President of BONHATA, the next time you are here on the island at a time that would be convenient for you. I am also sure that Mr. Steve Jevon, President of CURO would also be willing to sit and discuss this with you as well.

Jack Chalk, President
Bonaire Hotel & Tourism Association

I would gladly pay the extra money.

The additional $5 would be ok with me or the tank charge, which ever. Sounds like a great idea.

One additional thing. I feel the ShoreMaster should be Rescue Dive Certified as well as trained as a Oxygen provider, and have the equipment readily available in the event of a diving emergency. Otherwise, a great idea!!

I'm getting ready to start diving again and we are going to Bonaire in September and I think that would be way cool. I'd pay for the service as well.
Michelle

Dear Mr. Chalk,

Quite honestly I'm speechless. I never expected such an incredible, positive response from someone who actually has the ability to make it happen. Thank you.

To all other fellow BT'ers, I would also like to thank you for taking the time to respond. If you are just reading this proposal today, please continue to offer suggestions and voice your approval if you agree. I'm sure Mr. Chalk will be reassured in his efforts to see how many of us support him and others in the development of this project.

Bob

I think it's a WONDERFUL idea, and would definitely be willing to pay to support it.

My two cents. I like R.Fishman's proposal and especially like the idea that the island would take seriously the security of remote shore dive sites. The simpler level would be shore attendants. Even that would go a long way. The more complex level would be actual divemasters, and I can see that being very attractive for some divers, to know there are experts on shore. If you couldn't get the rescue level staff right away, you could easily get regular people out there to discourage predatory thieves.

YES ! YES ! YES ! What a great idea..add two more divers and lovers of Bonaire to the list of people who would be willing to pay an extra fee for the attention to this issue....how can we help ? When will you return to Bonaire ,Bob and start this campaign in earnest ? How can we help ?

I would like to give thanks to PhotoTour divers who have already done this with the Pink Bus at their own cost. The Pink Bus provides security at the dive site plus a place to sit and get refreshments between dives. Also, it is equipped with emergency equpiment and qualified divers. Yes some dive operators are proactive even when it cost them on their bottom line. Way to go Pascal and the rest of the crew.

I have always thought that the price for dive tags was too low and people from Yorkshire, England are known for being very 'careful' with their money. I think there is a need but also the willingness to pay. My personal thought is that a rise in the tag cost would be best.
Julia

Couple of points to consider:

The extra park fee may be easier to collect, as opposed to the tank fee. How would you price an "unlimited" shore dive package? Also, you can easily estimate your operating budget by multiplying the number of tags sold last year by $5.

With regard to Shore Masters being rescue diver certified: Would there be and issue of liability when a person has paid money for this "service" and something does go wrong? Would the Shore Master or the organization be liable? Would it be simpler not to advertise that these persons are rescue trained and let it just be a case of Good Samaratin law if they do rescue or assist soemone?

I think you are on to a great idea, just be careful.

It's a great idea and we think the best way would be to raise the price of the tags.

I have been following this discussion and wanted to add a couple of extra points. As I mentioned earlier, I will be bringing this idea up at our next BONHATA meeting and will ask that it also be added to the agenda for the next CURO meeting as well.

I would also like to echo the comments of Tom Starkweather in regards to thanking Photo Tours Divers for their proactive approach in the form of the Pink Bus. Maybe it is time that we all "jump on the bus" so to speak.

Yet there is one aspect that is troubling me in this discussion...everyone is willing to pay an increase in the diver fee, you folks are die-hard Bonaire fans so I would not expect otherwise. However, we need divers from all over to fill our hotels and dive operations. Repeat business, as good as it is (some estimate it at 35%)does not do this on it's own. We need first time divers as well and the thought of paying another fee, low as it may be, may just put someone off. Divers have been paying the Marine Park Fee for over 10 years now and in that time not one other user group, i.e. snorkeler's , swimmers, sport fishermen, windsurfers, boaters (with the exception of yachts in the harbor paying the nightly mooring fee) are contributing to the management of the Bonaire National Marine Park. Before we raise the fee on divers, would not be prudent to have all users pay toward the management of this precious resource they use and enjoy on a daily basis.

Sorry, didn't mean to go on and on but this is a particularly sensitive subject here on the island and one that has been brought up before and is being brought up again as you read this.

Jack,
In defense of a few snorkelers I know, SOME do buy the Marine Park Tag, even though there is no requirement that they do so.

I agree it probably wouldn't be that much of a hardship that others do so as well.

Jack,

I confess Maggie and I need to get our taqs. At any dive shop I assume? Does Ernst or Elvis sell them?

Also, I will start alerting my travel clients to support this program.

business is very slow these past few weeks for obvious reasons. I pray for peace ..

Annie

Hi Susan,

I know they do and we certainly appreciate it, especially since it is totally voluntary on their part.

However, the fact remains that the percentage that do purchase a tag voluntarily is very small in comparison.

I just feel that ALL who derive enjoyment from a managed marine protected area should also contribute to it's long term success before the user group that has been supporting it for so long is asked to pay more when there are those that still pay nothing.

Hi Annie & Maggie,

Thanks. I'm not sure if Elvis or Ernst sell them...I do know that when this was brought up before, they both supported the idea. If they don't sell them now, any dive operation will have them.

...and yes, we all pray for peace but it had to be done.

I would gladly pay the extra money also. I think it's more than a parking lot attendant though, I think it would be most helpful to have someone with local knowledge help you into and out of the water, tell you what to look for and where, etc. I think this is a great idea.

Nice Idea but we should not spoil the "freedom of diving" on Bonaire plus we should not obscure the view along the coastline. What's next a "fish & chips" kiosk??

Personaly I do not like the view of the Pink bus along the divesite...

However you do have a good point about safety.

My suggestion is that the Marine Park Rangers become more active. Instead of passing the Kaya Grande 10X a day they could be patroling the roads along the shoreline. Despite my long stay here I have never seen one befor or after a one of my many dives here (other than collectiong the money from the diveshop once a week....)

If two Park Rangers would travel allong the north and two allong the south site during (so 4 in total) they can offer swift responce if needed.
The only thing needed is to Knowledge about diving related accidents, Medic fist air and of course CPR.
Equipment wise they need a scooter, phone, hand held radio, Emergency kit and Oxygen.

Along with offering assistence in case of an emergancy they can spot and report criminals.

With just 2 "rangers" north of Krandelijk and 2 "rangers" south of the Airport they independendly you will see one of them passing by at least every 10 minutes !

Smiles across the wires,

Roger

What about increasing the departure tax $5.00, and placing these additional funds in the ShoreMaster kitty? This way you would be able to collect from EVERYONE. A "use first-pay later" angle to the issue.

Phil,

Sounds good but due to collection and disbursement procedures (which I won't go into here due to lack of space) for taxes on the island it wouldn't work. Money would never get back to the Marine Park.

It sounds like a good idea, but would there be a (Schedule of dive sites) that will be covered by the attendent-dive master. Hate to see an increase in the cost of the park tag and then no action.

Hi all,
I have been following this thread with great interest, because it sounds like such a good idea. It is also heartwarming to see so many people willing and able to participate financially. By no means do I have the stature or imput Jack has. I however would be dead set against it for principal reasons. One is the reason Jack already mentioned above. It is more than time that other users of the Bonaire Marine Park pay their fair share for the usage of that treasure, before divers are even asked to cough up more cash.
Second reason has also been mentioned already and that would probably be the toughest issue to tackle: the liability issue.
Third: also mentioned but not principal, the prohibitive cost. Reliable people are very expensive. A seven day coverage of just five divesites and a five dollar increase per tag at present would not cover that. There are more than sixty! shore dive sites in all the directions of the compass, which makes covering five better than nothing, but marginally. The above however, could probably be solved with some good will and effort. But I find it totally and completely outrageous that good folks even have to come up with an idea like this. Lest we forget: it is the governments first and foremost responsiblity to warrant safety and fight crime. To increase the park fee or tank price for this purpose is turning the world upside down to me. Period.
The conclusion, I think, is that this is a good idea but can only be run by government. That is one scary thought.
Bart
Partypooper

Thanks for the insight Jack. I know things aren't always simple. I was just thinking that one way to "sample" everyone, was to do it at a place that they had to go. Namely the Airport.

Hi Bart,

Hey, all you gotta do to get my stature is eat more beans and taters...;-)

You are right...it would be extremely costly and I'm not sure either whether a $5 increase would cover it or not, but the fact remains there should not be an increase until all users pay...as you said.

I also agree with you that is governments responsibility, however you know as well as I...it just ain't gonna happen, but we might be able to do it through the BNMP with funding we could receive from additional user fees. It's worth exploring and I plan on bringing it up in the next STINAPA Board Meeting.

Hi Jack,
I am sorry I did sound pompous man, I didn't mean that at all. Had a good laugh about it though:-)Will work on my stature as suggested!
Any way I do believe the divemaster part is a good idea as in to enhance the experience of that dive, as in divemastering.Of course! And in that sense it is probably well achievable thru the BNMP , stinapa, and its employees. But not as in policing, or even MFA. Maybe we can sue the government for failing to ensure our safety, and get the funds that way :-)rather than ask good folks to cough it up. As if they haven't paid more than their fair share already thru taxation. Again, that idea is just an outrage to me. Hey Jack, maybe we can sit at some of the dive sites ourselves when we're old and wise, and with trembling voices, talk fishies between hacks, to anyone wishing to listen HA!!
Bart

I too have been following this thread, and while overall it seems to be a good idea made with the best intentions, and worth exploring, the practical aspects might be crippling and have to be considered.

I'm just thinking of everyday stuff that challenges employers here: reliable & qualified (knowledgable/capable/multi-lingual) personnel willing to sit in a parking lot, (all day, thru lunch/siesta? with no bathroom?); scheduling/administration (will they need transport to/from dive sites, etc); equipment (chair, umbrella, vehicle? emergency supplies? cooler with drinks & cash box if they're going to sell drinks? cell phone-how to give someone a phone & account and keep him/her from using for personal untraceable calls?); wage & other salary taxes; national health care costs (don't forget that here you do not 'earn' sick days like in the US-if the dr. says you're sick for X number of days-and that can stretch for months, then the employee is off X days and is paid by the employer). Then the employer gets to wait up to 7-8+ years to be re-imbursed by the health system... These are just things to keep in mind, and things that may not be covered with a 'small increase' of any fee.

Also, be careful not to equate 'high unemployment' (and if there even is any) with availability of willing, qualified or trainable personnel.

Okay, enough of Island Economy 101. I've got to stop procrastinating & finish my own payrolls. Ugh.

How many post are made to this board in a day? Week? Month? Or a Year? How about everyone that posts a message here send an email or fax to a government official each time they post a message here voicing their displeasure at the way crime has been escalating. Instead of YOU paying more, maybe THEY could do what they are already paid to do, protect all the people and visitors!

My 2 cents worth

Hello All, This is a great idea. I don't mind paying an extra 5 dollars either, even better, I would not mind working for the shore-divemasters. I've got about 6 years experience as a life guard here in Holland and I'm a Divemaster / Divecon.

To all who continue to keep the fire burning with their comments, thank you.

To Martin,

I congratulate you on your positive stance and offer to contribute. How great would that be to visit the Island for the first time and be greeted by a divemaster like you at Oil Slick Leap.

It is so easy for all of us to fall into the otherwise deep abyss of criticizing what has already taken place, including me. To identify an injustice or a roadblock does takes foresight. Some of you have been gracious with your time and have shared with us to help identify these potential pitfalls. I believe we also have the ability to take it one step further and find the possible solutions.

bob

Why should the price of park tags be raised, because the government is incapable of protecting it’s citizens & it’s tourists? Ladies & gentlemen, kindly refrain from throwing more money at a government or an agency that is already incapable of responsibly handling what funds it does receive.

How can you possibly ask a tourist to pay more money so they can be “safe” at a dive site?? Does this sound totally wrong to anybody but me??

The written word can do a phenomenal amount of damage – so it stands to reason that it should also be capable of doing a tremendous amount of good.

I do not want to see this island harmed, I do not want to see people afraid to come here because of all the “bad press”. I don’t want to see good people avoid coming to Bonaire because of a small number of mindless idiots that insist on stealing that which they do not own, and are too lazy or too stupid to work for it.

What I would truly love to see is something done to correct the situation, so we never have to write about this again.

For every person that has had a problem of any type regarding crime on Bonaire, please do not let that experience drive you away, but most important, do not let your cry for help fall on deaf ears. Please tell your story to the people that are supposed to be able to make a difference.

If you or your friends have had a problem with crime on Bonaire, car broken into at a dive site, whatever – how about taking the time to please write to all of the e-mail addresses listed below.

Lt. Gov. Richard Hart - gezag@bonairelive.com

D.A. (Officer of Justice) Ernst Wesselius - parketbonaire@bonairelive.com

Tourism Office - Desiree Marchena, Acting Director -
director@tourismbonaire.com

Extra Newspaper - extrabon@bonairelive.com
One of the most popular local daily newspapers published in Papiamentu. (Send your e-mail in English – no problem. They speak 4 or 5 languages fluently)

Bonaire Reporter - reporter@bonairenews.com
English newspaper published weekly

Amigoe Newspaper - Hubert Linkels, Bonaire Correspondent
- hlinkels@infobonaire.com
Dutch daily newspaper (no problem to send letter in English)


This is an election year on Bonaire. Vote with your keyboard – the government might listen. Send enough e-mails, and somebody somewhere, just might get sick of hearing about all the problems, and be prompted to do something to correct the situation.

Funds collected on behalf of the Bonaire Marine park should go to benefit the underwater park ONLY. Perhaps the Marine Park would like to donate half the amount of each park pass to the government, to establish a safe haven for shore divers.

No one person, and no one place is perfect. But I am amazed at the numbers of people – locals & tourists alike, who love this place called Bonaire. I think a lot of you might fall into that category.

You can make a difference. Please,….. do something. It can’t hurt to try.

Jack,
A suggestion for supporting shore operations. How about having different classes of Marine Park pass? One class would be only for diving within the activities of a resort, under the direct supervision of approved divemasters or resorts. This one would be less expensive and suit the needs of entry level divers.

The higher class would support shore diving, cost more and support the salaries of shore masters or other facilities for safe and conservation oriented diving. Of course this could be called "Advanced" or something like that so folks might be more inclined to buy it just so they could feel like they were "Advanced".

Yet another would be for visiting instructors and dive masters, certification by the park as part of the bonaire conservation program. Perhaps these people could be able to take groups in shore dives at the park at a reduced rate. (Also take a page from PADI and make money since all dive master types would want to be *OFFICIAL* bonaire visiting dive masters). This idea is sick but probably really lucrative.

I talked this over with my wife, Susan. She thinks this whole idea sucks. I still thought I would mention it. I hope I get coffee tomorrow morning.

M. L. DiSanza stated:

What I would truly love to see is something done to correct the situation, so we never have to write about this again.

My reply:

How about a program that would hire local people to advise visitors on the natural beauty that the Island has to offer? How about a program that by it's mere presence would deter crime without having to fight it? How about a program that would be funded by the people who desire it? How about a program that bypasses a government that in your words has an established track record regarding this other issue? Whether you are correct or not with your accusations, how about we stop complaining about what was and focus on what we as a group can accomplish?

Please reread the proposal.

The ShoreMaster Plan is put forth exactly for these reasons. We've all seen these emails before that become bogged down in the same rhetoric and dialogue. " Let's complain to someone ". Can't we get beyond whose responsibility we think it is and just solve it ourselves? Frankly if I spend $1500 on my next trip to Bonaire or $1510, the price is not going to be what deters me from coming.

All the ShoreMaster plan does is put a divemaster on land. Simple. Did anyone here ever complain about one being on a boat? Worry about its' cost? Who would go on a boat dive without one? Aren't we taught as divers to listen to the divemaster before entering the water? Why can't Bonaire be so proactive as to initiate a program that would bring this obvious benefit to land? Isn't Bonaire supposed to be one giant live aboard?

I admit, the underlying issue is crime. I believe that the person who broke into my rented condo at night began his career stealing from unlocked vehicles at dive sites. In a perfect scenario the ShoreMaster Proposal deters him when he's too young to understand and later in life trains and offers him respectable employment.

Incarceration will not solve the problem. Education and job opportunities will.

If the board members of STINAPA ,CURO, or BONHATA wish to accept the challenge, I applaud them. Let's give them a chance. What do we have to lose?

With respect,
Bob

Hi

I am soon to be a Bonaire resident as my job and a love of diving have brought me here. I would be happy to donate half a day on a Sat/Sun twice a month to help with the ShoreMaster program.

At the moment I am doing the Rescue Diver course and plan to follow this through to Dive Master in the next few months.

As a private citizen, employed in telecoms, I would have no problem with using my Dive Master skills, if I pass :-) , to assist. I am planning to do the course for my own personal enjoyment and safety when OW qualified friends come to visit.

I don't intend to offer a commercial service as a DM and this may open a whole legal can of worms. I am happy to help as a good samaritan but am never likely to have professional dive insurance nor, I suspect, will many of the non PADI Professional dive shop staff on the island who hold Rescue or DM certification. I will blow, pump and bandage for all I am worth but I think it would need to be made explicity clear what and can be expected of the volunteers.

99% of tourists who have an accident may be thankful for a best effort but grief and resentment may cloud the judgement of their relatives, especially those back at home.

Happy and safe diving to all.

Chris

Hi

Just to clarify:

non PADI Professional dive shop staff = people who are DM etc. but don't do it for a living.

It confused me when I read it back as it came across as Dive Shop staff who aren't professional...

Apologies from a 1st time BT

Chris

Louie's post #1 was great, in my opinion. The links alone are proof he cares deeply. M. L. DiSanza, whoever you are, thanks.

Louie wrote: "How can you possibly ask a tourist to pay more money so they can be “safe” at a dive site?? Does this sound totally wrong to anybody but me??"

I agree, except that some people, having become disenchanted with the whole idea of "government" have begun defending themselves. I know, this sounds "kooky" but even the safest communities do not rely totally on their police; they take an active role in "neighborhood watches" and the like.

I reread Bob Fishman's proposal. He wrote, "I am trying to determine possible funding sources and a governing body for a new program to benefit all divers who come to Bonaire."

I have only three comments.

1) Look for funding from the private sector. They have the most to gain by improved public perceptions. Perhaps the dive organizations or a few other dive operators might want to have their own "Pink Bus." They could advertise: "Our divers are 95% crime-free!" Humor or sarcasm, you make the call.

2) The governing body you want most likely begins with you. Is your suggestion that someone else take the responsibility for the ShoreMaster program? Who will be accountable when the bills come due, etc.? Are you willing to devote the time necessary to implement and oversee such a long-term effort? Or are you just the idea man who steps aside when the bureaucrats begin to feed at the public trough?

3) To benefit all divers is perhaps a too-ambitious goal. Making a program voluntary instead of mandatory would ensure the divers who benefit are the ones who want to benefit. I believe beginning divers are already served by their certifying agencies and instructors. But if there actually is a market for "advising visitors on the natural beauty" or for giving dive briefings to shore divers, maybe your continued efforts will uncover some investors. They would, in all seriousness, be putting their money where their mouths are.

Count me out, however. I wish to respectfully note that my perception of crime on Bonaire is that it is rare and not increasing dramatically. There have been many (many!) posts here at BT on the issue. While I am an infrequent visitor to these boards, possibly having my rental car robbed is currently not a deal-breaker when it comes to planning my next scuba vacation. However, should some form of ShoreMasters be instituted, I might then become very alarmed and go elsewhere.

P.S. The idea of Marine Park Rangers becoming more active may be a good one.

Sorry, I guess I had more than three comments.

Please forgive the late posting, but I do not often have time to enjoy Bonaire Talk.

I believe there have been a lot of good suggestions posted along this line, and since the problem is multi-faceted, it stands to reason that there cannot be just one answer. It might be a good idea to try a little bit of everything, just to see what helps.

Mr. Fishman’s ideas about a Shoremaster have merit in that it will definitely help some divers, and would probably deter car break-ins at those sites. I have read that the standard run of the mill thief would prefer to avoid confrontation, and probably does not want an audience, so it stands to reason that people should have no problem when diving where a Shoremaster is in evidence. It’s not a bad idea, on a limited basis.

We have some 60+ marked shore dive sites on Bonaire. I don’t think anyone wants to see 60+ Shoremasters running around.

Some divers would genuinely enjoy having someone to inform them about a shore dive site. But other divers like me would never dream of diving a site, if there was another vehicle within 300 meters of where I wanted to dive. It is all a matter of personal preference.

Mr. Sweeney, regarding your statement, “some people, having become disenchanted with the whole idea of "government" have begun defending themselves. I know, this sounds "kooky" but even the safest communities do not rely totally on their police; they take an active role in "neighborhood watches" and the like.

You are quite right!! We certainly do not rely totally on our police. I agree, individuals should take care of themselves and not expect the police or the government to take care of everything for them. However, I do believe the police & government officials are still obligated to protect and serve those very people that pay their salaries & put them in office.

For the most part, the island has a live and let live attitude. People do pretty much what they want, within reason, and live their lives as they choose. That is part of Bonaire’s charm – being able to do what you want, without being ruled and regulated to death. There is quite a bit of personal freedom here, and I hope that it shall always remain that way. Being a small community can have its advantages.

May I also applaud Mr. Sweeney for not being “frightened away” by the possibility of having a rental vehicle broken into. Possibilities are endless…..

Bonaire is so many things to many different people. A lot of people genuinely care about the island, and that is very encouraging.

M.L. ( Louie) and Mr. Sweeney,

Thank you for adding to the dialogue with well thought, intelligent responses. I truly feel there is more common ground we share than not.

I requested feedback and you have demonstrated your positions eloquently. Our posts hopefully will be read by a committee, objectively, who has the authority to address this issue.

I agree with the observation regarding 60+ shoremasters. That is one reason I only suggested 5 on a rotating dive site basis. I also agree with Roger Willem's concern over the aesthetics of a pink bus on the landscape. I hope that a simple palapa would suffice. As to the overcrowding issue at monitored dive sites, that would only be a concern if the program was a success. Sort of a "catch 22" there.

I feel that the suggestion to seek possible advertising from the private sector might be a slippery slope. The last thing I'd like to see on the side of a building at a remote dive site ( kiosk, palapa, etc.) is a Coca Cola sign. I infer from comments that you ( Louie) may live on the Island. You probably know then that the PinkBus was also the target of a robbery (http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/23830/60036.html#POST103150). This is another reason I suggested that the attendants do not sell any merchandise or have cash on hand.

I agree that this issue we discuss is the government's responsibility. As many people have stated, this issue has come up in the past. I question whether the government's hands are tied due to funding or some other issue that I, as an outsider, am not aware of.

I have mentioned previously that my "logic" is based on a theory that the person who broke into my condo began his career, without consequence, at dive sites. Should I be applauded because I accepted dive site thefts for three years? I was not frightened away. It did not deter me from coming back. In hindsight my inaction was a tacit approval to both the thief and the government.

I hope we can agree that breaking and entering at night is a serious crime and a different issue.

From my observation, STINAPA employs an official in a vehicle that makes rounds of all the dive sites. Once his vehicle has passed a particular dive site, he may not visit that site again for some time. If a child hidden in the brush was monitoring this daily behavior, it would be quite simple for him to commit his mischief. The ShoreMaster plan would place an individual at a site for a certain posted time period. Visitors to that site would then have the confidence their lunch bag and dry towel would be waiting in the car when they return from diving.

The neighborhood watch concept I find intriguing. My typical profile is to dive five days and take a day off. Chris Smith and others mentioned donating their time to the project. Personally, I'd find it quite enjoyable on my off day to be at 'ol Blue for a morning and have the opportunity to meet people from around the world and possibly make new friends. I'm not sure a total volunteer organization would be conceivable though, the logistics may be overwhelming. Is there room for both programs?

Many aspects of the proposal could be carried out by a parking lot attendant. I felt that elevating the position to ShoreMaster would enhance the contributions, including dive site information, emergency responder, and contacting other personnel if necessary. Should the name ShoreMasters be scrapped and refer to them as more Marine Park Rangers? I for one would not be offended.

I apologize to all who feel that my proposal is an imposition to their freedom or pocketbook. It was never my intention. I am attempting only to address a situation that I feel exists in a positive way by taking the time to propose an alternative. A five dollar increase represents well less than one percent of a typical dive package. I felt monitoring only five dive sites a day would keep costs to a minimum and leave fifty-five dive sites available to those who preferred their freedom to choose.

Thank you for your time,
Bob

Bob.
No, we thank you for your time! You've started, and maintained, a very thought provoking and useful topic discussion.
I would think that the fact that the 'Pink Bus' is still being provided (and appreciated) by many, seems to indicate that the concept of a scheduled set of 'roving' ShoreMasters might be a good idea, even if there wasn't security issues.
Thanks again for your time and thoughts!
Chet

I would like to see some numbers on shore diving, like appox. how many tanks are taken out in a year. I think most divers would be happy to spend a dollar or two per dive for a watchperson on shore. A walklie talkie grandmother network at dive sites with nice chairs and umbrellas and two scootered guards for backup could pretty well cover the north and south dive areas.
Then again, a stout lock box in the rental vehicles might be simpler

interesting to read all the ideas divers are adding to this thread....seems like the dive sites up north are "hit " more often, and the Pink Bus I know does not attempt to go north for logistic reasons, only southern sites...volunteer program might be hard to organize vs paid ShoreMasters..but I'd be the first to sign up when I get back to Bonaire..maybe second as I know Mr. Fishman would be first..wish we could put a lockbox in the minivan..is this an option ?

I'd previously mentioned the idea of "DiveButlers" as more or less the same kind of thing.

There are a few ways things could be handled:

1. Private hire of ShoreMasters. Person would be yours for the day for a fee, come with you to dive sites (maybe even do the driving and supply the vehicle for an additional fee if there's interest). Person would have functional cell phone, ability to help in emergency cases, and help with gear-up as needed.

2. Shore dive site monitors. This is more like the pink bus (which is an absolutely outstanding service!). Idea would be to add additional buses or equivalent. Equipped with cell phone, emergency help, etc. It'd need to be subsidized even if there were drinks and such sold, I'd think to allow for sufficient numbers of these to make it worthwhile. Even if all sites weren't covered, it'd be useful if 5 or 6 sites a day were (south AND north) and a rotating schedule so that it'd be possible to dive many sites over many days with the added security.

3. Roving observers: Assign 4 or 5 close dive sites to a single observer with cell phone, rescue and observing skills. Person would drive back and forth among them. This is less likely to be helpful in either the emergency or security cases, though.

Jack, as for your concerns about bringing in fresh business in addition to existing, I think there's a long-term win if these added services are provided. The short-term may require some investment, which can be tough in the present economy. The negative publicity generated by word of mouth or otherwise from each spoiled vacation likely would be offset if incidents didn't happen.

Fees: If the fee went up by $10/year would anyone notice? The story is good: money for the marine park and keeping it safe. When spending $600/person on airfare, plus accomodations and dining, a $10 increase in the BMP admission is a tiny additional percentage. I seriously doubt that'll make or break a decision to visit. Charging snorkelers makes sense. Would it be possible to get the folks arriving by cruise ship to pony up for BMP tags as a part of processing the ship's dockage fees? What about other uses of the marine environment? Jet Skiiers, parasailors, etc?

I don't understand Louie's assertion that "Possibilities are endless….." in the context of my professed unconcern with rental car break-ins.

With respect to that, I've recently been informed of more serious crimes victimizing tourists on Bonaire. So much so, that I've changed my mind. [I remember reading about the March on Crime (2001?) and it seems the problem has become worse since then.] Not that I wouldn't object to a para-police ShoreMaster presence at dive sites, because I still think that would be proof the regular police could not handle the situation, but that I feel now I will either go with Photo Tours or not go to Bonaire at all.

So Photo Tours' Dive Bus only goes south, huh? Ver...rry interesting, considering "the dive sites up north are 'hit' more often" (thanks to DIVER DEBBI). Therefore, I second the motion of Jack Chalk's: "Maybe it is time that we all 'jump on the bus' so to speak." Request an escort when patronizing a dive operator. Lockboxes may be a good idea. The idea of leaving one's vehicle unlocked and unattended, with maybe some cookies and milk for any intruder, seems to me like Bizarro Santa Claus!

As everyone who has chimed in with a willingness to pay $5 (or $10 or $?), I'm also willing to help in any voluntary capacity, just as long as the failed institutions (police, etc.) are not part of the solution.

Have a lot of nice diving days,
Bill

Oops! I meant (thanks, DIVER DEBBIE). I sure didn't mean to suggest she is hitting the dive sites up north! So sorry.

Thanks for the retraction Bill...all I have ever taken at the sites up north are pictures...but seriously, don't other people agree with me the percentage of "break ins" from vehicles occur at the northern sites...evidence the broken window glass at each site...maybe we need to ask STINAPA if they would release their figuress on break-ins...but with all this said...please don't NOT go to Bonaire..just do it different...leave nothing in the vehicle for "them " to take

Just a new address to add to the list of folks to whom copies of crime related complaints should be made - the Bonaire Police themselves, care of Captain Gerold Daantje - polbon@bonairenet.com

Jake

Bonaire Environmental Tags.

This has been interesting. However the logistics for services, volunteer or employee, or a combination of the two, it has merit. But I think the Marine Park Tag could be expanded to an more encompassing "Environmental Tags" for tourists of all purposes and would contribute to the education and well-being of all visitors and conservation of the island.

Bud