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Diving Bonaire: STINPA Pass
Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: Archives: Archives 2008-2009: Archives - 2008-01-01 to 2008-02-29: STINPA Pass
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gerald Huppertz (BonaireTalker - Post #46) on Saturday, February 2, 2008 - 4:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Does anyone know if the STINPA pass is a yearly pass, ie good from Jan 1st to Dec 31st. Or just valid for 1 year from date of purchase. We got our passes last October and are heading back in April. Will we need to buy new ones or should we bring our old ones?

Thanks

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian Back in March (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3537) on Saturday, February 2, 2008 - 5:47 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

The pass is valid for a calendar year - Jan-Dec, so you will need to buy new passes for 2008.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By LT Dan (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 10:49 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

They actually expire earlier in December. We were there this past Christmas, and had passes we had bought in March but still had to buy the new ones.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kobi in Virginia***Trip in May (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4369) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 10:55 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wow!! LT....never heard such a thing. Would never expire early December but would on December 31st.
Maybe your situation was such that you were staying into the 2008 year? Dunno but they are good for one full calendar year.

(Message edited by ayorkiemom on February 3, 2008)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim McPeak (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1304) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 11:03 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I was there this past Christmas as well. We left on January 1st. We had also been there last June into July. Our STINAPA tags were good until December 31st. If you were diving past 12/31, you would have to buy a new one.You could be right Dan, but our dive shop said we were good when we got there on 12/22.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim McPeak (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1305) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 11:10 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Dan, I found this. It says one calendar year. Now is a calendar year from Jan 1 to December 31, or is it from date of getting tag to one calendar year later? I don't know. I would assume that a calendar year would be 1/1 to 12/31.
http://www.stinapa.org/naturefee.html

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1350) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 11:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Calender Year is 1/Jan 31st/Dec
Physicial Year is From date to date, one year later.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian Back in March (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3548) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 1:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

They used to start selling the new tags on Dec 1st so if you are there Christmas to early Jan you will buy the new tag rather than the current year and not need to renew on Jan 1st.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #91) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 1:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey guys,

The last time I was down, I went to the dive shop the day I got in to pay for air, STINAPA fee, etc. They gave me the tag and air card on the spot, rather than making me wait until after the briefing the next morning. It was a big help!! I always attend the briefing to see if there is anything new, but because I had that tag and air card already, I had my truck loaded up and ready to go before the briefing.

Gives you an hour or two head start on the other divers and the day! I know how much weight I need and how to control my buoyancy, so I skip the gear check in the water, which I've always been ASKED if I wanted to do, and not told that I had to. I always say no, so I can get my butt on the road.

Finally, I support STINAPA and the Marine Park rules, and am very careful when diving. However, in all the years I have been going down, I have never once been approached ask asked to show it.

Have any of you?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By marge karalis (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #659) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 1:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Never asked, but you can't get tanks with one.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1432) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 1:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

we were approached a few years ago. i think we were down south, maybe near invisibles or in that area. two stinapa people stopped, asked to see our tags, and did a short survey. i think we might have been asked one other time but i don't remember for sure.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By bob...no april showers) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2497) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 1:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

i've been carded my last two trips:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kobi in Virginia***Trip in May (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4377) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 2:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

In 14 years we have only been asked to show our tags once; we were at the Hooker :-) The guy who asked was someone we knew anyway; Ikky was his namo :-)

(Message edited by ayorkiemom on February 3, 2008)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By LT Dan (BonaireTalker - Post #14) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 3:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We were surprised too, thought for sure our 2007 tags were still valid. We did our orientation at Buddy's on Dec 21st, and they made us buy the new tags. We go every year so it is not that big a deal, but I would hate to think they ripped us off, we have always dove with Buddy's and it's a good operation.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By LT Dan (BonaireTalker - Post #15) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 3:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We were surprised too, thought for sure our 2007 tags were still valid. We did our orientation at Buddy's on Dec 22st, and they made us buy the new tags. We were there until the 29th. We go every year so it is not that big a deal, but I would hate to think they ripped us off, we have always dove with Buddy's and it's a good operation.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #92) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 3:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I beg to differ Marge,

My BC is always packed in my gear bag, and the refill attendants have NEVER asked me to open it up to display the tag. They look at the air card and let me go.

Pat and Bob, I'm glad you have been carded. I wish I had!! My concern is that maybe there are better ways to insure that the reefs are protected. Two officials to card one group? Are we gun toting thugs?

I've seen divers bumping coral, chasing sea life, etc. I confront them if they are up before I leave. If there was a number to call when you saw a diver not taking care of the fish and reef life, it would help. No need to show your ass like I do! Just get their truck tag, and let STINAPA have a prayer meeting with them??

"We've had reports from other divers you are not careful enough". "We don't want to get another!!"
Get out of legislation that makes us "feel good", and into something that works!!







 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #93) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 4:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kobi,

Ikky..........??? Who do you guys hang out with down there...........:-)?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By marge karalis (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #660) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 4:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'm just surprised you will able to get an air card without the pass.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1436) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 4:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

maybe it's that you can't get an air card without a park pass. we dive thru carib inn and when you buy the park pass you are assigned a tank and the tank number is written on a sheet for the guys to record how many times they fill your tanks. we don't have to show our pass when we fill our tanks but we couldn't have gotten the tanks to begin with if we didn't already have the passes.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #94) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 5:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

So like....you are assigned a tank or tanks, and they make note of the number of refills?

When we go thru the drive thru at our hacienda, we just drop off our tanks, and pick up some more. Done in a minute or so! Do you have to wait for them to refill your own personal tanks?

I've always admired Bruce, and not had the pleasure of meeting him yet!!!....... but that sounds like a pain in the butt!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1440) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 5:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

we always waited for our tanks to get filled. now that we have our own tanks there (two each) we always have a full one with us. we did notice a problem last year with one of the ops that was letting their people take as many tanks as they wanted. some of the other guests went to get tanks and there were none available. a large group had come in earlier and had taken about five per diver. if i had been staying at the place and had come in for tanks only to find out that they were all gone i would have been pretty upset.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kobi in Virginia***Trip in May (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4383) on Sunday, February 3, 2008 - 7:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

:-) Ikky and Ibby were two fellas we met years and years ago on Bonaire :-) Ikky used to work at Rum Runners and now, I think, he still works for the park. :-) Rocky (another SUPER guy) used to work at Green Parrot and we dove a few times with him. He's in the states now; NC. :-) Ibby would always be at the little local gym when we'd get there late afternoons. Nice, local guys we would see every year in the old days.
Ok, sorry got off topic!

We always stay at Buddy's. Tag goes on BC and we have only had to show it once. Didn't have the paper copy but they wanted to see that we owned a current tag. We never show it at the fill station at Buddy's. We have an airfill card (like a postcard) that stays on the dash of the car. I guess I'm spoiled but I'm lazy when it comes to tanks. The drive thru is just totally painless.
Everyone has their idea of convenience and I guess it's just what you get used to.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brad Ford (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Monday, February 4, 2008 - 10:13 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

"I've always admired Bruce, and not had the pleasure of meeting him yet!!!....... but that sounds like a pain in the butt!!"

Nah, no muss, no fuss. Carib Inn keeps up with it, then charges you whatever the best price is - per tank or package - at the end of your stay.

I thought it was going to be clumsy also, but it turned out to be a non-event.

Bruce and CI are finest kind.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #96) on Monday, February 4, 2008 - 11:29 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Brad,

Bruce started out with Capt' Don in the early 70's. Does he ever host a meet and greet or happy hour where you can talk, and maybe get a pic? In my office, there are no diplomas, certifications, or awards on the wall. They're in the closet. If the pic or whatever doesn't have anything to do with diving, it's not there.

As far as where we stay and get our refills, I think we all get comfortable at one place or another, and return year after year to a place where "Everybody Knows Your Name".



 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #97) on Monday, February 4, 2008 - 12:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kobi,

I used to LOVE The Green Parrot!!!!! I've only stayed at Sand Dollar once, but visited the Parrot a few times before it was wiped out. I was happy with the rooms, but got my tanks at Buddy's. Time management's why I switched!!

Plus.....!! When you need a tank or two after the drive thru is closed, or before it is open, you can go down to the dock, get the "secret key" from Gee Tad, if you tell everyone, it is no longer secret. I've deleted the text. ModMare, pick up a couple of tanks.........and party on!!

I know...you're not supposed to do that.....but I do take them back!! I'm just a Sh..t, aren't I.....:-)?


(Message edited by modmare on February 4, 2008)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kobi in Virginia***Trip in May (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4397) on Monday, February 4, 2008 - 7:09 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

LOL, Tad. You just got a little sh*t slapped out of you though :-) We definitely use the Buddy Dive secret hidey key when night diving.

Time to update your username *

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #98) on Monday, February 4, 2008 - 8:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ms Mare,

I do apologize! You are right!! I lost myself there..........:-)!! I grew up in West Virginia, where sheep were regulars at the local brothel, and "Cornholing" was something you lettered in at school. You can't make this stuff up!! Go online and check it out!!

Anyway, if you all could somehow find it in your hearts to be understanding, it would be appreciated!! My self esteem is fragile........and I feel a lot of love in this forum!! Thanks for your support!!

Kobi, of all people, I would have thought you would have been behind me when I needed it most!! E' Tu...Brutus??



 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kobi in Virginia***Trip in May (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4402) on Monday, February 4, 2008 - 10:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey, I was behind you!!! Look at my slaps***.
Did u really grow up in WV? I live 20 miles from the border and never speak of it LOL! Just teasing...don't have hurt feelings. Love your posts :-)

Back to the Marine Park Tags...I took a gander at all of ours; 14 years worth. I am finally going to frame them all. Maybe since there are 2 of each=28 I will do one front one back? I dunno but it's gonna be a fun project :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mel Briscoe (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #181) on Monday, February 4, 2008 - 11:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We use our tags as ornaments on our Christmas trees, along with the little parrots and flamingos from the drinks...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #99) on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 - 10:20 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kobi,

I grew up, and spent 18 years in Peterstown, WV. The only thing I wanted to be when I grew up was from out of town...:-)!! Spent another 5 years in at Marshall. I was on the 5 year plan, and having a good time!!

I think framing the tags is an excellent idea! Unfortunately, I only have the ones from the last couple of trips that are still on my BC. I stopped keeping a log book in the mid 90's, as well as collecting dive patches from the various places I have visited. I do however have the patches I did pick up framed.

By the way, my ego is not nearly as fragile as what I claimed!! When I mess up, I immediately go for the sympathy defense. Admit guilt, remind people of where I grew up, and ask for forgiveness. Works for me!!







 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Greg Grimes - Is it August 2008 yet? (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #104) on Thursday, February 7, 2008 - 2:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Last month, we had finished a dive at Witches Hut and migrated down to Ol Blue for a surface interval. While setting on the truck bed relaxing there were a few other divers going in as well as coming out and a Park Ranger pulls in and he proceeded to have everyone stop what they were doing and check all divers including us who were not even suited up. He had a palm pilot and the whole nine yards and asked where we were staying, where we were getting the tanks and how many cameras we were diving with. I felt like I was taking a marketing survey! Upon his departure he broke out some super high powered binoculars and was really interested in a boat that was out about a 1/2 a mile. Not sure how that part turned out.

Greg

 


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