I have been requested to do a rebreather instruction course in Venezuela, and I see that the State Department has issued several warnings about traveling there as an American. In particular, they mention robbery, crimes of violence, kidnapping, and the like.
Can anyone let me know the story about just how safe or dangerous it would be to travel there?
Diving in Venezuela
Started by
ScubaDadMiami
, Nov 05 2008 04:49 PM
8 replies to this topic
#1
ScubaDadMiami
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Posted 05 November 2008 - 04:49 PM
"The most important thing is not to stop questioning." Albert Einstein
"For the diligent diver, closed circuit rebreathers are actually safer than open circuit scuba." Tom Mount
"For the diligent diver, closed circuit rebreathers are actually safer than open circuit scuba." Tom Mount
#2
Landlocked Dive Nut
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Posted 05 November 2008 - 06:38 PM
If you go, stay with others at all times, and try to stay near your hotel and don't go wandering around the streets at night. Any time the State Dept. issues a warning like this, heed it! I know the dictator I mean President of Venezuela has a hardon for all Americans, and the attitude trickles down to the man-on-the-street, who think we're all rich and have relatives who will ransom us. Kinda like the kidnappers that are prevalent in the jungles of Guatemala. It doesn't happen all the time or in every street, it's just that it could happen. As a female, I will not go to mainland Venezuela at this time.
Stay safe!
Stay safe!
#3
annasea
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Posted 05 November 2008 - 06:49 PM
Very exciting! I hope it works out and you're able to go!
#4
gcbryan
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Posted 06 November 2008 - 04:11 AM
I don't know if my experience is all that helpful as I was there before the current President was an issue but even then it didn't really seem like a good idea to go out after dark in Caracas. On Isla Margarita or in Merida (sp?) the two other places I visited there was no problem after dark.
I guess it depends on where you will be and who you will be hanging out with and hosting you while you are there.
I guess it depends on where you will be and who you will be hanging out with and hosting you while you are there.
Edited by gcbryan, 06 November 2008 - 04:11 AM.
#5
weescot
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Posted 06 November 2008 - 07:14 AM
These warnings are usually robust as the State Dept inevitably have to sort out matters for travellers or their familes whose trips go wrong when the risks are higher/duty of care etc. Risk of can change on a daily basis etc but it is their duty to warn citizens of this risk as they evaluate it. I rarely pay too much attention to the British foreign office warnings unless they are very recently updated.
However, I do have a Venezuelan colleague who is now a US resident - and he is a scuba diver. if you PM where you have been asked to teach I will ask him his opinion. He was back in Venezuela a couple of weeks ago for a wedding so he will have a fair idea of how things are and how Americans are received.
However, I do have a Venezuelan colleague who is now a US resident - and he is a scuba diver. if you PM where you have been asked to teach I will ask him his opinion. He was back in Venezuela a couple of weeks ago for a wedding so he will have a fair idea of how things are and how Americans are received.
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#6
VADiver
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Posted 07 November 2008 - 02:51 PM
Chavez is a whackjob, but I'm not too sure how the ordinary citizens are. Just be careful and always travel in pairs. When you get into the country you may want to stop by the Embassy and see whats what, plus they have a record of you.
On a side note, I've been out and about in some very odd places and never had a problem.
On a side note, I've been out and about in some very odd places and never had a problem.
#7
Landlocked Dive Nut
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Posted 07 November 2008 - 03:03 PM
I've been out and about in some very odd places and never had a problem.
It certainly pays to be militarily trained!
I think others give you a wide berth because you exude a certain air of confidence, or a "don't !*@# with me" walk! Notifying the Embassy is a very good idea in areas the State Dept. has issued warnings.
#8
Dive_Girl
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Posted 07 November 2008 - 06:52 PM
So you've met VADiver I see...I've been out and about in some very odd places and never had a problem.
It certainly pays to be militarily trained!
It's Winter time - you know you're a diver when you're scraping ice off your windshield INSIDE your vehicle...!
Once in a while, it is good to step back, take a breath, and remember to be humble. You'll never know it all - ScubaDadMiami. If you aren't afraid of dying, there is nothing you can't achieve - Lao-tzu. One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him - Chinese Proverb.
Once in a while, it is good to step back, take a breath, and remember to be humble. You'll never know it all - ScubaDadMiami. If you aren't afraid of dying, there is nothing you can't achieve - Lao-tzu. One dog barks at something, the rest bark at him - Chinese Proverb.
#9
weescot
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Posted 09 November 2008 - 08:38 AM
So you've met VADiver I see...I've been out and about in some very odd places and never had a problem.
It certainly pays to be militarily trained!
and they teach you to blend in with the crowd......
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