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DESTINATIONS

DIVING INTO THE MILLENNIUM

"We need every State and local government, every business, large and small, to work with us to make sure that this Y2K computer bug will be remembered as the last headache of the 20th century, not the first crisis of the 21st."                 President Clinton, State of the Union Address, January 19, 1999

Scuba divers who plan to be somewhere special at the stroke of midnight this New Year’s Eve should make plans now, if they haven’t already done so. Planes, trains, and rental cars are filling quickly, as are dive resorts, live-aboards, cruise ships, and other popular diver choices. Though there’s definitely still time to make plans for a special once-in-a-lifetime dive trip, there are some special considerations. Whether you already have plans or are looking for that special millennium trip, Y2K could wreak havoc with more than your computer. It could mess up your plans to be on, in, or near the water. Our short Y2K travel guide should help.

GO AND DIVE ANYWHERE

As you can guess, there are far too many interesting options for divers in late-December to cover here. From dive shop specials to late-night live-aboard diving, the millennium options are amazing. From the ABC islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao to almost every other dive destination in the world (including Zimbabwe), there’s still space available. Many dive-oriented resorts, cruise lines, and live-aboards still have space. For instance, both Peter Hughes Diving (Antares Dancer) and the Aggressor Fleet (Cayman Aggressor) have some space left at press time. Your best bet is to contact your local dive shop, a dive travel specialist, an organization like the PADI Travel Network, or some of your favorite resorts or dive destinations directly. The options are staggering.  But, unlike many ‘standard’ dive trips, there may be some special situations if you plan to travel during the millennium period. These considerations may include: air, sea, or ground travel; money; customs; health; and more.

WHY Y2K?

The year 2000 (or Y2K) is a problem caused by a ‘shortcut’ used in many computers and microchips. Years ago, to conserve memory space, programmers used two numbers to record the year--e.g., ‘72’ meant 1972. Unfortunately, computers and microchips that still use a two-number year will, on January 1, 2000, recognize ‘00’ as 1900, rather than 2000. This could cause them to either shut down or generate incorrect data. In our electronic-dependent society, this could be a big problem for citizens of the world, as well as world travelers. Federal, state, and local agencies, as well as businesses of all sizes, have been working on the Y2K problem for many years (some as early as 1989). Much of this information and help is available by calling the special federal government toll-free Y2K information line (1-888-USA-4-Y2K). “The 1-888-USA-4-Y2K is a key part of our ongoing efforts to make available information that will help Americans respond appropriately to the Y2K problem as we move through this year,” says Jodie Bernstein, director of the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. A fax-on-demand service is also available. In addition, the federal government has established an incredibly detailed website (www.y2k.gov) that provides details on all aspects of the problem. From fixing your ancient computer to making sure the toaster will work on New Year’s Day, this website will lead you to solutions.  But for world travelers, different questions will arise. Will my plane fly? Will my boat get lost at sea? Will a foreign dive destination be as prepared as the U.S.? Will my ATM card allow me to get money? If I have a health problem, will hospitals be up and running?

GETTING THERE

Many special dive destinations involve flights to get there. Flying during the millennium period is one of the major concerns for travelers. Getting there may not be half the fun if you plan to travel on December 31st or January 1st.  The air traffic control system, with 36,500 workers and 34,000 computerized systems and facilities, oversees more than 200,000 takeoffs and landings each day. The FAA has completed more than 90% of its Y2K compliance testing and repairs. FAA officials, airport and airline executives, and Boeing bigwigs all confidently predict that planes won’t fall out of the sky at the stroke of midnight on Millennium Eve, but that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be cancellations and delays. For an update, check out the FAA’s status on air safety (www.faay2k.com).  Your best bet may be to leave before December 31st and come home a few days after January 1st.  However, if you do plan to be aloft when the clock strokes midnight, you’ll have some company. FAA Administrator Jane Garvey and Boeing v-p of airplane systems Tim Fehr both vow to be in the air. However, while U.S. airports and planes may be Y2K compliant, that doesn’t mean it will be the case throughout the world.  Many countries have not made nearly as much progress in Y2K compliance (see sidebar). Thus, there is more of a risk of delays and other problems associated with air travel overseas. The U.S. State Department will likely issue travel advisories later this year concerning the Y2K readiness of foreign airlines and airports. Again, arriving a few days before 2000 and departing a few days after the festivities should avoid problems. Of course, many divers plan to be afloat (or underwater) during the millennium. Most cruise lines and live-aboard companies have already made their reservations and passenger services Y2K compliant.  But, as of now, shipboard equipment systems (often built by others) may be a different story.  Carnival Corp.--operator of Carnival, Holland America, Cunard, Seabourn, and Windstar--has fixed any problems discovered on all 43 ships. Companies like Peter Hughes Diving and the Aggressor Fleet also report no concerns of being afloat. However, it wouldn’t hurt to ask your chosen line or ship if they are Y2K compliant.  Other divers will hit the road in search of the perfect millennium dive. Whether it’s to some Sunshine State diving, along the California coast, or somewhere in between, a Y2K road trip for divers may be ideal. All of the world’s large car makers say Y2K won’t have any effect on their on-board computer systems, which generally operate on engine cycles or elapsed time, rather than the date. For more Y2K ‘road rules,’ check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website (www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/whatis/y2k/).

Whatever way you choose to get there, it looks promising that Y2K won’t cause any major hangups. However, as the end of the year approaches you can check on the status of your chosen transportation at the U.S. Consumer Gateway (www.consumer.gov.y2k/transport.htm).

ONCE THERE

Depending on your destination, you may find few or many hassles upon arrival. If your travel plans are within the U.S., you can expect few problems. However, if you’re heading abroad, the state of readiness thusfar is widely varied (see sidebar). The best bet for checking the readiness of your destination is to visit the U.S. State Department’s extensive website (travel.state.gov/y2kca.html) concerning overseas Y2K readiness, as well as links to a wide variety of government and private organization sites. In addition, the Group of Eight Government On-Line Year 2000 International Information Directory (www.itpolicy.gsa.gov/mks/yr2000/g7yr2000.htm) may also be a valuable resource.  By checking these websites, you’ll have a general feel for any potential problems. Minor hassles might include: temporary electrical or water outages; telephone problems; banking and ATM glitches; and much more. Major hassles could involve: reservations mistakes; customs issues; or health care concerns.  Again, it wouldn’t hurt to ask destination and resort officials about any potential problems (that battery-operated hairdryer might come in handy afterall). The best bet is to be prepared with copies of all travel documentation and to bring along any crucial healthcare supplies or prescriptions.

Of course, all of these precautions are to make sure you’re somewhere special for Millennium Eve. Whether you’re on a deserted beach, on a ship in the middle of the sea, or underwater, a few website visits may make this the best New Year’s Eve party ever.

HELPFUL Y2K TRAVEL PHONE NUMBERS & WEBSITES:

--Federal government toll-free Y2K information line: 1-888-USA-4-Y2K

--Federal Aviation Administration: www.faay2k.com

--National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/nhtsa/whatis/y2k/

--U.S. Consumer Gateway: www.consumer.gov.y2k/transport.htm

--U.S. State Department: travel.state.gov/y2kca.html

--Group of Eight Government On-Line Year 2000 International Information Directory:

www.itpolicy.gsa.gov/mks/yr2000/g7yr2000.htm

ARE THEY READY?

According to State Department reports, the following countries lag far behind in planning for Y2K

problems:

Latin America: Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Uraguay, and several islands in the Caribbean

(check with the local tourist board).

Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, the

Phillippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and many others.

For updates, be sure to visit the State Department’s website and specific country links

(travel.state.gov/y2kca.html).