After 4 years of operation, Caribbean Gas Training Inc. closes it's doors. We at CGT say farewell to the diving industry and wish all our students and customers the best for the future.
Enquiries about continuing operation in our stead are welcome.
November 2009
One of the most stunning underwater visions and display of raw photography (and modeling! :-) skills these days must belong to Allison and Robert Lee, members of Bay Area Underwater Explorers. As Tech2 divers, they used their considerable diving abilities to come back from every single excursion with awesome imagery, as you can see here and in the Photo/Video section. Some of the dives, for example the Red Slave Anchors or the deep ledges and overhangs at La Dania's Leap have never before been so perfectly documented as in Rob's photography. Enjoy!
This month's price for the nicest video so far goes to George Bouloukos' Mairi Bhan video, which you can enjoy embedded below. Very, very nice job indeed.
October 2009
We're having some very illustrious guest divers here this month, first up was Bart Hoogeveen, and we're featuring his magnificent photography, from the Salt Pier and other sites, in the Photo/Video section.
Sadly enough, the photos of the large pelagic show the damage caused by human carelessness and neglect, since the poor Manta Ray is covered in monofilament fishing line, which will likely kill it rather sooner than later.
Then, we were putting some GUE Tech2 divers onto the Mairi Bhan, Ralph Correia and fellow GUE Instructor George Bouloukos. A job well done boys, and as soon as the imagery is available, we'll put it up here.
The above mentioned photography is online now in the Photo & Video section, and what a fun-loving bunch these folks are! Best shore entries since my adventures at Rappel... Enjoy!
June 2009
Due to circumstances beyond our control, regrettably we have to inform our customer base that the CGT facility at the traffic circle will not be operated with fixed business hours anymore until further notice.
If you require our services, please call 7865073 locally or email benji@caribbeangastraining.com, and we will be able to assist you.
The scope of our services is unchanged and unaffected by this measure.
May 2009
Most of May Benji spent in Holland teaching Fundamentals classes with the Dutch community. These programs were a great success again, due to the fantastic teams and individuals Benji had the pleasure of working with. We'd also like to thank Blue Marlin Diving in Roosendaal and Andreas de Beer for his continued support and superb facility and service.
April 2009
Phase One of the 2009 facility extension program (aka "Benji's Ranch") is completed. Now we're busy raising funds for actually putting the roof on! The design of this porch is a time-tested Bonairean classic, complete with the ubiquitous sandwiched 2x4 pillars. The photo was taken with a wide-angle lens, meaning everything IS standing up straight...
March 2009
We were finally able to schedule a deep dive to the Anchors of Red Slave. The result of this fun-filled morning can be seen in the Shore diving section. Plenty of history at 180' for DIR Bonaire member German Arango and CGT guide Benji...
There wasn't a single trumpet fish on this dive to be seen. Likely they didn't want to compete with German...
We are pleased to announce that Bonaire East Coast Diving has resumed boat diving operations. We will keep you posted on further developments right here.
The gas sample we submitted to our analysis partner Trace Analytics in the US just came back. With a condensed HC content of less than 0.02 mg/m3 and a dew point of less than -91F/-68C, we're proud to comply with the strictest of gas purity standards.
February 2009
Due to an unfortunate accident concerning their boat, the collaboration with East Coast Diving Bonaire will be put on hold temporarily. We will keep you posted about any progress restoring this great service.
Two new videos are online now right here and on the cgtbonaire YouTube channel. The featured sites are Taylor Maid, a long-time favorite for our guests, and the little wreck that could, the Tugboat at the Front Porch site. You will find the first in the shore dives section, and the tugboat dive sits in Benji's personal video collection under Photo & Video. Enjoy!
January 2009
Big news: CGT has a new source for boat diving! A local entrepreneur was able to acquire the assets of the now defunct "Larry's Wildside Diving". We're working closely with the new owners in order to offer the most outstanding experiences on the exposed East Coast of Bonaire. Check out the boat, a custom-built Zodiac Hurricane 920 with a staggering total of 450HP of outboard power!
As a contribution to our ongoing efforts in raising the company profile locally, we finally installed a nice flagpole (Thanks to Jibe City!) made from an indestructible and light carbon fiber composite material. There can be no mistake anymore about what goes on in the mysterious blue container, now can there?
We also added another recommended place to stay to the accommodations section, the wonderful Bamboo Bali Resort.
December 2008
Another year has come to pass, and for now all that remains is to say "Thank you all!" for your support and friendship in 2008. Let's make 2009 even better!
We have acquired a new company vehicle. This should make transit to/from dive sites more comfortable and much safer.
Dan MacKay, after all the years of diving huge wrecks, has discovered a great affection for the small things to be found underwater. Please do yourselves a favor and check out his gallery in the Photo/Video section!
November 2008
Benji spent the first 2 weeks of November in the GUE heartland, in High Springs and Gainesville (Florida), to be precise. Since GUE instructors have to re-qualify every 3 years, this fall's GUEF ITC was a very good opportunity to get this done and attend the 2008 GUE Conference at the same time.
During these two weeks, a lot of work was done, but we also had a lot of fun. Check out the GUE pumpkin from David Rhea's Halloween Party!
We are eagerly awaiting the outcome of a great development we started at the conference. ReefCheck, a California-based and globally present reef research and survey organization agreed on helping the Bonaire team get trained in scientifically applicable survey techniques. There might even be a chance to adapt the protocol used now to a deep-water environment. We'll keep you posted on this.
Another showcase video went online in the shore diving section! Check out the efforts of Guy Shockey (principal photography) and Benji on the Windjammer Wreck.
October 2008
The most exhilarating and exciting month in the history of CGT has come to pass. The following is a quick overview.
Thanks to the graciousness of BDA letting us tap into their N32 banks, CGT now has an in-facility high pressure supply of premix Nitrox 32 gas. The value of this became immediately obvious in the weeks to come.
First up was a Fundamentals class with two European folks, which went very nicely and everybody involved learned a lot.
Then, the first technical class of the season (Tech 1) was severely impacted by the genesis of Hurricane Omar just offshore. This powerful storm pounded the island with torrential rain and very high surf on the vulnerable west coast. This made the planned delivery of sorely needed helium impossible for a few days. Thanks to the generosity of Buddy Dive Resort, the class could progress and finish almost on schedule. Congrats to Rob Zwissler and Dave, good job.
The second class of the yearly "Tech October" frenzy, the first Tech 2 class ever to be held on Bonaire, was a raging success as well. Even though there was not enough helium to properly finish the class, the team consisting of James Pate, Guy Shockey and Benji Schaub made a terrific dive on La Dania's Leap. To be continued...
And to top it all off, CGT staff were able to do a few deep excursions to sites such as the Windjammer Wreck and Red Slave using the latest in scooter technology! We found several anchors in the 240' range on Red Slave and were able to confirm alive and thriving Peppermint Shrimp communities at 230'. Thanks Frank.
Last but not least the website and with it our pricing structure is changed to better reflect our logistics situation and provide improved service to our customers. Please refer to the updated procedures section of our website.
September 2008
After an exciting 3 1/2 weeks in The Netherlands, our teaching staff looks back onto a very successful period. Thanks to the efforts of the (as usually!) very well prepared students and our host facility, Blue Marlin Diving in Roosendaal, everybody involved cannot be anything but very satisfied with the outcome of this fall's course work.
Our very special thanks go to lighting wizard Eddy van Vliet of Scuba Support for the uber-fast repair service of Benji's trusted Agir-Brokk Lugh9 primary torch. You rock!
Once back home, there was more work waiting. We were able to finish the facility roof in one fell swoop and install the "Mother Of All Fans" to cool divers during the upcoming October GUEF, T1 and T2 teaching frenzy.
And finally: Effective immediately, we discontinue our policy of including equipment rental in the course fee. Student divers now have to either bring DIR compliant gear or peruse our rental services.
August 2008
Another dive video is online for your viewing pleasure, this time taken on a calm day on Bonaire's east coast, at the dive site Lac Cai. To see it, go to the shore diving section. Have fun!
And the second phase of the "CGT awareness-raising project" is completed and we're ready to move forward again. So now, if you follow the above sign at the traffic circle, you'll actually get to the place to the right!
Since 15:30, August 11 2008, CGT's facility is finally connected to the Bonaire power grid. This opens the door towards such achievements of civilization as refrigerators and coffeemakers... Seriously, we are very happy and this will further smooth out our operational workflow!
We've finally gotten around to raise the profile locally a little. The awesome road sign located at the roundabout (traffic circle) will hopefully direct more walk-in customers our way.
July 2008
As promised, we've been able to embed not one but two additional videos into the web site. The site featured is the Hilma Hooker wreck dive, and our local team doesn't waste time hanging around on the outside of the wreck, either...
Check the "Shore dives" and "Photo & video" sections for the clips.
June 2008
A long awaited moment has arrived: The website is finally featuring the first demo video of one of the excursion dives we offer, the Town Pier of Bonaire! Thanks to the outstanding service of Agir-Brokk, who delivered the video light, and to my buddies Niels Wennekes and Sammy Vingerhoets, we could turn this into a reality. Enjoy and watch out for more to come...
Finally there is some progress with the long delayed facility improvement plans, as can be seen below: I'm sure you'll enjoy the added sun and rain protection as much as I do!
May 2008
The Dutch community was kind enough to invite Benji over for two GUEF classes. Our teaching staff always enjoys a splendid opportunity for a little reality check... All went well, with the exception of the first class which unfortunately had to be cut short because Benji caught a nasty cold bug. All three students agreed to come back to finish this in September during the second round of teaching this year. Thanks guys and thanks Andreas of Blue Marlin Diving for the excellent support!!
April 2008
Benji spent almost all of April on a well-earned vacation in Guatemala together with family. It was a very nice trip and we'll all remember the arrival in Coban on 15th of April forever, I guess...
February 2008
A lot of teaching in February, we actually ran two GUEF classes back to back here on Bonaire. Congrats to the students, you know who you are. It never ceases to amaze me to see what kind of dedicated and eager divers GUE training is able to attract. Very special.
January 2008
The new year started with a long but fun trip: Benji was sent to Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt! Visionary ICT company Breathe-IT, hailing from Bonaire, contracted our services in order to install a system of underwater network cameras. Having spent some considerable time in the Middle East, Benji felt right at home and the job was done with inspiring precision...
December 2007
After an exhilarating trip to one of the more remote corners of the planet, Chuuk (FSM, also known as Truk Lagoon), Benji is back on Bonaire. This trip can really only be described as mind-blowing, the wrecks of Truk are quite literally condensed history, and diving them has a very unique feel of real significance.
December's GUE Fundamentals class is done with two valuable additions to the local team, Chelsey and Bruce! Congrats!!
We're working of getting the facility electrified, so we can have computer services, credit card checkout and other amenities on-site.
November 2007
Benji is getting ready for departure to Chuuk, Micronesia, better known as Truk Lagoon. As part of an international, Canada based video production team he will help conduct deep mixed gas wreck dives in this historic location. Stay tuned for coverage on this exciting expedition.
Another member of the exploration team has been added, we welcome Niels Wennekes in our group. Niels moved here from the Netherlands as dive guide and repair technician for BDA.
October 2007
Finally the CGT facilities have been placed into what can only be described as a tourism and commerce hotspot on the island. With a walking distance of 1 (one!) minute to the ocean and the BDA pier it doesn't get much more convenient. Furthermore do we feature a "drive-by" filling station for mixed gas, a repair shop, retail location and rental department. All of this is magically squeezed into a 20 foot long shipping container....
CGT is proud to announce that our founder and CEO Benji Schaub has been named an official guide for the restricted Windjammer Wreck dive in front of the BOPEC oil terminal. As one of the 5 persons to be able to do so Benji is looking forward to give CGT's customers an unforgettable deep diving experience on this classic wreck.
And it has happened! Bonaire has for the first time it's own DIR deep exploration team. Consisting of German Arango, Marco Caldato and Benji Schaub, they are planning on pushing the boundaries of known underwater space and come back with the results needed to answer vital questions about our fragile ecosystem.
We have now laid the foundation for a great local deep dive team, since with the help of Dan McKay Marco Caldato and myself passed the GUE Technical Diver 1 class. The next weekend will likely see Guy Shockey from British Columbia and German Arango from Colombia be successful as well.
September 2007
We can now accept all major credit cards as means of payment. This eliminates the need to carry around wads of US$ 20 bills...
The placement of our filling station, repair workshop and retail shop to where it should have been a long time ago is imminent. The next two weeks will bring great news, such as no more tank trafficking to and from the other side of the island!
We are very proud to be the first Caribbean distributor for the the prestigious Agir-Brokk brand of DIR compliant dive equipment. This agreement will allow us to make this no-frills, high-quality equipment available locally, as well as support other retail outlets in the area. Dealer enquiries are welcome.
We have augmented our existing rental fleet to be able to accommodate up to 5 Tech2 divers with a set of doubles, two deco bottles and a bottom stage. This means we will now be able to host GUE Tech2 classes right here in paradise. Traveling instructor enquiries are more than welcome.
The rates now better reflect the cost structure of our particular situation. This means they have gone up just a little bit... However, customers will find the extra service and convenience that is made possible by the latest developments quite valuable.
One of the most stunning underwater visions and display of raw photography (and modeling! :-) skills these days must belong to Allison and Robert Lee, members of Bay Area Underwater Explorers. As Tech2 divers, they used their considerable diving abilities to come back from every single excursion with awesome imagery, as you can see here and in the Photo/Video section.
We're having some very illustrious guest divers here this month, first up was Bart Hoogeveen, and we're featuring his magnificent photography, from the Salt Pier and other sites, in the Photo/Video section.
Tech2 divers onto the Mairi Bhan, Ralph Correia and fellow GUE Instructor George Bouloukos. A job well done boys, and as soon as the imagery is available, we'll put it up here.
Most of May Benji spent in Holland teaching Fundamentals classes with the Dutch community. These programs were a great success again, due to the fantastic teams and individuals Benji had the pleasure of working with. We'd also like to thank 
Phase One of the 2009 facility extension program (aka "Benji's Ranch") is completed. Now we're busy raising funds for actually putting the roof on!
We were finally able to schedule a deep dive to the Anchors of Red Slave. The result of this fun-filled morning can be seen in the Shore diving section.
We will keep you posted about any progress restoring this great service.
Big news: CGT has a new source for boat diving! A local entrepreneur was able to acquire the assets of the now defunct "Larry's Wildside Diving". We're working closely with the new owners in order to offer the most outstanding experiences on the exposed East Coast of Bonaire.
to say "Thank you all!" for your support and friendship in 2008.
Benji spent the first 2 weeks of November in the GUE heartland, in High Springs and Gainesville (Florida), to be precise. Since GUE instructors have to re-qualify every 3 years, this fall's GUEF ITC was a very good opportunity to get this done and attend the 2008 GUE Conference at the same time.
survey organization agreed on helping the Bonaire team get trained in scientifically applicable survey techniques. There might even be a chance to adapt the protocol used now to a deep-water environment. We'll keep you posted on this.
The most exhilarating and exciting month in the history of CGT has come to pass. The following is a quick overview.
impacted by the genesis of Hurricane Omar just offshore. This powerful storm pounded the island with torrential rain and very high surf on the vulnerable west coast. This made the planned delivery of sorely needed helium impossible for a few days. Thanks to the generosity of Buddy Dive Resort, the class could progress and finish almost on schedule. Congrats to Rob Zwissler and Dave, good job.
helium to properly finish the class, the team consisting of James Pate, Guy Shockey and Benji Schaub made a terrific dive on La Dania's Leap. To be continued...
(as usually!) very well prepared students and our host facility, Blue Marlin Diving in Roosendaal, everybody involved cannot be anything but very satisfied with the outcome of this fall's course work.
And the second phase of the "CGT awareness-raising project" is completed and we're ready to move forward again.
As promised, we've been able to embed not one but two additional videos into the web site. The site featured is the Hilma Hooker wreck dive, and our local team doesn't waste time hanging around on the outside of the wreck, either...
A long awaited moment has arrived: The website is finally featuring the first demo video of one of the excursion dives we offer, the Town Pier of Bonaire! Thanks to the outstanding service of Agir-Brokk, who delivered the video light, and to my buddies Niels Wennekes and Sammy Vingerhoets, we could turn this into a reality. 
The Dutch community was kind enough to invite Benji over for two GUEF classes. Our teaching staff always enjoys a splendid opportunity for a little reality check...
The new year started with a long but fun trip: Benji was sent to Sharm El Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt! Visionary ICT company 
Finally the CGT facilities have been placed into what can only be described as a tourism and commerce hotspot on the island. With a walking distance of 1 (one!) minute to the ocean and the BDA pier it doesn't get much more convenient. Furthermore do we feature a "drive-by" filling station for mixed gas, a repair shop, retail location and rental department. All of this is magically squeezed into a 20 foot long shipping container....