Utila Dive Center
Utila Dive Center
5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Full view
About
The Utila Dive Centre is an established dive operation and hotel, offering all levels of scuba instruction from beginner to PADI Scuba Instructor, including Tec diving. Utila Dive Centre has been a PADI Career Development Center since 2002 and is the most popular and successful CDC in Central America. We have Instructor level continuing education courses (Specialty Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer, IDC Staff Instructor) and internships that add real value to your training with us.
Utila, Honduras
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,679 reviews
Excellent
1,586
Very good
57
Average
17
Poor
7
Terrible
12
Passport63213275658
Whitehorse, Canada2 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
I arrived at Udc to do my instructor training. Shortly after starting the idc I discovered I may of bitten off more than I can chew and considered dropping out to do the next months idc because I felt I wasn’t ready. The staff instructors were able to install a sense of confidence and knowledge I didn’t know was possible in the short two weeks. All the way the top to the bottom the Udc family was so incredibly welcoming and supportive it made this stressful Time a breeze and I sailed threw the idc and passed with flying colours something I didn’t think was possible and now I’m ready to move on to do my msdt and staff instructor. I’m so impressed that if another dive shop offered me the staff instructor for free I’d still pay to do it with Udc. Thank you so much Tom and nico. Juicy your the man you opened a lot of doors for me just by being you.
If anyone is considering doing any level of dive training in Central America I highly recommend shooting Udc a message or coming in and talking to the wonderful office staff who will definitely set you up to win. Thanks Udc can’t wait to learn more and do some great diving.
If anyone is considering doing any level of dive training in Central America I highly recommend shooting Udc a message or coming in and talking to the wonderful office staff who will definitely set you up to win. Thanks Udc can’t wait to learn more and do some great diving.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback Chris! We really enjoyed having you with us and look forward to continuing to train you for success in the dive industry. The dive industry has many doors and different pathways you can take so remember that we are always here to support you and help you be successful. With your positive attitude anything is possible my friend!
Josiah Mackin
Director of Training
Written January 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Narasimha B
1 contribution
Feb 2020
I came to Utila with my mates for diving. UDC came recommended to me and I would also highly recommend this dive center to others and more specifically my dive instructor, Levi. I completed my Advance Open Water certification with Levi who was a fantastic teacher, very clear in explaining and demonstrating all info and skills. He was professional and encouraging but also fun, enhancing the whole experience for me. He went above and beyond with the smaller things and took the time to ensure I was comfortable and happy in the water. I was so satisfied and stoked with my experience at UDC and Levi, I'd recommend both emphatically with out thinking twice!
For fun Fun Dives - I recommend Kieran and Berni for this one! These two have a serious eye for finding tiny, hard to find fish! Didn't realize how much we spotted from my four dives with until we logged our dives. I want give a huge shout out for Kieran for being so patient and making me feel comfortable before my first night dive after my AOW certification. I got witness the String of Pearls phenomenon which occurs about 20 mins after sunset. It must be pitch black with no moon and lights turned off.
I feel very lucky to have spent my time on Utila at UDC. I left the island not only with a new certification but also with some amazing group of friends that i made while diving here in Utila. I will definitely be coming back to Utila and I will 100% be staying and diving at UDC.
For fun Fun Dives - I recommend Kieran and Berni for this one! These two have a serious eye for finding tiny, hard to find fish! Didn't realize how much we spotted from my four dives with until we logged our dives. I want give a huge shout out for Kieran for being so patient and making me feel comfortable before my first night dive after my AOW certification. I got witness the String of Pearls phenomenon which occurs about 20 mins after sunset. It must be pitch black with no moon and lights turned off.
I feel very lucky to have spent my time on Utila at UDC. I left the island not only with a new certification but also with some amazing group of friends that i made while diving here in Utila. I will definitely be coming back to Utila and I will 100% be staying and diving at UDC.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc A.
Zurich, Switzerland6 contributions
Feb 2021
I arrived on the island of Utila three weeks before my Instructor Development Course started and was warmly welcomed by the team members of UDC.
In advance of my IDC I could fundive everyday and participated in the "boat workshop", which helped me with the boat handling and to find my way around the dive center.
Once the IDC, led by Juicy and Tom, started, we had a very busy schedule. Nevertheless the Juicy and Tom always made sure that we have a lot of fun, a very varied schedule and I have benefited a lot from the know-how of both of them. Also all the other UDC staff members were always helpful and caring.
The dive center is very well managed and so it was not surprising that the organisation of the dive center, but also the IDC class itself, was outstanding. All this made us Instructor candidates to pass the IE in a very comfortable manner - we were prepared in the most professional way.
I can highly recommend UDC for any kind of diving education and also the social life around the dive center, including the amazing UDC-BBQ's, is unique.
In advance of my IDC I could fundive everyday and participated in the "boat workshop", which helped me with the boat handling and to find my way around the dive center.
Once the IDC, led by Juicy and Tom, started, we had a very busy schedule. Nevertheless the Juicy and Tom always made sure that we have a lot of fun, a very varied schedule and I have benefited a lot from the know-how of both of them. Also all the other UDC staff members were always helpful and caring.
The dive center is very well managed and so it was not surprising that the organisation of the dive center, but also the IDC class itself, was outstanding. All this made us Instructor candidates to pass the IE in a very comfortable manner - we were prepared in the most professional way.
I can highly recommend UDC for any kind of diving education and also the social life around the dive center, including the amazing UDC-BBQ's, is unique.
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter K
3 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is hands down the most professional scuba dive operation I have ever witnessed. Working in tandem with the Mango Inn(whose furnace baked pizzas I ate for my entire week stay, a new personal record) they provided the best and exceptionally highest service to this secret little 17 square mile slice of heaven called Utila, that I have been privy to.
Utila dive center, from checking in to checking out made everything very easy with their helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive staff.
My dive masters for the trip were Bernie and Bel who are both wonderful and the greatest dive masters I have ever had the pleasure of following. Between their knowledge of the coral and fish behavior, and island life (whose suggestions led my party to the most beautiful places I have seen).
Watching Bernie underwater taught me how to scuba in a heavy coral reef environment. She takes her dives steady and consistently and will float a foot off each coral and check every nook and cranny. Often finding some of the harder to spot species in the region such as giant crabs, mantis shrimps, toad fish, and lobsters. She really cares about providing her divers with the best marine life contact.
Bel, the queen of buoyancy, taught me how to use less weights underwater, going from 16 lbs of lead in Hawaii to 8 lbs in Utila. This led me to never having my BCD inflated and finding myself perfectly neutrally buoyant, something I didnt know was personally achievable for me.
UDC is hands down the place to go if you find yourself on Utila. I have never visited the same place twice, but you can definitely expect me to write a second review within the next year because my experience here was that amazing and special.
Thank you to the UDC staff, Mango Inn, Bel, and Bernie for providing memories that will last a lifetime, unless I get alzheimers lol.
Also a shootout to Darwin, the rickshaw driver (blue #2) for being awesome.
Utila dive center, from checking in to checking out made everything very easy with their helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive staff.
My dive masters for the trip were Bernie and Bel who are both wonderful and the greatest dive masters I have ever had the pleasure of following. Between their knowledge of the coral and fish behavior, and island life (whose suggestions led my party to the most beautiful places I have seen).
Watching Bernie underwater taught me how to scuba in a heavy coral reef environment. She takes her dives steady and consistently and will float a foot off each coral and check every nook and cranny. Often finding some of the harder to spot species in the region such as giant crabs, mantis shrimps, toad fish, and lobsters. She really cares about providing her divers with the best marine life contact.
Bel, the queen of buoyancy, taught me how to use less weights underwater, going from 16 lbs of lead in Hawaii to 8 lbs in Utila. This led me to never having my BCD inflated and finding myself perfectly neutrally buoyant, something I didnt know was personally achievable for me.
UDC is hands down the place to go if you find yourself on Utila. I have never visited the same place twice, but you can definitely expect me to write a second review within the next year because my experience here was that amazing and special.
Thank you to the UDC staff, Mango Inn, Bel, and Bernie for providing memories that will last a lifetime, unless I get alzheimers lol.
Also a shootout to Darwin, the rickshaw driver (blue #2) for being awesome.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise M
5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
From the moment I contacted UDC they have been amazing. They respond quickly to email and WhatsApp (other dive shops in Utila take weeks). The office staff are so helpful and really do everything they can to make sure you have a great experience. The housing at Mango Inn is basic but clean, with plenty of bathrooms and showers. There is plenty of hangout space by the pool in a lovely garden setting. I took both Open Water and Advanced with Anton and was impressed with his natural and very patient and supportive teaching style. I stayed on to also do fun dives. The boat captains are fun and the guides are knowledgeable and try their best to get you to a variety of dive sights. (TIP: dive in the morning for best chances of going to the north side of the island)
I've spent a month with UDC and exploring Utila, I highly recommend them.
I've spent a month with UDC and exploring Utila, I highly recommend them.
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveleralotoftime
Mesa, AZ14 contributions
Oct 2020
We spent a month in Utila (working remotely and vacationing) at our home and have been diving with Utila Dive Center for almost all the 10 years we have been going to Utila.
We arrived on the island the week before the island began to open businesses to tourists and the outside world. The diving with UDC was spectacular and as always very professional. Our dive guides of Rich, Chris, Juicy, Levy and JB were exceptional. Each brought their own strengths in identifying the marine life making each dive a different and great adventure!
It can not go without saying that in planning our return to Utila, Biosecurity was top of mind. Traveling to Honduras and following the governmental guidelines made our return back to our home seamless.
Utila Dive Center also was focused on the comfort, safety and health of their guest - following enhanced biosecurity measures. They ensured all equipment was thoroughly sanitized after each dive as all well as all staff and crew (and for the most part) guests on board the boats and at the Dive Center adhered to wearing masks and when possible keeping as much distance between people.
If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime exploring the reefs and underwater world around Utila - Utila Dive Center should be the Dive Professionals you choose to trust and have peace of mind in measures they have put in place to keep you healthy as well as safe when diving with them!
We arrived on the island the week before the island began to open businesses to tourists and the outside world. The diving with UDC was spectacular and as always very professional. Our dive guides of Rich, Chris, Juicy, Levy and JB were exceptional. Each brought their own strengths in identifying the marine life making each dive a different and great adventure!
It can not go without saying that in planning our return to Utila, Biosecurity was top of mind. Traveling to Honduras and following the governmental guidelines made our return back to our home seamless.
Utila Dive Center also was focused on the comfort, safety and health of their guest - following enhanced biosecurity measures. They ensured all equipment was thoroughly sanitized after each dive as all well as all staff and crew (and for the most part) guests on board the boats and at the Dive Center adhered to wearing masks and when possible keeping as much distance between people.
If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime exploring the reefs and underwater world around Utila - Utila Dive Center should be the Dive Professionals you choose to trust and have peace of mind in measures they have put in place to keep you healthy as well as safe when diving with them!
Written November 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aaronkthomas
Oakland, CA1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Couples
Our experience at Utila Dive center was fantastic. They have everything extremely well organized and professional, and the instructors are top notch, world class. Three days of instruction and I went from a flailing helpless land mammal to completely comfortable and capable scuba diving to 18 meters. Everything was done with safety and best practices, and passing the course was made very simple and easy after the clear directed and attentive instruction. I cannot recommend them enough.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin H
5 contributions
Sep 2021
I had the chance to do 26 fun dives with Utila Dive Center in September of 2021. I cannot recommend them highly enough, awesome dive locations and even more awesome instructors, employees and boat captains! Having a restaurant and bar right on the dock where the boat leaves was super convenient and a great way to meet other travelers. The dive center is more so focused around obtaining PADI certifications and caters to the 20-30-year-old social drinking crowd but I also met others with UDC that didn't fit in this category.
Shoutout the Joan and Mark for the awesome experience!
Shoutout the Joan and Mark for the awesome experience!
Written September 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magnus B
Hua Hin, Thailand6 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
The first and remaining impression is that UDC wants to maximize income and quantity at the cost of quality and security
Everything should be paid in advance, administrative personnell unexperinced and unfriedly
Divin gear outworn and generally in bad condition.
Boats overloaded with people.
No predive brief and no idea of which people that should be included in the group.
During the dive the divemaster obviously had no clue of the status of the group as airconsumption was not controlled. One guy had obvios problems during the entire dive that went unnoticed by the divemaster.
Our group consistibg of four experinced divers that has been diving around the world had the same impression - none of us had ever seen anything similair to this. We had paid for three days in anvance - the only reason we continued diving after the first day, and our experince was the same the two following days.
Probably the reason UDC claims payment before and not after tje dives.
Dr Magnus Blimark
Senior Consultant General Surgery
Seeden
Everything should be paid in advance, administrative personnell unexperinced and unfriedly
Divin gear outworn and generally in bad condition.
Boats overloaded with people.
No predive brief and no idea of which people that should be included in the group.
During the dive the divemaster obviously had no clue of the status of the group as airconsumption was not controlled. One guy had obvios problems during the entire dive that went unnoticed by the divemaster.
Our group consistibg of four experinced divers that has been diving around the world had the same impression - none of us had ever seen anything similair to this. We had paid for three days in anvance - the only reason we continued diving after the first day, and our experince was the same the two following days.
Probably the reason UDC claims payment before and not after tje dives.
Dr Magnus Blimark
Senior Consultant General Surgery
Seeden
Written November 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Magnus,
Thank you for taking the time for your review.
We're sorry to hear you did not enjoy your time diving with us and we appreciate your feedback. We have the smallest groups on island for fun divers, with a dedicated Resort Boat for experienced fun divers like yourself and so it's surprising to hear you and your group felt that the boat was overloaded.
Our guides do offer a dive-briefing of every dive site, including using maps when applicable to map out the dive site.
As for payment in advance, this is standard procedure in the region and in our terms and conditions which you were made of aware of signed before diving. I will add that if you had mentioned these concerns to us we would have happily refunded the balance of your dives as we certainly don't want any guest feeling like they are being forced to dive with us if they are not finding the experience to their enjoyment. Our priority is always our guests' safety and comfort and we understand that we cannot always please everyone, although as the majority of the reviews here state, we do succeed considerably more often than not.
Again thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback, it is greatly appreciated and we hope in the future you're able to join us again and we can provide an experience more to your liking!
Written November 27, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Corey
Mooloolaba, Australia1 contribution
Jan 2021
Super professional and friendly team. On arrival to utila they had a tuktuk ready for me as soon as I got off the ferry to take me the udc affiliated hostel which is awesome, Small groups for Classes and assigned mentors are on hand all the time to help with any difficulties.
Loads of extra programs to join in on if you wanted. A reef conservation project which is linked with Australia’s G.B.R which I thought was cool! The worlds two largest reef formations working together.
Unlimited diving, great mix of international Instructors and trainees which I think is always a good sign. Diving was very organized and safe. Also super accommodating with me wanting to change dates so I could do it at my own pace.
Facilities in place to help with assembly of new equipment, small bar and cafe with food, which depending on the time of day has the coffee hot or the beers cold, Yewww!
The best was Some of the team had found me at a New Years party “two sheets to the wind” to be polite ...helped me get home, absolutely Total legends!!
I was recommended UDC from a few different friends/colleagues and 100% I’ll be recommending to people.
Thanks guys!
Loads of extra programs to join in on if you wanted. A reef conservation project which is linked with Australia’s G.B.R which I thought was cool! The worlds two largest reef formations working together.
Unlimited diving, great mix of international Instructors and trainees which I think is always a good sign. Diving was very organized and safe. Also super accommodating with me wanting to change dates so I could do it at my own pace.
Facilities in place to help with assembly of new equipment, small bar and cafe with food, which depending on the time of day has the coffee hot or the beers cold, Yewww!
The best was Some of the team had found me at a New Years party “two sheets to the wind” to be polite ...helped me get home, absolutely Total legends!!
I was recommended UDC from a few different friends/colleagues and 100% I’ll be recommending to people.
Thanks guys!
Written January 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How many hours a day are you in school for your open water certificate and do they offer any online options so you are not spending your whole week in class.
Thanks
Written January 3, 2020
MktManagerUDC
Utila, Honduras
Hi Stanb8! The schedule of the course depends largely on the instructor and the students on the course as we want to make sure everyone is learning at a comfortable and fun pace. Having said that, you’re usually looking at 3-4 hours in the AM and 3-4 hours in the PM with a break in between for lunch, as well as potentially some half-days. Again, this depends largely on the instructor and changes course to course.
There is an option to complete the theory online through the PADI eLearning offering which you would purchase at PADI's official site. Please note that there is an additional cost for this option, which you pay directly to PADI at the time of purchase. If you have done this option it usually means you can start with the water sessions right away. The time that it saves you will depend heavily on the other students of the course, but it does mean you do not need to spend as much time in the classroom. If you did the eLEARNING, there would be $90.00 discount on the course price.
Written March 5, 2020
My husband and I are thinking of visiting the last 2 weeks in July and getting our beginner level scuba certificate. We realize it’s the rainy season, how’s the visibility? And is this a good time to come?
Written June 6, 2018
Visibility is pretty good most of the time. 15-20m. Occasional windy days or rain reduce it temporarily but it’s not been bad through May.
Written June 8, 2018
There is an international airport in Roatan (RTB). Fly there and then take the Utila Dream Ferry over to Utila (1 hour ferry ride).
I know Utila has it's own airport but not sure how many flights go there.
Written June 29, 2018
Hi, James. What rom Canada there? coming fwhat is the easiest way to getwould you like to know about this attraction?
Written April 16, 2018
My wife & I are freediver/spearfish can we legally spearfish Lion Fish around Utila? We have all our own equipment including small Lion Fish guns & pole spears. I'm looking to book a trip to Utila in Late Feb early March. Thanks any info would be greatly appreciated.
Eric
Written October 15, 2017
Hello Eric:
There is an initiative to erradicate lion fish in the whole bay islands. However, doing it on your own is NOT advisable, since spear fishing (for any other species) is forbidden in the reef, and should someone see you with spearfishing gear, you might get in trouble. UDC has, in their fun dives, lion fish hunting trips. That would be a safe way to achieve your goal.
Written May 6, 2018
Hi, what is your advice for someone with mild asthma effected mainly by very cold temperatures and who doesn't necessarily want to dive that deep but still experience Utilas diving? Do they have to be signed off by a doctor before they arrive on the island and if so will that delay or prevent them from doing an open water course for example? Thanks, Amy
Written March 31, 2017
Hey AimsCourt....if you are signing up for a diving course and you answer YES to any of the questions and yes, one of those is do you have asthma then they will send you for a doctors approval. You can do this with your own doctor where you live or you can do it with the doctors on the island...they are very well trained and are a lot less expensive than at least here in the US. It will delay your start time, but the doctor will make rounds to the dive shops...you wouldn't be the only one who needs a sign of from the doc. The water isn't very cold at all...I left at the end of April and the temp. was 28c. UDC is great and they will do everything in their power to make your diving experience exceptional!
Written May 23, 2017
Hi, good night!
I intend to do my trip around Central America between March and April.
I'd like to know how many days do I need to spend in Utila to do the course Open Water (Basic) and what is the cost of this course?
Thank you in advance!
Best Regards,
Thiago
Written January 31, 2017
MktManagerUDC
Utila, Honduras
Hi Tiago! Thanks for reaching out to us. The Open Water course takes 4.5 days and there is a new course that starts every other day. If you like, please reach out to us via our Facebook page so that we can better reply to your questions and get you all sorted for your trip in March/April!
Written January 31, 2017
Buenas!!! Nosotros vamos a viajar en Marzo 2017 a Utila...queremos saber cuál es la mejor temporada para bucear con tiburones ballenas?
El servicio que ustedes ofrecen es de buceo, estadía y desayuno, o cuál es el servicio específicamente?
Cuál es el precio?
Muchas gracias!!!! Saludos!!!
Written January 8, 2017
MktManagerUDC
Utila, Honduras
Hola!
Con gusto le podemos responder sus preguntas.
En Utila y Honduras no se permite bucear con tiburones ballenas ya que son una especie protegida. Lo que si se permite es snorkeling.
No hay una temporada en particular donde los vemos con mas frecuencia así que siempre hay buena oportunidad para encontrarlos.
Dependiendo de lo que usted desee hacer, ofrecemos una variedad de diferentes opciones con estadía en nuestro hotel el Mango Inn.
Contactenos en nuestra pagina en Facebook si tiene mas preguntas o si quiere hacer su reservacion.
Gracias!
-UDC
Written January 8, 2017
Hi Mathew,
Thanks for the review. Actually I'm thinking seriously to go to UDC for my DM.
My question is do you know any accommodation near and outside of UDC. because
Their own facility will be expensive for DM period?
Thanks
Armin
Written January 8, 2017
MktManagerUDC
Utila, Honduras
Sorry about that - you can reach out to us on our Facebook page
Written January 8, 2017
Hi!
I have the same question as Kyle! :)
I'm still pretty new to diving but I want to work my way up to being DM.
I got my OPW in Belize 2013, and the rescue 2013 on Aruba approximately I have 40 dives.
Please send me information about prices, time, if its possible and easy for me to work with this when Im done with the DM.
Anna
Written March 25, 2016
Hi Anna,
Thanks for your inquiry and interest in our Divemaster training, if you can email me through our website (I cannot leave my email address here) I can reply to you with more details information and pricing plus brochures/PDF links which I cannot post here.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Warm regards,
Andy Phillips Msc
PADI Course Director #608779
Director of Professional Training
Written March 25, 2016
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