I came across this review on Scubadviser.com recently:
"...The dive boat was tiny and I couldn't see any safety kit like spare oxygen etc. When we arrived at the site there was no dive site briefing nor meaningful dive plan discussed, but instead we were just told to get in. As soon as the group began to descend my wife and I were caught in a strong downcurrent and separated from both the group and the reef. When we were eventually able to ascend again we had no idea where they or we were, so elected to surface. As we ascended Brenda appeared, waving wildly at us that we should ascend, which we did. Once topside she began shouting at us, entirely out of control, to the effect that we had left the group on purpose and hadn't ascended quickly enough. To cap it all the guy driving the boat had managed to accidentally throw my wife's glasses into the sea whilst we were underwater. All in all the worst diving experience we've ever had. Unprofessional and unsafe. AVOID!"
for the complete article
Now I am not trying to prey on the errors of this particular dive shop (2 continents away) or to ruin their name. I would like to look at these peoples experience and use that as guidance for choosing a dive shop and making the most of your experience. This can be the difference between an incredible vacation and a story like the above...
1) Ask to see the equipment and try on the gear you will be using. It should fit and be in good, usable shape. There is a difference between being "Well-worn" and not working. Over the years the manufacturers of BCD's and Regulators have produced more and more complicated and slick looking gear. This gear also has many things that break or new and unusual for the less experienced diver. We have found that some of the most reliable gear for recreational divers and students hasn't really changed much in the last 10 years. I have been in dive shops where the regulators are 20 years old, but with proper care and service - they work perfectly and will last for years to come. Simply ask to see the gear and look in the equipment room. You will know if you are dealing with a shop that maintains their gear or jsut "jerry-rigs" stuff so that it works for the time being.
Would you skydive with a shop that just puts some tape on a ripped parachute and hands it to you?
2) Safety. Oxygen is the single most important safety device for any dive accident. If Oxygen is applied fast and correctly - the chances of recovery increase many fold and the injuries decrease significantly. This is essential. If the boat/shop does not have oxygen - they simply don't value your life. Walk out the door and don't come back.
Just as important is a fully stocked first aid kit. While accidents are pretty uncommon divers do bump into coral, accidently encounter jellyfish or simply slip on the dock.
Of course having staff that know how to use the equipment and deal with an accident is just as important as having the right tools.
Much of the world's great diving is in remote locations. But that is simply not an excuse for lack of safety equipment or training. Any retailer/wholesaler a dive shop can buy equipment will also sell all safety gear. An oxygen kit costs about the same as one set of gear. And It is a requirement of all new instructors to have 1st aid training. In virtually any Instructor Training facility a divemaster can easily obtain First Aid, Oxygen and Hazardous Marine Life training. Ask to see the Staff certifications.
3)The staff. In the above example - it seems a bit extreme. But it is the responsibility of the shop that the guests should feel comfortable, safe and confident. Without the guest - there would be no diving. Every dive site is unique and a briefing is the only way to describe the beauty, the marine life and the potential hazards that could be encountered. The same dive site in the morning and afternoon can still be diferent - tides, sunlight, different species active. In some places a gentle current is a great - like a moving sidewalk at the airport. In other places a powerful current can be deadly.
The only way to share this information is the staff. Experienced, well-trained staff who communicate well can easily do a good and fun dive site briefing in just a few minutes. It is not dificult. If you are with a guide - they should be watching for any hestiations or worries. Many problems are solved by preventing them. If it turns out you have never dived off a boat before - the guide should help. If you are equalizing slower than the other guests - the guide should be prepared.
Are the staff certified? Are they able to communicate clearly? When will the briefings be conducted?
4) You. The guests also have some responsibilities. Let them know if you have not dived recently or in the local conditions (ice, lakes, murky water, etc...). If the gear is unfamiliar - ask for a demonstration. If you've had any recent health issues (cold, surgery, broken bones, etc...) it is also advisable to let the shop know.
In the end - the most important thing is to remember that you should be enjoying yourself.
I must say that the above guidelines are really just OUR guidelines. This is only how Wicked Diving run our operation and how we feel they should be run. However many operators do things their own way. You do have the ability to chose your dive centers, so shop around!
-Wicked
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