Boat operators-differences between good & bad divers?

[Kamchatka]

Most of us have probably read and seen the horror stories about unconscious divers boarding, setting up and departing boats. What do you boat operators look for to get a feel for whether an unknown diver is likely to be a problem or pleasure to have aboard? There are articles about how to conduct yourself on boats but are there any stories or opinions you (the boat OPERATOR) can contribute for our education and amusement?

 

[fisherdvm]

I think it is tough enough to be a boat operator, without worrying about education and amusement of divers.

It is only their job to check and make sure you have a C card. Beyond that, they are doing more than it is required. No one has asked to check my log book. They would ask, when was the last time you dove, and when was the last time you dove to X depth?

We can't judge a dive boat by the accidents that occur below the water. They should not let us dive if they know the current or waves are more than we can handle. But beyond that, it is our own responsibility.

 

[Kamchatka]

fisherdvm,
Did you deliberately or accidently misunderstand the question?

 

[captain]

As a former boat operator in the 1980's I did not ask to see a card or log. All divers had to sign a waiver that they were trained and knew the risks of diving and that my responsibility ended when they jumped off the boat and resumed when they reboarded. By observation and asking I could usually dertermine the experience level of a diver. I briefed all divers that were unfamilar with the site on what to expect and be aware of. All of my divers made safe returns to the boat. I will add that newly minted divers of that time may have been better trained than todays new diver.

 

[scarefaceDM]

Be organised and have your stuff ready and serviced prior to boarding a charter boat. The charetr operator is not a service tech and will service your gear for you.

Having said that.

When I worked on the boats, I and the captain would just sit there for a few minutes as the folks gatehred there gear prior to boarding. We would just observe and see whom was doing what and how they were organised. The key for me at the time was to see how the many divers set up prior to coming aboard. The boats I worked on averaged about 8-10 divers.

We would then aproach everyone and greet them. Then we would give them a small breifing on how to come aboard. The ones that *****ed a little about bringing that big dive bag were the ones that gave us the most trouble. Not bad but they took up alot of space, setting up was a hand holding affaire. The good ones set up prior to boarding, and bring only what they needed for the day. Lunch, dry cloths and a save a dive kit. Being a small vessel, we had a full tool box and some spare gear for just incase. So no need for the extra trunk of gear or that rolling suit case of a dive bag.

We looked for the chatty one whom just wantd to talk and not set up. and when it came time....they were the last ones setting up and taking up alot of room. and forgetting the tank, weight belt and even there papers for travelling. they sometimes became agressive because of frustration...and on a smaller boat...is not acceptable. You cannot please everyone...but there are many good divers out there and some of them are just startin gout and just want to have fun...

On average...there were more good than bad and the bad ones were not so bad once they got organised.

 

[fisherdvm]

fisherdvm,
Did you deliberately or accidently misunderstand the question?

Probably misunderstood. Unconscious usually means not responsive, needing an immediate BLS evaluation for breathing and pulse. Kind of hard to climb on a boat when you are unconscious.

Rereading, again, and again, I got a better sense of what you are saying.

 

[Ed Jewell]

I think Kamchatka meant unconsciencious

 

[Kamchatka]

Be organised and have your stuff ready and serviced....

When I worked on the boats, I and the captain would just sit there for a few minutes as the folks gatehred there gear prior to boarding. We would just observe and see whom was doing what and how they were organised. ... The ones that *****ed a little about bringing that big dive bag were the ones that gave us the most trouble. Not bad but they took up a lot of space, setting up was a hand holding affair. The good ones set up prior to boarding, and bring only what they needed for the day. Lunch, dry cloths and a save a dive kit.
We looked for the chatty one whom just wantd to talk and not set up. and when it came time....they were the last ones setting up and taking up alot of room. and forgetting the tank, weight belt and even there papers for travelling. they sometimes became agressive because of frustration...and on a smaller boat...is not acceptable. ....some of them are just starting out and just want to have fun.

On average...there were more good than bad and the bad ones were not so bad once they got organised.

Thanks, scarefaceDM. They're the kind of things I was looking for. I often see the space hogs; maybe they're just too focused on their own tasks and forget that there are others onboard. (Ed Jewell: that's what I meant by unconscious - unaware of what's going on around them. Maybe I should have been more precise.) And nothing wrong with being a novice as long as you're trying and paying attention.

 

[Shasta_man]

For your future reference, unconscious will only mean not awake to your listener. Using that word did make for an interesting image by the way.

Since this is your 5th post, I'll help you out by advising that any posted messages will get a lot of responses you don't expect. Turn your tolerance meter way up or expect to spend too much time on unproductive messages.

 

[Capt. Ty]

Most of the educational stories are born from not knowing when you're in over your head, either from lack of experience, training or just not willing to admit it.

Most of the humorous stories are created by those with enough experience to know better and managed to survive the mishaps.

I'd share a couple of them but most of the good ones came from folks that still dive with me....