What Charter Associations?
Any associations that claim to represent the dive charter boats with few exceptions are invariably made up of dive boat owners. The associations are simply their way of appearing legitimate and concerned but the association is really there for themselves. No diving reps are at the meetings; there is no complaint or discipline process.
Let me make perfectly clear that there are lots of good, ethical, concerned boat operators out there!! Generally they don't need an association other than for a little extra exposure. They get lots of business from the diving community and stores because their operations are great! I'm simply pointing out that being a member of an association does NOT necessarily mean eveything is OK.
You're right - divers are on their own! We have the same problem as a dive store but it's even more serious because if we use a boat and there's a problem, we too could be faulted. We try to use established and proven dive boats but that's hard since they change owners, operators and captains regularly (like a couple of times every season). Besides, the numbers available are dwindling.
I've seldom seen it happen but you could simply ASK if they have insurance. Most divers calling about a boat charter ask the rate, the location and the dive sites available. No one asks if the boat is insured or even if the boat is any good! In our case, before the money goes out the signed letter comes in with their assurance that they are insured and meet all applicable government regulations for the operation of a commercial charter boat service. Now if they have a problem we have taken reasonable steps to protect our clients. The good operators will gladly produce the documentation and you're decision is made!
Be careful what you wish for! If the boats are all inspected and required to come up to standards, and they should be, several will stop working. There simply is not enough money in this service to cover the extra costs. Certainly not for the cheap, small operations. As well, the others will pass on the costs to the divers as they should.
In both cases, less boats and higher costs, the fees will rise.
Generally you may find that the better operators already charge a few dollars more (if they don't they should begin - they're worth it!).
This entire thread started with the question of rising costs and earlier I commented on the cheap rates we have here.
Say good-bye!!
