amascuba:
From my experience, The people who aren't paying to dive aren't paying because nobody it out there to take their money for a permit. It's not because they aren't willing to pay. It's pretty much that simple ... ..
I agree. Unfortunately the people with the city say that it is our responsibility to have a permit, even if they are not selling them.. how is that for logic.
They said that if there was noone out there selling them then you should mail in your payment after the fact.
Here is a snippet of Richards email back to me:
"For persons coming in on a Saturday or a Sunday, we try to have someone come
over and make sure everyone is permitted, but each shop, instructor, diver, or
student should have a completed form along with payment ready. The application
form is available on line and copies can be picked up at the information center.
As you said earlier, groups and shops have been coming down here for a long time
and everyone knows the drill. Shops and instructors should train students to
fill out the form and have paperwork ready to go. I've seen shops with 5 -12
students come in, and leave without paying. That there is no one to "sell" a
permit is not an excuse. If the instructor or shop used the facility, they
should mail the payment and applications so they can be on file in case of an
accident, reaction, or other unforseen circumsatnce. All dive permit monies go
DIRECTLY into the facility fund.
The application forms are copied, and I've even seen people come up with their
own.
The permits are no longer available at Stella's of her own choosing. "
