BP enumeration to Gulf Scuba Shops

[Bowzer]

When I heard of the BP spill some months ago, I decided not to purchase plane tickets to FL for my normal summer diving (we buy our tickets well in advance to get low rates.) I wrote the dive shop I normally use and let them know that due to the spill we would be skipping this year. At the time they weren't concerned, but now they are seeing the drop-off in business. Unfortunately, no one seems to be advising them of plans canceled due to oil. And as a consequence they are having a hard time getting compensation out of BP.

If you have a favorite dive shop in the gulf and are reducing your business there this year due to the spill,It would probably be appreciated if you sent than an email to that effect. That way they have some supporting documentation to provide BP.

 

[wilderydude83]

True dat. However, most of Florida diving isn't affected at all. Just up in the panhandle.

 

[DeputyDan]

I am a CPA and licensed in business valuation.
There is an entire science and industry in calculating economic damages.

The dive shop can't just sit back and expect BP to come to them.

 

[Bowzer]

I am a CPA and licensed in business valuation.
There is an entire science and industry in calculating economic damages.

The dive shop can't just sit back and expect BP to come to them.

I am not saying that. I am referring to the fact that BP wants documentation as to specific losses. It isn't always easy to provide the required documentation. Some dive years are better than others. If business is off how do you prove the amount due to BP. As to the losses, I dive in the Tampa area, and while the oil may not be there yet, my plane reservations were NOT made months ago due to concern about oil. The fact that I, and undoubtedly others, are not down there diving now due to concern about the location of the oil spill forecast in April or May represents a real economic impact that is hard to qualify. Most dive masters I know work for tips. That kind of income is very hard to document. Sending an email to any dive shops you decided to put off diving with due to the oil may help them document their losses.