Caution Diving the Riviera out of Dana Point Harbor CA

[drbill]

I've been on boats where "securing" a tank was done by placing it on the deck with bags to hold it in place. I didn't have a problem with that. However, the OP had to make their own call and did.

Personally I think that having a local dive boat that does local dives (mainland coast) even if they can be done from shore provides a good niche service.

 

[scjoe]

I'm not quite sure what the purpose of diving the Riviera is. I often see the boat anchored near Deadman Reef, which is one of the classic shore diving sites in Laguna. It's a long swim but not too bad, so I'm not sure why anyone would put up with the hassle of a dive boat and the $100 or so fee for a shore dive.

I think the boat is mostly used to do check out dives for Beach Cities certification classes. Why take a boat when you can walk in at Shaws? I dunno.

 

[MaxBottomtime]

They also dive the A.C.E. wreck.
[vimeo]34446082[/vimeo]

 

[LACounty4806]

The rolling tanks issue was on a private boat. When on any boat, private or commercial the Captain and crew make the rules. Their job is to taxi divers to the site, fill tanks and return the divers safely to port. They are not there to cater to anyone. You did the right thing by leaving. I'm sure that made the trip much more enjoyable for the crew and the other passengers. Every boat is different, but if you plan to dive from a commercial boat you need to put your big boy wetsuit on and follow their rules.

While I usually enjoy your posts Phil, I think you are dead wrong here. First of all, the poster wasn't paying for steerage on a steamer. He was buying a trip for 2 for a good day of diving on a commercial passenger diving vessel. They are customers. Not people begging for a freebie. We have a lot less dive boats these days in Southern California because of a drop off in the economy and the boats that are surviving are providing superior service. The poster wasn't asking for much when he decided to leave and the crew threw out the insults and the old "I've been doing this for 30 years" line. How about trying to accommodate a paying guest with a minor request? Couldn't they stow a few tanks to make room. Just lazy imho.

I've chartered and negotiated contracts with multiple boats up and down our coastline and I know how good operators run their boats. This is an example of poor customer service, worthy of a crappy review on yelp or here for that matter.

BTW, I always wear my big boy wetsuit and I would have told these guys to insert their octopus right up their dump valve.

 

[Hatul]

They also dive the A.C.E. wreck.
[vimeo]34446082[/vimeo]

Out of 27 or so trips they have one to the ACE.

 

[drbill]

The poster wasn't asking for much when he decided to leave and the crew threw out the insults and the old "I've been doing this for 30 years" line. How about trying to accommodate a paying guest with a minor request? Couldn't they stow a few tanks to make room. Just lazy imho.

I agree that if the OP represented what the crew said accurately that their response did not seem called for. I wasn't there so I have no clue as to how the exchange actually went.

 

[Power Scuba]

Correct....that is what they wanted us to do {Put the second tank under the bench}.

And... that is SOP for most all boats re a second tank.

Bill

 

[Wookie]

And... that is SOP for most all boats re a second tank.

Bill

Maybe in California, but not on the East Coast. I assume the OP is a Maniac, hence his handle. It is most common for an east coast dive boat to have 2 tank racks at every gear station, unless the boat has an onboard compressor. We only allow one cylinder for exactly that reason, it gives more bench space and we will fill between dives.

Running a dive boat is all about managing expectations. In this case the OPs expectations weren't managed properly at all, and when he asked about them, he was berated for his assumptions, and when he came here, he was further berated. I'd love to say I've never done this, but I'd be lying. I try every day to get better, however.

 

[flots am]

the person stated" just put them under the seats"!
My reply was I did not see anywhere to secure them properly, his response was "we will just put a few bags around it", and I asked if that was they're SOP and he said it will be fine.

I don't see a problem here. Laying down, under the seat with stuff on the sides to prevent rolling is just fine. Mine have spent the last 15+ years under the seat. Never had a problem.

However if you don't like it, feel free to find another boat.

 

[Shasta_man]

Beaten with your opinion as usual. Some might not agree about tank storage but you brought up your concern, didn't care for the response, so you got off the boat. Isn't that what we tell unhappy people to do? Why would I have an attitude about you wanting to get off, while we're still at the dock?

You could also run stoplights and it would be OK until the day you crash.