channel islands, ca. diving

[Brian Gilpin]

Geez Al

Sure hope I dont ever get on your bad side. I am wondering if there isnt a pit bull somewhere on your family tree.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Brian you'll find very few comments like mine from me here on this site. I thought they had learned their lesson on the Vision. The crew was required to send an apology letter to our shop and to me personally, they did not. The crew also did not change their attitudes. What I was told by a very experienced diver who recently went with them proved that to me.

As always it falls on the captains head doesn't it. Maybe that's why they are looking for new captains there?

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

I just read this thread last night, and I'll tell ya, Al's story is word enough for me. I'll ask for the Conception when I go down that way.

I wonder how many people will say "anyone but Jerry" when they call for reservations with Truth Aquatics? ScubaBoard often has a lot more impact than these businesses realize. I would think if the owner of Truth Aquatics read this thread, he/she would make the crew write their letters, send Christmas cards, or whatever, because at this point, the fact that they still haven't made it right with Al is costing them a lot more than his dive club's business.

The power of the Internet...I really appreciate the report, Al.

Gregg

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

The owner has read this thread and contacted me. The crew has not. I expect changes eventually as he has a valuable business that idiots are screwing up for him.

 

[EricJ]

I've had GREAT experiences on The Truth and The Conception. I also like The Peace (out of Ventura). I have to agree, though, that some of their bunks are uncomfortable.

The Spectre is also a nice boat.

I've had a couple of good experiences on The Great Escape out of Long Beach as well. They do regular trips to Catalina. They only seem to go to two sites on a four-dive day.

 

[odiecho]

I will be out in the Oxnard/Pt. Mugu area on and off from Feb - Apr '06 and am looking for info/suggestions for diving in the area. I suspect that the Channel Islands are a good start but would like some gouge. I have been reading this thread about the dive boat operations and appreciate the honesty presented.
I am relatively new to diving and really would like to go with a professional, high-quality operation when I am out there.
Any suggestions? Am really interested in the wildlife ... not wreck/overhead environments.
Thanks.

 

[EricJ]

I will be out in the Oxnard/Pt. Mugu area on and off from Feb - Apr '06 and am looking for info/suggestions for diving in the area. I suspect that the Channel Islands are a good start but would like some gouge. I have been reading this thread about the dive boat operations and appreciate the honesty presented.
I am relatively new to diving and really would like to go with a professional, high-quality operation when I am out there.
Any suggestions? Am really interested in the wildlife ... not wreck/overhead environments.
Thanks.

The Spectre and the Peace our of Ventura Harbor do some nice trips to Anacapa Island (part of the Channel Islands). The sites are usually close to shore, sheltered, and less than fifty feet deep. Anacapa is beautful and the diving is usually good.

Check out http://www.calboatdiving.com

 

[odiecho]

Thank you very much for the gouge. I'll check them out. Looking forward to the trips!

 

[Lake Muroc Diver]

I just read this thread and I have to give credit for the joy of diving I have experienced on several boats that I have used in my new adventures as a SCUBA diver. I have been on board, the Peace (X2 trips), and the Explorer( X4 trips) out of Ventura and had (3-4) great dives every trip, including my first boat dive. The crews of both boats were helpful and seemed to enjoy their work. The Explorer Captain's wife Candee has gone out of her way twice to help me get booked at the last minute and is such a good person. The galleys of both boats were very good, the crew chearful and friendly.The trips to Anacapa have been top notch.
I did ride to Catalina on the Cee Ray and had good service from the dive masters who were very professional. I hope to get to dive with the Bottom Scratcher after the Captain of that boat helped a just returned Iraq war vet and I with his hospitality.
I have to mention that I am very happy to dive with these boats and look forward to my second year of diving.

 

[Divemark500]

I'll be sure to post a trip report.

Not to discount Al's experience, but there are usually 2 sides to every story. It is just too bad the Truth Aquatics hasn't responded to his emails. It would have been good to read their side of the story. Their lack of response does make Al's story more plausible.

Yes, there are two sides to every story, but since Truth Aquatics hasn't responded (and they've had ample time in which to do so; this is not the first post outlining Al's experience) I think we have to conclude that Al's version is accurate.