charter boat question?

[scubaguy1889]

Hi all, I have what may be a silly etiquette question for you. I'll be going to Key largo for vacation next week with my wife who is also a certified diver. We planned this trip a while ago, and now my wife is pregnant and won't be diving with me. would it be wrong to ask a buddy team on the boat to dive with them so that I don't have to pay for a guide on each dive or would that be wrong? I know I'm probably looking into this too much, but I'm not up on all the etiquette yet. Thanks.

 

[Shawn95]

Any dive boat I've ever been on does not require you to bring your own buddy. There will likely be someone in the same situation as you. Chances are the boat will put a DM in the water anyway and you just go with him.

 

[DandyDon]

Any dive boat I've ever been on does not require you to bring your own buddy. There will likely be someone in the same situation as you. Chances are the boat will put a DM in the water anyway and you just go with him.

That depends on which operator. Many there do not put a DM in the water.

But he's right about taking a boat-pick buddy. Just inform the crew that you don't have a buddy and they'll help you pair up. Then, review your procedues with him/her after the dive briefing.

 

[diver_paula]

I've never heard of a charter asking someone to pay for a guide. Perhaps others will know differently but I know that wasn't the case with the operator I used in Key Largo.

 

[rab]

I've never really gone on a south Florida dive boat with a buddy. So far it has worked out fine for me being buddied with another diver or a pair on the boat. You do need to be aware that you can't count on the quality of the buddy that you'll get, but you shouldn't have to pay for a guide/DM. However, since you're asking the question and didn't mention how long you've been diving, I'm going to assume that you want a regional answer. Perhaps one of the Florida Conch Divers will chime in, but if you're a good diver, I don't think you'll have a problem.

You can also post the details of your trip on ScubaBoard and see if there's someone else who is also expecting to be buddiless. I met CALI68 that way on a trip last year to California on a boat out of Monterey. It's worth a shot!

-Rob

 

[fishoutawater]

Scubaguy, my wife doesn't dive so I'm in that position everywhere we go. There's always been somebody else on the boat that needed a buddy. One time in Key West I was paired up with a young lady from Chicago. Quite attractive I might add. Great dive! The reef wasn't all that great, but she definately improved the scenery. When the boat returned to the dock, my wife was waiting there for me. She just had to comment about me helping the young lady with her equipment. I just said don't worry about it, and I won't say anything about Sven, her Swedish masseuse, with the sixpack abs. :59:

 

[scubaguy1889]

hey thanks for the great advice everyone!

 

[JustJoe]

I dive without a regular buddy quite a bit. When I get on the boat I start asking if folks have a buddy. I usually don't get the crew involved and make my own arrangements. But I may be more outgoing then the normal diver.

Speak up and often and you will find someone to be your buddy. Without getting into your pre dive planning I would definitely go over the dive with your new buddy and get their input. This will give you some indication of their experience level as well.

Take care,
Joe