Classes trip boat ?

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mech

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Location
Danville CA
A few weeks ago I signed my daughter (she is in college and probably a better natural diver than me)and I up for a 3 day lobster trip with one of the local shops.
Yesterday I found out that they were doing an AOW class and a nitrox class on that trip.
This is only the second time for me doing a multiple day trip.
The first time the boat just had hunters,most of which were very good divers.
To a degree it was like a small party atmosphere and I had a great time.
This trip is going to cost me over 1k when all is said and done and I'm concerned that doing a trip with a class on it will suck.
Do classes on a boat take away from a trip like this?
Might it be best for us to find something else?
Thanks
Andy
 
Not always, I've taken classes on a boat and I don't think the other divers on board even noticed.

A good instructor will keep his class organized and out of other people's way while loading the boat, gearing up, getting in the water and during the dive.

If you're concerned call and voice your concerns to the charter.
 
I had the same concern when I took my AOW in Hawaii. It did not take away from the dives at all...I enjoyed it...
 
IF it's run well it shouldn't - you can probably guage this by asking a few questions. I used to teach classes onboard (most of the time we had a separate charter) but sometimes we would have paying divers.

What I found worked was to ensure that I briefed the students on boat etiquette before getting on board. My staff assumed the responsibility of overseeing the setup to ensure that the other divers were not inconvenienced by the class, and monitored our students. To ensure they had the best visibility, we would let the other group decend first, and briefed them on where we would be (so they could avoid us if they wished). I also told them that they should inform me if they were inconvenienced in any way.

I never had a problem, and the other groups would usually be appreciative, and told me afterwards that having students on board was fine. I think as long as the instructor does a good job, you won't know the difference.

However, if this instructor is also your guide.....you may as well be in the class..
 
mech,
i've been a guest on a liveaboard several times.
there had been other guests on board taking different types of classes.
at no time did this interfere with the diving i was doing.
in fact, i think it helped the guests to be able to ask other guests for feedback.

you are in a great position to be able to spend time with your daughter, doing something y'all both love and will talk about for a long time.
i would savour every hour y'all spend together.

the other guests will add to y'alls experience.
enjoy
 
mech:
A few weeks ago I signed my daughter (she is in college and probably a better natural diver than me)and I up for a 3 day lobster trip with one of the local shops.
Yesterday I found out that they were doing an AOW class and a nitrox class on that trip.
This is only the second time for me doing a multiple day trip.
The first time the boat just had hunters,most of which were very good divers.
To a degree it was like a small party atmosphere and I had a great time.
This trip is going to cost me over 1k when all is said and done and I'm concerned that doing a trip with a class on it will suck.
Do classes on a boat take away from a trip like this?
Might it be best for us to find something else?
Thanks
Andy

That's heaven, to have your daughter dive with you. Lucky man. Mine has no interest in it, at this point. I think it all depends on numbers, how big the boat is, and how big an a$$hole the DM is. :) I would tell them about your concerns ahead of time and see what kind of respoinse you get. I have had students on a dive boat but it was only a few. If you get on a dive boat with 10 students, let's say, THAT could be a problem.
 
I think an important point is that the "class" is AOW and Nitrox. Where as most of these posts would be more appropiate in reference to an OW class I think you'll be fine and could end up having a great time. Remember that some divers don't take their AOW training right after OW so some of these "students" could very well have quite a bit of experience.
If you're not Nitrox certified this might be a good time?? Otherwise enjoy your time with your daughter and be a good role model.-M
 

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