Hank49
Contributor
I have only dived with a shop twice in the last 8 years or so and it kind of sucked. Being required to signal the DM about my air, feeling like an 18 year old with 200 dives was baby sitting me... was a bit of a pia....which is part of the reason I have tanks, boat, compressor. If I go to the Philippines, I dive with friends who have the same.
However, having DMed for a shop in the Philippines, where there are very strong currents, I fully understand the baby sitter mentality that shops employ. You can't have 8 divers, (I don't care how experienced they are) jump in at Yapak 2, or the channel drift with their own agenda. It would be difficult and dangerous as the boat crew could have a nightmare trying to find everyone, who could be scattered more than half mile apart due to currents.
I think it depends on the location as to whether a dive guide is needed and strict dive plans are adhered to.
However, having DMed for a shop in the Philippines, where there are very strong currents, I fully understand the baby sitter mentality that shops employ. You can't have 8 divers, (I don't care how experienced they are) jump in at Yapak 2, or the channel drift with their own agenda. It would be difficult and dangerous as the boat crew could have a nightmare trying to find everyone, who could be scattered more than half mile apart due to currents.
I think it depends on the location as to whether a dive guide is needed and strict dive plans are adhered to.