Dive charters/boats

[masonak1298]

I need to find out everything there is to know about a dive boat. I want to book one this summer and I don't want to look like an azz. How far in advance do I have to book it? When do I have to pay? How much do you tip? Are there any special rules? Any info would be great. Thanks

 

[all4scuba05]

They're not like flights or cruise ships. You don't have to book months ahead. First find out what month next year the boats are back in the water in your area.(or the area you plan on diving at) They ask that operator when they start taking reservations for the time you want to go.
When you do go, don't bring multiple tubs of gear onto the boat.(space hogging is not appreciated) I usually end up reserving a spot with credit card and on the dive day I decide how I want to pay it. Tipping is a little complicated. I'll let someone else chime in on that one. Lot's of opinions on that one.
Don't forget you C-card on dive day.

 

[del_mo]

Everything varies depending on where you plan to go. Give us an idea and maybe we can give you some specifics.

One thing keep in mind, the crew will give you a briefing on how to enter, return and signal. If you want a little more help, just ask one of the DM's. They should be more than happy to assist you in any reasonable way you need.

Also, it might be fair to say, most of us were once newbies and felt the same way about making an azz out of ourselves.

 

[birdwrasse]

check out aggressor.com

i went on them to turks and caicos! it was awesome. i have another scheduled in a month to kona, hi and then one to dominican republic in february. have been on many smaller boats, too, but the bigs guys are an experience!

you might have to book as far as a year in advance, but keep your name with you LDS for people that have to cancel their trip... i went on one when someone couldn't go and i bought their space for half off! keep your passport current, just in case.

i tip 10-20%, but don't let that be a limit. on liveaboards, that and their specialties are all the money they make. its a lot of work taking care of others! i've given as much as $500 for a staff of five.

ask the crew... there are now stupid questions.

if you live near an island, like catalina (california), there are day trips that are really fun, too. i've been on boats on the lake (lake mead, nevada), too.



--c

 

[DvrDoug]

My rule of thumb for tipping is $5.00 per tank, go up if they were great and so on.

 

[Jim Baldwin]

I need to find out everything there is to know about a dive boat. I want to book one this summer and I don't want to look like an azz. How far in advance do I have to book it? When do I have to pay? How much do you tip? Are there any special rules? Any info would be great. Thanks

I agree with the other posters if you're planning on diving with an operator in your area call and find out when they start diving and taking reservations. Some start the season with just running the boat on weekends and it builds from there.

Use your credit car to book your spot. Also if you need tanks, weights, and BCD talk to the folks in advance to make sure that they can handle your needs.

If you have all your gear including tanks then you just show up at the dive shop. Shops that we use in Panama City and Destin want you at the shop at LEAST one hour before the scheduled departure. This gives you time to fill out all the parperwork, sign the release forms, etc. If you need gear show up earlier. Make sure you bring your C-card.

When you get to the boat have all your gear in one mess bag. Realize that everything you have is going to get wet. Be prepared for this and bring a dry bag for a log book, wallet, keys, towel, dry shorts, and t-shirt, jacket, etc.

Get your gear set up as soon as the captain allows you on the boat. If you have questions ask. Don't assume anything. Divers are a friendly lot and will be glad to help.

Even if you've never been seasick take some medication with you. Heavy diesel fumes, the sun and a good chop will get you. Bonnie works great and it's sold over the counter.

The captain and 1st mate will tell you about the boat and about the diving. Stop what you' re doing and pay attention. It will make your boat dive much more enjoyable.

When the captain says the pool is open be ready. Don't be hunting for gear. Have your stuff on and be ready to get in the water. When you come back up from your dive get yourself organized for the second dive. The surface interval is a good time to do this.

Be sure and mark your gear. It will make it much easier if six divers all have Scuba Pro Yellow Twin Jets.

I tip $5 and up per tank depending on the location, the degree of help, etc. If it's a small six pack boat with just a few divers I will usually do $10 per tank. That's strictly up to you. If you plan on using a divemaster to help you with your diving be prepared to pay him for his services.

If you're going with a liveaboard you will need to book your spot well in advance unless they have a cancellation. Check the forum section on liveaboards.

 

[Floridawannabe]

I agree with the other posters if you're planning on diving with an operator in your area call and find out when they start diving and taking reservations. Some start the season with just running the boat on weekends and it builds from there.

Use your credit car to book your spot. Also if you need tanks, weights, and BCD talk to the folks in advance to make sure that they can handle your needs.

If you have all your gear including tanks then you just show up at the dive shop. Shops that we use in Panama City and Destin want you at the shop at LEAST one hour before the scheduled departure. This gives you time to fill out all the parperwork, sign the release forms, etc. If you need gear show up earlier. Make sure you bring your C-card.

When you get to the boat have all your gear in one mess bag. Realize that everything you have is going to get wet. Be prepared for this and bring a dry bag for a log book, wallet, keys, towel, dry shorts, and t-shirt, jacket, etc.

Get your gear set up as soon as the captain allows you on the boat. If you have questions ask. Don't assume anything. Divers are a friendly lot and will be glad to help.

Even if you've never been seasick take some medication with you. Heavy diesel fumes, the sun and a good chop will get you. Bonnie works great and it's sold over the counter.

The captain and 1st mate will tell you about the boat and about the diving. Stop what you' re doing and pay attention. It will make your boat dive much more enjoyable.

When the captain says the pool is open be ready. Don't be hunting for gear. Have your stuff on and be ready to get in the water. When you come back up from your dive get yourself organized for the second dive. The surface interval is a good time to do this.

Be sure and mark your gear. It will make it much easier if six divers all have Scuba Pro Yellow Twin Jets.

I tip $5 and up per tank depending on the location, the degree of help, etc. If it's a small six pack boat with just a few divers I will usually do $10 per tank. That's strictly up to you. If you plan on using a divemaster to help you with your diving be prepared to pay him for his services.

If you're going with a liveaboard you will need to book your spot well in advance unless they have a cancellation. Check the forum section on liveaboards.

Do you know some numbers of dive shops in Destin that I could set up a boat dive in March? How much do they run?

 

[jpcpat]

All the above is great. I'd add this: Tell the crew that it's your first time, then listen. Most every boat will keep a special eye out for you and keep yp from looking like fool!

 

[fldiver1]

Here is what I do:
If we are going lobstering or ? I sometimes tip ON THE WAY OUT. If I see the DM working hard on the out trip, sometimes I slip him a 10-20 spot then as he passes by. You would be surprised how much better your trip can be after that. You said you want some BIG lobster?? That is a helluva way to get the tips on where they are. Want to know where that grumpy old, fat moray is hiding? well now you know. I tip normally on the experience I have on the boat. But I use this method in certain instances too and it HAS ALWAYS gotten me more than my money's worth.

 

[scarefaceDM]

I did this list a while ago for new divers in Canada. It can be adapted to where evr you live.

It is relative to the size of charter boat you will be going on. It is just a basic list.
If you all want, you can add to the list. It can be a handy tool for new divers as well as everyone else.

Charter boat do's and do not's - This can also be helpful to those who have not go out in a while to give you a little refresher.

It can also apply to shore diving also.

It is a list in progress so anyone that can contribute to this list…lets here it.

DO’S
1- Be on time! Charter boat will not wait too long for you. Other paying customers besides you on board.
2- Be organized. Have all your documents in hand and place them in a ziplock bag or a waterproof container. Things get wet on a boat..( And the best one..I did not know we needed ID to go into ) the States/Canada. Some dives are in the US/Canada. So proper papers are mandatory or they leave you on shore.
3- Documents to carry with you on charter boat. ID with photo, Passport if needed, LOG BOOK! Some cash etc. Put cell phone in a water proof case or Ziplock bag.
4- Have all your dive gear serviced before getting aboard. Gear that has been sitting around for a few months may need a little cleaning or get service. Have it checked out if the case. Nothing like a ruined dive trip with faulty dive gear. NO REFUNDS!
5- Have all your gear assembled. Tank and BC and regs together. Prior to geting on the boat. ( again relative to the charter ) Spare tank labled with gas mix and your name on it. Wetsuit/Drysuit on ( depending on dive site travel). Mask fins weights etc all neatly together.
6- Have a lunch ready and some water. No stoping at Mc Donalds for a Big mac.. in between dive sites.
7- Know who your diving with. Say hello to your dive companions on the trip out. Just saying hello can make for a nice group time. And possible friends down the road.
8- Ask questions about the area your diving if you never did it before.
9- No buddy, no problem. Advise the captain and your DM on board that your new and have no buddy.
10- Put together a Save a Dive Kit. O-rings, fin strap, mask strap etc.
11- BIKINIS are allowed on Women Only!

DO NOT
1- Do not assume you have everything. Check it twice.
2- Do not assume the Charter has a spare set of gear because you forgot something like your BC or fins or something to dive with.
3- Do not underestimate the power of a hello. It will break the ice sometimes.
4- Do not lie about your diving abilities. THIS IS ONE OF THE WORSE THINGS YOU CAN DO! You will put an other diver’s life at risk if you LIE about your diving. Be honest. I would rather here that you are nervous and not much dive experience than here you Bull**** your experience. A good charter operator and or DM will know it anyways.
5- NO BULLSHI!
6- Do not take your big dive bags with you! ( relative to the size of boat ) Leave them in your car. Have a smaller dry bag for your cloths and a mesh bag for your wet gear. If possible teams can combine gear etc together. Makes it easier on the charter operator and leaves room for moving around without the fear of breakage.
7- NO BULL****!
8- Try not to smoke on the boat. Ask before you light up.
9- Do not assume the boat is yours to spread your self out. Place you gear in the spots under where you sit or where you are told to place your stuff.


If I left anything out. Please feel free to comment and we can make a better check list etc. It is always a good idea to refresh ones memory and skills. And that is not always under the water..

Safe dives.