Diver Conflict: What is the right thing to do in this case?

[GrumpyOldGuy]

I would take responsibility for my own gear and would not have asked for compensation. However, I would also use his careless attitude toward your gear (and the gas spill for that matter) as a hint that maybe he is not the ideal buddy. A good buddy watches out for you and your gear.

 

[shoupart]

Yeah, I'm definitely not diving with him ever again.

If I had stowed my own gear, I would definitely take full responsibility for its loss, as I have done several times before. But since he was basically the skipper of the boat, and asked for my gear, and was the one who placed it there, that I was entitled to ask for replacement.
I'd like to stress also that I did not ask for money to cover this. I didn't want money. All I wanted was a replacement- if he got it from Ebay, Craigslist, used, new, whatever, I wouldn't have cared, as long as it was a working fin just like the one I lost.

It's weird... he's a new diver (but an experienced boater), right out of the gate (I think this was his 2nd post-class dive) and he'd found me and wanted to dive and learn with somebody who was experienced. I didn't really know him, nor was he a friend, before our dive yesterday.

Soo..... divers, beware!

 

[shoupart]

Just wanted to point out- I did stow my own gear, but diver/captain said to move it and give it to him, so it's not like I am the one who left it in the precarious position.

That's weird about your wetsuit pal, especially that she thought she could get so much $$ for a used suit. It's also annoying that she waited till in the car to make the deal, as opposed to discussing the terms before she even got in the car.

I had a similar friend who was kind of cheap and would always hit me up to go diving... and then ask if I could pick HIM up, borrow one of my tanks, etc, never offering to pay gas money, asking if he could have one of the lobsters I caught, etc. I finally had it when he had packed away both my gear and his gear after a dive, and left a borrowed light behind somewhere, and then said I owed him a new light.

I hadn't asked him to put my gear away, but he had done this while I was away from my car and didn't know he was doing it. When I came back to the car, he said he'd put it away and we were good to go... so we left.

Anyways, after that, I decided not to dive with him anymore. One thing I really like about So Cal is that there are sooo many dive pals out there, and I'm glad I've found so many good ones beside the very few I've had problems with.

 

[Walter]

It was your responsibility to make sure it was properly stowed. He doesn't owe you anything.

 

[Empty V]

What a bummer, sorry you ran into a dick. We'll be at Deer Creek tomorrow morning if you're interested.

Billy

 

[Web Monkey]

okay, I am curious to hear your various takes on this situation.

Your stuff. Your responsibility.

Terry

 

[Codyjp]

If his boat had been damaged during the trip due to something unpreventable would you have helped to pay for his boat repairs?

How much did you pay this guy to take you out?

 

[Daddy Diver]

**** happens- Its a risk you take when diving with someone. I really find it odd that you asked him to pay for the dropped stuff. I also find it odd you had one fin but not both in the bag. I would have made sure my gear was stowed before moving--but then again I would have been double sure of anyone elses gear I toched.

I think you just don't dive with the guy again and write it off as experience.

I might have offered you a "replacement" pair of fins if I thought it was my fault, but I can afford to pay for my mistakes. Some people can't maybe he's on the edge finacially and buying you some used fins would have tipped him over -- I'd take the 30 bucks, forget the bag and buy a set on craigslist.

 

[RoyN]

I'm sorry that happened to you. There is nothing worst then having friends only to have them evade responsibility when it is obvious its their fault. But yeah, you should probably secure and clip the gears from now on. I know the clips in the dive shops aren't that great on prices but they'll really save you in the long runs in securing gears.

 

[SharkDZ]

Yeah, I think your buddy had a ****ty attitude and inconsiderate. That being said, I wouldn't rely on anyone securing your gear. Get a good carabiner and secure your bag/fins/etc. It sucks. I just can't imagine this type of buddy UW. Is this someone you can depend on?