Does your dive boat staff setup your gear?

[TwoBitTxn]

I am no different than most. Its my gear. I set it up the way I want it. If something is wrong, its my fault.

I don't like other people messing with the equipment that supports my life.

TwoBit

 

[Mako Mark]

is just trying to get a decent tip out of the deal.

since most of the boat monkey DM's around here and Cozumel earn about $125 per week, you cant really blame them for trying to double their days pay by earning a $20 tip.

C'mon you guys these poor boat monkeys have to deal with all your *****ing, moaning, work like dogs get paid nothing and for what? Your bad attitude.

 

[Rick Inman]

In the post that started this thread, the divers did set up their own gear. I have never heard of a boat that would not let them.

From the original post:

On our last outing the deck hand insisted on setting up each diver's rig .

. He lightheartedly argued with me.. .

Not saying the poor boat hands don't have it tough - low pay, difficult costomers... But for me, the above statements from the original post do not represent the kind of charter I prefer. Just MHO.

 

[sharkbaitDAN]

Having spent a bit of time as a boat monkey and as a paying diver, I junderstand both sides of the argument pretty well. I think that it is best to watch people set up their gear, you can learn a lot about the way they will dive. I am standing there and can help if I need to, and earn some tips as I do it. I will say that I would never set up another person's gear unless they tell me to, and even then I will wait until they can watch me do it, if possible.

As has been mentioned before, DMs get paid subsistance wages in a lot of places, and every extra buck counts. All we want to do is have the money for a few beers after work. Is that so bad?

Also, keep in mind the number of new and/or inexperienced divers that show up at a lot of resorts. They way they dive can make even the nicest person jaded in a couple of weeks, and they will simply assume that everyone is going to dive as if it is their first time. Its easier that way.

 

[Rick Inman]

Having spent a bit of time as a boat monkey and as a paying diver, I junderstand both sides of the argument pretty well. I think that it is best to watch people set up their gear, you can learn a lot about the way they will dive. I am standing there and can help if I need to, and earn some tips as I do it. I will say that I would never set up another person's gear unless they tell me to, and even then I will wait until they can watch me do it, if possible.

As has been mentioned before, DMs get paid subsistance wages in a lot of places, and every extra buck counts. All we want to do is have the money for a few beers after work. Is that so bad?

Also, keep in mind the number of new and/or inexperienced divers that show up at a lot of resorts. They way they dive can make even the nicest person jaded in a couple of weeks, and they will simply assume that everyone is going to dive as if it is their first time. Its easier that way.

I think you hit it square on the head of reason. Thanks.

 

[one90proof]

From the original post:



Not saying the poor boat hands don't have it tough - low pay, difficult costomers... But for me, the above statements from the original post do not represent the kind of charter I prefer. Just MHO.

Rick, maybe my word choices were a bit strong...the deck hand was just going out of his way to provide excellent customer service. When I say "insisted" and "lightheartedly argued" I mean that in the same way you might carry on when you and a friend "argue" about who is going to pick up the check at a restaurant after a good meal.

The quality of this charter is not in question. It's a great outfit and I will continue to dive with them.

 

[Rick Inman]

Rick, maybe my word choices were a bit strong...the deck hand was just going out of his way to provide excellent customer service. When I say "insisted" and "lightheartedly argued" I mean that in the same way you might carry on when you and a friend "argue" about who is going to pick up the check at a restaurant after a good meal.

The quality of this charter is not in question. It's a great outfit and I will continue to dive with them.

Got it, thanks. And if we ever have dinner, I'll go ahead and let you pay!

 

[getwet2]

Some charters do, some charters don't but it's you that has the final say. Be polite and the boat hands should not get upset if you do it yourself, it's you that is going to be relying on it not them. If you want, let him or her double check it after you are done.

 

[Gary D.]

Some charters do, some charters don't but it's you that has the final say. Be polite and the boat hands should not get upset if you do it yourself, it's you that is going to be relying on it not them. If you want, let him or her double check it after you are done.

Good.

They can check it all they want, just don't mess with it. If they don't like something bring it up but don't correct whatever without saying something.

I had a DM, I know I have older gear I still use from time to time, signal me to surface. We get on the surface and he tells me to get to the boat because my regulator is leaking. I wasn't even part of their group.

I use Sherwood's and they leak. If they don't there is a problem.

Gary D.

 

[Narced141]

I have never had anyone even offer to set up my gear, I had rather do it my self anyway. :11ztongue