I see prices falling for live-aboards and diving in general and worry about the long term implications.There has been some respite with fuel prices but the fairly new culture of last min cheap for you deals is worrisome.
Word is getting out that if you hang on to the very last min you can get great dive deals.Some OW courses now come with accommodation-breakfast-transport-extra fun dives-for less than 7000bht.
Business can not survive long term like this as no forward planning can be made,Profit margins get squeezed and corners start to get cut,its starts with watermelons instead of mixed fruit on the boat then eventually leads to dive equipment will be ok for another year etc etc.....
Before you know it cheap and nasty becomes the undeserved reputation for us all here in Thailand as a few are desperate to fill there boats.
There is a big difference between cost effective/good value and to cheap.
I have friends that offer quality service at a good price and yes there business is still down compared to last year ,however they will survive as they make profit enough to cover overheads, and most importantly keep the diving safe and there reputation intact for better years.
On a personal level however its great to have time to get some of those one day ill check here out dives done ..
