It's so unfortunate that the beginning of your trip started off like this. I have been to OEW several times and have found it to be one of the best spots in the Carribean for diving. I absolutely adore the staff, they are always so helpful and friendly, especially Bryan. They are always very busy but somehow manage to make sure that everyone is looked after.
It is very disturbing that lights had to be put up to ward off vandals at night however out of bad things good can come....the lights to me would be a tremendous help when entering and exiting the water at night. I am sure that the OEW staff checked into all of the logistics of the lights and the coral spawning before adding them. The team is very involved in doing what they can to clean up and preserve the water, therefore I don't think they would do anything to harm the coral spawning. By the sound of Bryan's letter OEW seems to be targeted, making it difficult to keep the property safe from night time vandals so I would have to agree with their decision to install the lights. As a customer I believe that I will feel very secure doing night dives now even more then before knowing that the lights are there. I think if it was my boat out there I would do the same thing.
The beach shore is very rough but maybe if you talk to the staff you could buy your wife a pair of boots and fins. I find it way easier diving with that configuration over snorkel fins. She would have better propulsion and it would be easier for her to get out of the water in any and all situations. OEW has great brands and prices, and their stock is always full. Everytime I have been there someone has always had to make a purchase and they always have what we need.
I was really surprised to read that you hit the bottom when jumping off the dock. I seriously did not think that was possible. (are you sure you had inflated your bcd) I can't count how many times I have jumped in from there and never had a problem. Bad luck seemed to be following you. Do you own your own gear? If not maybe you should consider buying some and then you would not have to worry about rental gear. Although, once again, I have to say that the rental gear at OEW is fantastic stuff. It is all new and is serviced regularly, but it is still rental and sometimes things can happen that are unexplainable.
All in all I would have to say that how you feel about OEW is not the views shared by the vast majority of people I have spoken with. It is well known for it's professional, helpful and safety minded staff. There are so many great dive sites in the west end and the ever growing OEW is the best way to get to them. Heavy surge destroying docks and vandals destroying property are out of their control, but I do know that they will do whatever they can to make you safe and help you to enjoy your dives just like they do for so many others day in and day out
