pupdiver:
Hmmm. The rules seem pretty strange to me. I think I will avoid.
Divers, just because one diver has a bad experience (which could have been THEIR OWN fault) please judge for yourself, not only with Reefseekers, but all dive companies and/or boats.
I had a bad boat/dive experience when I first got recertified. I posted a message asking for the best boat/ dive company. Three boats came up in addition to Reefseekers Dive Company. After diving with Reefseekers for 2.5 years, I completed my DM and now DM for them for the past 2 years.
Reefseekers has rules. Strict rules. Diver Safety is our #1 goal. When was the last time that a Reefseekers charter has an issue with a diver??? In the 4.5 years that I have been diving with them...I don't recall EVER!!! Reefseekers Dive Company is the only charter that has 3 DM's on their boats and offers a FREE DM escort for divers who are unsure of their diving abilities or comfort level.
We don't do Nitrox and/or Rebreathers on 'our' boats. Why? Primarily, the DM's would have to be in the 'know' regarding this kind of equipment. For me as a DM for *Recreational Diving* I have no desire to do Tech or Rebreathers. Let those divers go on a Tech boat.
Reefseekers charters normally stop at three different dive locations. We enforce gate times and Be Back Times in order to make it to all three locations. If you are geared up and ready to go when the gate opens, you have the opportunity to have an hour long dive. The third spot, we have an extended gate time and be back time for you to do two short dives, or one really long dive. So in short, you can have 3-4 long dives.
Regarding Laurel's comment about not being able to get in the water before 7:30am it depends on the circumstances of the trip; where the boat is anchored; if the boat has to be tied off from shore; and ultimately, conditions. If there is a slight current, usually a DM will get in the water to check things out and to check the anchor to make sure everything is safe for everyone.
Reefseekers also has a strict policy about returning back to the boat with at least 300 psi in your tank. If a diver comes back with less, then they are done for the day. We also monitor those that are diving tables. Ultimately, it's the divers responsibility, but if they are putting any of us at risk, then they will be benched.
Reefseekers charters always lists our *intended* destination. A good example would be Santa Barbara Island. It is pretty difficult to get there because of possible large swells. That is why, we say 'intended' destination weather/ conditions permitting. Another good example of this is that we did a tour to Italian Gardens on Sunday. It is was currently Full Moon in which we had a high tide differential making it difficult to anchor. We ultimately made it, with the anchor sitting in 120' of water. We also had current running as well. But since this was our 'intended' destination, we dove here anyway. The 'DM tour' that I lead (group of 3 divers) absolutely loved the dive, even with the current.
Divers making reservations, be informed. ASK questions. If your question doesn't get answered, ask to speak to someone else, or even Ken Kurtis (co-owner) himself. READ the online newsletter and Website.
http://www.Reefseekers.com
Ultimately, make your own choices. Don't let someone elses sour grapes prevent you from enjoying a fun experience.
