Professionals not recommending Rainbow Reef FL Keys/

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Most diveshop software has a 'blocked account' status for customers they will no longer sell to/manifest. Blocked status can/is shared with other shops. We call it the "Boats Full" list informally.

I have Never heard of that.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

It's not like we would be out here running bad trips on purpose.

It sucks for us when the trip sucks for our customers. It is a lose-lose situation.

 

[lostsheep]

I am listening and I do hear some legitimate gripes both on SB and on the boats. I also base my defense of RR in reading trip reports on Rainbow Reef Trip Advisor reports. The vast majority of divers grade RR either
5 star or 4 star on Trip Advisor.

Its amazing to me that some divers would come up to me as I was standing beside the boat while it was raining and them asking me if we can go out in the rain, rain not thunderstorm. THEN the next day the customer doesn't seem to care that the wind is blowing 18 knots from the south.

My point is that some customers do not have a clue. It's a red flag when it's raining, but of no concern when the wind is howling.

Can RR improve? You betcha they could improve!

Trusting online review sites like TripAdvisor, yelp, Google et.al. makes even less sense than trusting a drive-by poster on scubaboard.

FWIW, personally I think the OP is out of line and acting like an online Karen.

 

[Johnoly]

I have Never heard of that.

Like me, you've been to DEMA many times. Stop at any software vendor in person & ask because it's not advertised. Also usually a hint is with any online internet boat signup form, at some point a box will pop up and ask you to Please call the shop to complete your reservation, lol.

 

[Divin'Papaw]

... at some point a box will pop up and ask you to Please call the shop to complete your reservation, lol.

I hate when that happens!!!

 

[therookie]

When the divers have fun and have a great attitude, that's when this job is the most enjoyable!

For me personally the italicized there is a key point to take away from this thread, and is one that I want to remember whenever dive conditions are less than ideal. The dive boat captains that I have come to know (admittedly not many) are amazing, skilled professionals performing a service that I absolutely cannot do myself. I have been successfully delivered to a dive site and back to the dock/shore in conditions where I think the boat could have easily capsized in the hands of someone without the proper skill and experience on several occasions.

Having now had the chance to read two sides of this story, I also want to remember that if I have an issue with how a boat captain handled the vessel, I need to talk to them personally and not take my complaint to an Internet forum (or many such, as appears to be the case here) without (at a minimum) doing that first.

Something else I have gleaned from ScubaBoard - the quality of the training you receive (good or bad) seems to depends more on the individual instructor than on the shop they work for or the certifying agency. For me in the context of this thread, it's the captain, not the op - good or bad. Having said that, after reading this thread I would happily go on a boat with @Rae HalfTheHill or @Capt Jim Wyatt at the wheel in any conditions they deem safe enough for a diver with my ability - no matter what operator they work for.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Trusting online review sites like TripAdvisor, yelp, Google et.al. makes even less sense than trusting a drive-by poster on scubaboard.

I have used Trip Advisor for planning purposes for several getaway/vacations and it provided accurate and helpful information to me.

 

[Wants2divemore]

I have used Trip Advisor for planning purposes for several getaway/vacations and it provided accurate and helpful information to me.

I agree. I think the key to Trip Advisor, Google reviews, Yelp, or even SB is to look at the totality of the recommendations and not just one single review. This thread is a good example. The OP posted a bad review about RR, then several others posted other reviews about RR including @Rae HalfTheHill providing additional information. When I look back at all the information, I'm left with the conclusion that the OP's experience was not the norm, their review was one-sided, and that on balance, RR is a good dive op.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

and not just one single review.

OH COME ON! That one review about the DM not carrying the customers gear, INSTANT DISQUALIFICATION!

Seriously, I go straight to the 1-star reviews and be entertained by the crazy stuff people complain about. So far it has never been about safety (which if there are multiple, there is cause for concern).