Proper boat mooring

[Warren_L]

Tom R once bubbled...


Yet many of you still book charters on boats like that.

Diving SOLO, see ya wouldn't want to be ya.

As somebody who knows little to nothing about the charter operations out there, how would you know who to book with and who not to? Do we ask over the phone?

 

[Tom R]

Good question,

The operators that I routinely use for NTD have been nothing but highly professional, to the point where they are asked for by name when you call, email or even walkin for a charter. I do try to match you up with divers of the same skill set and the Capt of your choise. I have let Instructors and Capt's go there own way for not self policing and providing great service.

I know what boats are compling and if they don't they don't get booked. Bottom line.

Next year we are hoping expending our service to Brockville with one of the Spike's doing just what we do for you in Kingston.

In order for a operator to be used on a regular basis the following criteria has to be met.

Insurance
Proper Safety Equipment
Professionalism
Well maintain boat
Working Radios and GPS

All the Captains are current in First Aid and CPR and we will be running a couple of more courses this winter, space is limited but if you wish to join us, just ask.

Tom R

 

[divedude]

wlo93 once bubbled...


As somebody who knows little to nothing about the charter operations out there, how would you know who to book with and who not to? Do we ask over the phone?

You should ask, it's your life.....

Mother Nature is a unforgiving mother
Many of us go out to dive on huge shipwrecks.
Stop and think. How did they get there????

If a huge ship like the ones we dive on sunk and people died !!!

What chance do you have if the vessel you dive on, does not have all the safety equipment needed to insure your chances of survival????

Ask any competent Captain when you get on his vessel what the weather is predicted to do and he can tell you, because we always check weather first and for-most before we head out.

I've had people call and ask me price to go diving....Then tell me another charter will do it for less......

BUT...... only 2 or 3 times in over 10 years have I had people call and ask what MY qualifications are or what safety equipment I had on board.

Sure you can get "cheaper" charters.............It's your life!

With that said, there are no guarantee's. But in a worse case scenario, a prepared vessel and Captain is your best choice.
ASK THE QUESTIONS and have them prove it with paper work.

 

[Doppler]

Excellent points. And about time someone said it.

divedude once bubbled...


You should ask, it's your life.....

Mother Nature is a unforgiving mother
Many of us go out to dive on huge shipwrecks.
Stop and think. How did they get there????

If a huge ship like the ones we dive on sunk and people died !!!

What chance do you have if the vessel you dive on, does not have all the safety equipment needed to insure your chances of survival????

Ask any competent Captain when you get on his vessel what the weather is predicted to do and he can tell you, because we always check weather first and for-most before we head out.

I've had people call and ask me price to go diving....Then tell me another charter will do it for less......

BUT...... only 2 or 3 times in over 10 years have I had people call and ask what MY qualifications are or what safety equipment I had on board.

Sure you can get "cheaper" charters.............It's your life!

With that said, there are no guarantee's. But in a worse case scenario, a prepared vessel and Captain is your best choice.
ASK THE QUESTIONS and have them prove it with paper work.

 

[Warren_L]

I've only been out to Kingston a few times, all with NTD. Twice with Harold and once with Big Jim. I've always figured that any reputable charter operation would have to conform to TC standards that they set.

 

[divedude]

wlo93 once bubbled...
I've always figured that any reputable charter operation would have to conform to TC standards that they set.

You would think so, wouldn't you.
WRONG

Transport Canada is a joke!!! Participation in regulations is voluntary and you can get away with not complying for years. I'll admit I did, only in the last 4 years have I complied, I got my Masters certificate and had Transport Canada inspect my vessel. Even this year the inspector told me that they can only shut down a vessel with a court order and that most of them won't go to court, so no one gets shut down.

Proof......Transport Canada regulations state that if you take even one paying passenger on board you must have a licensed master on board and in charge of the vessel..........

How many do you think have a masters certificate in Kingston??

OK OK I know, now I'm blowing my own horn, why not I worked hard for it.

 

[Warren_L]

For most schmoes like myself who are not in the dive charter business, I would have thought that adhering to these standards would be something that would be taken relatively seriously, but apparently not.

Anyhow, it's good to know there are those that take safety seriously. I will be out to see you again Big Jim, when you have the boat back in the water for the new season.

 

[Tom R]

Warren,

One would think that they would also attempt to do this, but everyone has there own idea of what standards. I actually have had conversations with people that spend more time looking for a work around the standards then they would compling with them.

On a happier note we'll be working with all the same guys next year and are adding one more to work with us, including a boat in Brockville

I will let the Captains announce that to you all at an appropriate time.

Tom

 

[Warren_L]

I'm thinking about coming next weekend, actually. Was hoping Harold would be available to take us out.