Questions to ask a dive company?

[Gombessa]

A lot of questions/complaints/stories come down to the all-to-true premise that the diver is ultimately responsible for their own safety. Especially for us newer divers, who may not have dived a particular location before, and who may not be aware that certain hazards exists, I thought it might be good to list some good questions a diver should ask a DM or dive company before booking a dive (maybe this is a bit biased towards vacation/resort dives, but it seems likely that these are the types of dives that a lot of newer/less-experienced divers will be taking part in).

Here are a few that I can think of off the top of my head; what else should be asked?

What is the water temp?

What is the max/average depth of each dive?

Will a DM/instructor be diving with the group?

Are there any currents in the area? How do you handle them?

What other hazards exist at the dive sites (boat traffic, maneating nudibranchs, etc.)?

Is this a drift dive? Is there an anchor/drift line?

What procedures does the boat follow if a diver is carried away by the currrent?

(If a large boat) Do you perform a roll call/head count?

How do you handle/pair off single divers? Inexperienced divers?

What emergency/safety equipment do you recommend? Are there any that are prohibited at the site?

What are the circumstances by which the dive will be cancelled?

 

[fisherdvm]

Problem is, no habla Ingles?

 

[Charlie99]

Solo allowed?

If diving is done in DM-led groups, what is the ascent procedure? Do divers ascend alone, in buddy groups, or as one large group when the first diver hits the ascent pressure?

Any time limits on dives?

What sort of snacks and drinks are provided, if any?

If DM-led drift dives, does the DM sent up a DSMB before any divers ascend?

 

[teamgs]

While I know it is slightly off tangent, I would also suggest that one search and post on forums like this one, to get the recommendations/horror stories on the Dive Companies in the area you will be going, from people who have actually used them.

Regards,

Gary

 

[deepblueme]

How much should we tip?
Kidding kind of...

Some of these places that is how the DM makes more than just aliving.
If it is a guided dive and you had a good one you should.

Another good ? is will the boat be comming back to the dock between dives?
Lets you know if you should bring snacks.

Does the boat have shade?

Does the DM shoot video/pictures for sale?

Will you be taking out students also?
typically means they won't be going to the better sites if they do.

Do you offer afternoon dives?
Sleep in its your vacation and hide from the sun u/w in the afternoon if they do.

Night Dives?
Some resorts only offer a couple times aweek.

Shore diving, what is it like?
Do you allow night shore diving?
The first time I went to AKR, Roatan years ago they let you. When I went back I was told NO!!!!!!

 

[mred]

How do they pick their sites (ie. can you request a particular dive site)?
What are some of the typical critters we may see on a dive?
How much storage on board?
Do they carry extra weights / soft weights?
How many divers on an average dive?
What time do they leave, when do they return?
Does the boat tie up on a pier, plunge down a boat ramp, or do you wade out to the boat?
What is the typical exit from the boat (ie. giant stride, roll off the side?"