Seeking info for running expedition charters

[stoyleg]

I’m looking for some advice from people who have set up, run or have knowledge of expedition-style dive charters. I won’t go into full details of the planned operation (mainly because it's not actually my operation), I’m really just after some guidance on some of the 'official' aspects necessary to run such a business. Specifically, qualifications required to operate compressors, liability insurance, divemasters/instructors present, first-aid certifications etc. Are there regulatory bodies (PADI?) who provide accreditation in order to demonstrate a certain standard has been achieved?

Many thanks.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

The significance of your questions is such that I would not solicit "amateur" advice on this forum. Contact an existing dive operator, either day boat or liveaboard operator, and perhaps they will speak to you, or refer you to their company lawyer for a session. It won't be free. Planning a venture like this is best done with the advice of paid (and insured) professionals. You have a number of large operations in Honduras- start there. Laws and business practices vary substantially from country to country.
DivemasterDennis

 

[Wookie]

The only accreditation comes from the passengers who enjoyed your trip. PADI provides marketing, but the fact that you might be "PADI approved" may very well be a turn-off for your target customer. I'm not into agency bashing, I am a PADI instructor in good standing. IJS. Aside from that, anyone can buy a boat and do whatever they want to with it. My suggestion might be to buy a few trips on other boats doing the type of trip you are planning to do, keep your mouth shut and eyes and ears open while onboard to absorb as much as you can. I wouldn't let the operator know why you are there, some of them aren't too keen for the competition. Dive boat insurance is dive boat insurance. As long as your regulatory body allows you to go there, your insurance will be in effect. If you are outside of your inspection authorities jurisdiction, you are also out of your insurance companies coverage.

You need to define expedition, for there are many definitions floating around. To me, an expedition is someplace new, where no one else goes. A liveaboard to Quito Sueno or Roncador or Alacranes would be an expedition. A liveaboard to Little Corn would be just another liveaboard. To me, the difference is that there are dive ops on Little Corn, and anyone brave enough to go to Nicaragua can dive there. I have taken my boat to the others, and let me tell you, it was an expedition. 30 foot seas, etc. But we don't need to elaborate...