Self planned trips vs charter???

[msedivingdoc]

Just wanted to see what people thought about planning a dive trip on your own vs. taking a charter.
During a recient trip to Key Largo a dive buddy and I wanted to dive the SG. Both of us are AOW and Nitrox. In addition we both dive regularly in somewhat less than optimal conditions. Checking into the local charters we found the prices were good, but only 1 dive on the SG per charte
Pros and Cons:
Have to arrive early at dock or midday
Captain determines where and when to dive.... might miss dive spot if changed
Helpful predive briefings and pointers
Follow "dive rules" ie AOW a must even for experienced divers.... ooops returned wih less than 500psi = no 2nd dive(accidents do happen)
ps I do understand the reasons for the rule.
Tank monkeys and other helpful chaps
Navigation of boat by crew.... reef watch and good mapping skills not necessary by diver

After looking into things we found that we could rent a boat and tanks from John Pennycamp Marina for the same as 2 chartersx 2 divers.
Bonus:
Dive the segments and depths we want to on the SG
Plan surface interval times and complete multiple dives
Enjoy a boat ride all day... fuel and oil were included
Visit as many reefs and sandbars and whatever else all day
Friends not diving can come along for free
Enjoy the best ocean dive I've ever had!!! No rules, just smart planned diving with no rushes, idiot buddy paring or other charter crap.

Will I still use a charter? Yes, but only when it is not feasable or practical to plan the dive myself. Also if I decide to advance and need instruction I guess I'll use whatever the instructor wishes.

 

[DennisS]

Just wanted to see what people thought about planning a dive trip on your own vs. taking a charter.
During a recient trip to Key Largo a dive buddy and I wanted to dive the SG. Both of us are AOW and Nitrox. In addition we both dive regularly in somewhat less than optimal conditions. Checking into the local charters we found the prices were good, but only 1 dive on the SG per charte
Pros and Cons:
Have to arrive early at dock or midday
Captain determines where and when to dive.... might miss dive spot if changed
Helpful predive briefings and pointers
Follow "dive rules" ie AOW a must even for experienced divers.... ooops returned wih less than 500psi = no 2nd dive(accidents do happen)
ps I do understand the reasons for the rule.
Tank monkeys and other helpful chaps
Navigation of boat by crew.... reef watch and good mapping skills not necessary by diver

After looking into things we found that we could rent a boat and tanks from John Pennycamp Marina for the same as 2 chartersx 2 divers.
Bonus:
Dive the segments and depths we want to on the SG
Plan surface interval times and complete multiple dives
Enjoy a boat ride all day... fuel and oil were included
Visit as many reefs and sandbars and whatever else all day
Friends not diving can come along for free
Enjoy the best ocean dive I've ever had!!! No rules, just smart planned diving with no rushes, idiot buddy paring or other charter crap.

Will I still use a charter? Yes, but only when it is not feasable or practical to plan the dive myself. Also if I decide to advance and need instruction I guess I'll use whatever the instructor wishes.

The disadvantage of diving off your own boat is that you should have someone topside. It's hot, no one wants to stay in the boat and bake.

I regularly dive the shallow reefs with no one in the boat, I wouldn't dive the outer reefs or the wrecks without someone in the boat that knew how to handle it. It could be necessary to reposition the boat if it came loose from a mooring/anchor or it might be necessary to head down current to pick up the divers. Watching the boat drift away or being downcurrent and unable to return could ruin your day.

That being said, it's hard to beat the freedom of diving where and when you want.

 

[Charlie99]

The disadvantage of diving off your own boat is that you should have someone topside.

And they should know how to handle the anchor/mooring, start up the engines to come get you, know how to run the radio, know how to tell if the boat has come off the mooring or the anchor is dragging, etc.

Leaving somebody topside that doesn't know how to run the boat is pretty useless, although common.