Setting up gear for you in Coz?
- Thread starter jo8243
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
I've had DMs offer to set up my gear. They almost always understand and leave you alone when you politely decline. Sometimes a DM will insist on setting up my gear. When that happens, I insist they do not touch it. That's almost always the end of the matter.
The reason is some people like to be pampered and will tip better if the DM sets up their gear.
The reason is some people like to be pampered and will tip better if the DM sets up their gear.
R
redacted
Guest
Your real problem may be between dives when the boat crew is changing tanks as divers reboard. If you take your gear off in the water, they may get you done before you know it. But you will have plenty of time to check it before the 2nd dive.
This always gets me.
Of course if you don't want the DM to set-up your gear, all you have to do is politely tell them that you prefer to do it. It is a service and a courtesy that many dive shops will set your gear up for you. However, that does not in any way exempt you as the diver from the responsibility of checking your gear BEFORE you get in the water...including taking a few breaths off your regulator. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure your gear is set up properly and that your tank is on, etc. Think of it as an extra checks and balance system. Had this diver done this, the problem could have been easily resolved before getting in the water.
That is very odd that a DM would not remove the tape....and I don't see how the reg would even get a seal with the tape there...doesn't make sense to me. Anyway, an error like that is definitely the exception rather than the rule. Aside from that, setting up equipment is not rocket science and these DM's do it every single day...so it's not like they don't know what they're doing.
I always tell my divers that the crew will set up their gear unless they have objections to this...but it is still their responsibility to check it before getting in the water...or if they have a special configuration, set it up with the DM the first day, and then they can remember how the diver likes it for subsequent days. I even have this stated on the waiver.
IMO, if you don't trust the DM to set up your gear (which is a basic function), you probably shouldn't be diving with them to begin with.
In any resort area you'll find crew who will set up patrons gear in hopes of a better tip. Like Walter I don't want anyone else touching my gear. I've never had anyone push the issue.
scubacoots3
Guest
if someone else sets up your gear - always take the time to check it top to bottom before you gear up and make a dive. To double up always do a buddy check before diving.
Mayor
Contributor
Just last week the DM set all my gear up for me everyday. Then I went over everything as I would if I was diving at home. Had to fine tune my tank strap (I like it lower), check the o-ring, hook up all my retractors, check the fill, and take a few hits off both regulators. I like the idea of the gear being ready to go but I would never bet my life on it. Just nice to have it all in one place.
Relax and enjoy the boat ride as you slowly inspect and adjust your gear.
Relax and enjoy the boat ride as you slowly inspect and adjust your gear.
RonFrank
Contributor
I've not been there a lot, but I've been there, and know a LOT of other divers that have used various OPS. Some don't offer at all. Some will do it if you allow them. I've never heard of an OP that will make it a requirement that they set up your gear.
I generally don't mind them switching out tanks, or setting up my gear. I just make sure to watch, and check it before a dive.
One poster indicated that they left the tape over the valve, and that resulted in the first stage getting clogged. I'll have to try this at home, but I can not imaging getting a good seal between the oring, and first stage with a layer of tape in between. IOW's I think it would make a LOT of noise the second one turned it on, and be very obvious.
One reason dive ops setup gear is because a lot of vacation divers are not comfortable doing so. Another reason maybe tips, and it is a nice service for those that don't mind others doing this.
chucksaul
Contributor
Along these same lines, and since I will be in COZ in 13 days, I always do my own gear because I want to double check the Nitrox with an analyzer... Are others this way or do you just trust the number on the tape... And yes I am the same way stateside...
Thanks
Thanks
Similar threads
