Solo diving on Bonaire

[tarponchik]

Should divers not ask about dive op policies that are not clearly stated on their websites?

Absolutely not. "Don't ask don't tell", as someone pointed out already. Everything that is not specifically forbidden is allowed. You sign the weaver and off you go.

 

[redacted]

Absolutely not. "Don't ask don't tell", as someone pointed out already. Everything that is not specifically forbidden is allowed. You sign the weaver and off you go.

I do understand what you are saying but that is a proven flawed policy. Sure, if you are only looking at the occasional solo shore dive in Bonaire, it will work OK. Boat diving is a very different case. It could also be a problem if you are a lone traveller. I prefer to have the dive op policies known up front.

 

[tarponchik]

I do understand what you are saying but that is a proven flawed policy. Sure, if you are only looking at the occasional solo shore dive in Bonaire, it will work OK. Boat diving is a very different case. It could also be a problem if you are a lone traveller. I prefer to have the dive op policies known up front.

What's flawed? On a boat dive I always find another guy like me or the DM is my buddy. Never had a problem.

 

[redacted]

What's flawed? On a boat dive I always find another guy like me or the DM is my buddy. Never had a problem.

Are you saying that others who are reporting a problem do not matter as long as you have not????

 

[tarponchik]

Are you saying that others who are reporting a problem do not matter as long as you have not????

I'm saying that you should ask the right question. Do not ask "Is it OK if I dive solo from your boat?" or "Does your dive shop support solo diving?" Just ask exactly what you need, "Is it OK if I come alone?" and they'll say, "Sure, we'll find you a buddy."

So what was the problem that you've had and where did it happen? .

 

[oldschoolto]

People on Bonaire are shaking their heads at this STUPID thread.... Sometimes people don't know when to STFU...

Jim..

 

[redacted]

I'm saying that you should ask the right question. Do not ask "Is it OK if I dive solo from your boat?" or "Does your dive shop support solo diving?" Just ask exactly what you need, "Is it OK if I come alone?" and they'll say, "Sure, we'll find you a buddy."

So what was the problem that you've had and where did it happen? .

In TX, I had a dive op tell me I could not bring my pony tank on his boat because it did not have a current VIS. When I picked up my gear and started to leave, he changed his mind. If I am paying a couple thousand for a dive trip, I do not want to deal with last minute surprise rules.

 

[redacted]

People on Bonaire are shaking their heads at this STUPID thread.... Sometimes people don't know when to STFU...

Jim..

Dive ops need to establish their rules and not be capricious in their implementation.

 

[tarponchik]

In TX, I had a dive op tell me I could not bring my pony tank on his boat because it did not have a current VIS. When I picked up my gear and started to leave, he changed his mind. If I am paying a couple thousand for a dive trip, I do not want to deal with last minute surprise rules.

So this was a liveaboard, not a boat. Well, I guess, such specific questions should be asked if not mentioned on their website. But you didn't ask this because it did not occur to you this will be a problem, right? Such surprises are inevitable. In Maldives, for example, we were surprised by the requirement to fill very detailed forms on the state of our health, as if we applied for a job on their boat. I would consider this to be invasion of privacy, but after all the money spent and 20 hrs in the air we were not in position to argue.

 

[tursiops]

What's flawed? On a boat dive I always find another guy like me or the DM is my buddy. Never had a problem.

OMG. Another like you?