what to look for in dive boat charter????

[Granny Scuba]

What should I look for when booking a dive boat?

I remember reading a thread about a "COAST GUARD CERTIFIED" dive boat is important to some and others thought little of this.

Also some folks said make sure you are not on a "cattle car" with 25 other people.

And I remember someone complaing about slow boats.
And then there is something about having oxygen on the boat

Is there a check off list some where or could we create one now?

 

[ktomlinson]

Personally I look for oxygen ands boat going to the sites I'm interested in. Things like fresh fruit during the surface interval and them carrying your gear (not putting it together) are perks for me. I also really like boats with freshwater showers.

 

[diverrex]

I think a lot of the things to consider are regional.

For the tropics I always consider:
1. quality reputation of the dive op (good reviews on SB)
2. six pack op
3. quality of boats
4. proximity to where I'm staying
5. proximity to the dive sites
6. facilities at the dock
7. dive schedule
8. nitrox

Notice I don't mention price. By the time you add air, lodging and food on a tropical trip $5 - even $20 more per dive day doesn't make that much difference and is worth it to get a good quality six-pack operator. I'll take a small boat without many (or even any) facilities to dive with a small group over a larger more comfortable boat full of facilities but with lots of divers.

For our diving in California where most charters are three tank all day trips from 7am to 5pm+ and the one way ride to the island is 2+ hours I consider:

1. comfort of the boat
2. quality of the crew
3. quality of the food
4. price
5. nitrox

Since our dives in CA are not led by a DM having 20 - 30 divers on the boat only means the boat is crowded but once we go under water we all go our separate ways so it doesn't matter much. Since my only cost is the dive trip that day (and the fill I start with and the gas to the dock) I do consider price for day trips.

 

[bracko]

safe responsible captain.

the rest will filter through...

 

[Teamcasa]

safe responsible captain.

I'd add reasonable as well.

I'm not interested in a nanny crew that treats every diver like a freshly minted OW diver but I also like a helpful crew - ones that will make an effort for the tip I hope to leave.

Working toilets, fresh water showers and good food are a plus.

 

[fisheater]

For any cold water charter that I dive to, I look for an onboard compressor (preferrably HP), so I don't have to haul around extra tanks.

 

[knowone]

Depending on size and length, hull, motor, reboarding system.

 

[Granny Scuba]

What makes one coast guard certified or approved?
Is it the boat or the cap't?

How important is this?

 

[Garrobo]

1. Motor runs OK.
2. Head is in good condition.

 

[Stu S.]

The boat has to be in good repair. No excessive fumes. A faster boat usually means a smooth ride. Also, there has to be adequate parking at the boat.