When do Operators Cancel Dive Trips?

[MaverickNH]

I'm sure it varies, but my 2-tank morning run was cancelled today as only 3 showed up. The temps are low today in Ft Lauderdale and winds moderate, so most who had signed up cancelled out. The boat is a 45ft "cattle car".

What's the break even when an operator will cancel? I can see not taking the boat out for just three. I called around and couldn't find anyone else going out that hadn't already left with a pre-arranged group dive.

 

[oly5050user]

All depends on the costs involved to run that particular boat.Big boat costs more to run than small boat.Also how far a destination is.More distance traveled=more fuel used. My 21' privateer here in NY cost me more than $100. a week just sitting at the dock after you figure in season dock fees and winter storage.Now add in maintence,fuel used at 6 to 8 gallons per hour..ain't cheap.This is why many operators refuse to move the boat at a loss.Soon there will be very few options to dive here in northeast due to costs involved.

 

[lmorin]

Horizon Divers run a big boat out of Key Largo. We typically dive off season in FL and the boat is never crowded. My wife and I were two of four taken out one windy day (wind was at the boat's limit) when all but two others bailed out. I had the distinct impression that 4 divers exceeded a lower limit and the captain liked the challenge of the weather and of finding a decent dive site under the conditions. I don't think we would have gone if both the diver quantity and the captain's willingness to go had not been met.

 

[Beyond_Diving]

It would depend a lot on weather conditions and diver counts. For example here, you'd be hard pressed to find any dive op that will go out with less than 2-3 divers on a small boat.. also, if wind speeds are above 35 KPH the harbour master will shut down operations for any vessel under 40' in length...

 

[deepstops]

Sustained NE winds over 20 knots with gusts to 35 here in Fort Lauderdale this morning. Anyone that ran in that slop this morning wasn't doing their customers any favors.

I realize folks visiting really want to get some dives in while they're here but going out in 6-9' seas risks the boat, the divers, and the gear greatly. Gear falls down, divers fall down, and divers get hurt trying reboard. It's just not worth it.

 

[Nosnhoj]

I just returned from my open water referral... on the first day, the wind (when we got to the dive site) was 24 knots across the reef. The waves were 6-7ft. I got a bit seasick, but persisted with the dives... and i'm glad i did! I figure if i can handle that - most other dives will be a walk in the park! The second day, the conditions were great, and with a few 'triptone' in my gut - everything was perfect.

Sustained NE winds over 20 knots with gusts to 35 here in Fort Lauderdale this morning. Anyone that ran in that slop this morning wasn't doing their customers any favors.

I realize folks visiting really want to get some dives in while they're here but going out in 6-9' seas risks the boat, the divers, and the gear greatly. Gear falls down, divers fall down, and divers get hurt trying reboard. It's just not worth it.

 

[sheeper]

i know operators that won't go with less than 4 divers.....but i also have been with operators that went just with 1 (me). with an empty (or near empty) boat some guys will go spear and lobster just for themselves. others will stay at the dock.
then of course, operators will cancel due to safety. high seas, strong current, low viz all makes a crappy day of diving. If your boat group are all basic divers, some operators may choose to cancel for safety or just to avoid letting people have a crappy day.

 

[Searcaigh]

Weather aside I know of some boats that will go out with one diver and provide a buddy over hear in UAE.

I was also the only diver on a 40 foot dive boat last year in Aqaba for two days running, apart from the crew, fantastic experience but not very profitable for the owner.

 

[fjpatrum]

Most of the shops I've spoken to in FL will tell you what their minimum number of divers is to go out. The big boats typically say 4 or 6, from what I've found so far.

Weather is a whole other issue, though, and if it was a weather call you should probably thank them. There are some great shore dives in FLL that are shallow but offer some really good diving.

 

[DivemasterDennis]

I am just back from Hawaii, where we did a lot of shore diving but did spend a couple of days on day boats. Lahaina Divers on Maui requires 6 divers paid for a boat to go out. If someone pays and doesn't show, they will still go out. Often they have 2 boats go to different sites. If one is short, they offer the option of hopping on the other boat. Debbie and I are fortunate in that we have never had a dive cancel due to low numbers. (But then we aren't in Florida on a lousy day in February).
DivemasterDennis