Dive Operations enforcing rules

[RJP]

Customer service at its finest.

It's a New Jersey thing... you wouldn't get it.

:d

Q: "How many NJ wreck divers does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: "F*** YOU!"

 

[ktomlinson]

Would it be useful if agencies collected data on customers from operators? The casino industry from my understanding shares data on their customers with others in the industry, so it wouldn't be unprecedented. Agencies could use the data for marketing and the ops for safety (this person should be supervised or denied) and customer service (recommending specific dives).

 

[ijdod]

One thing I have wondered about is how badly a diver would have to perform during a checkout dive before an operator would pull the plug on them diving.

 

[TMHeimer]

It's a New Jersey thing... you wouldn't get it.

:d

Q: "How many NJ wreck divers does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
A: "F*** YOU!"

I get it. Grew up across the river--gettin' through customs to enter a different country was a tough one. I hear the wreck dives are about as good as Nova Scotia. I KNOW the traffic signs are just as bad.

 

[tyesai]

In my mind, advocating that not using gloves, carrying lights or cutting devices will cut down on reef damage is exactly the same as advocating that motorcyclist would slow down and have fewer wrecks if we took away their riding gloves and helmets. Being a newb I loose my buoyancy a little from time to time and get a little closer to the bottom than I care to. Two things can happen, I can take a deep breath, give my bcd a little shot of air and push off with one finger or I can go "stick bobber" and kick the **** out off the reef / bottom / structure / ect. If I'm a new vacation diver and somehow you've managed to convince me that I can't touch anything and that you've taken away my gloves in the hope of using pain as a compliance tool then I'm probably going to use the latter option.

Time limits just seem like common courtesy for multiple reasons and yes, safety reasons especially while diving in current. I can't think of more of a dick move than making a bunch of people go into panic mode thinking you might be dead when your just to selfish to be on time.

 

[mathauck0814]

In my mind, advocating that not using gloves, carrying lights or cutting devices will cut down on reef damage is exactly the same as advocating that motorcyclist would slow down and have fewer wrecks if we took away their riding gloves and helmets. Being a newb I loose my buoyancy a little from time to time and get a little closer to the bottom than I care to. Two things can happen, I can take a deep breath, give my bcd a little shot of air and push off with one finger or I can go "stick bobber" and kick the **** out off the reef / bottom / structure / ect. If I'm a new vacation diver and somehow you've managed to convince me that I can't touch anything and that you've taken away my gloves in the hope of using pain as a compliance tool then I'm probably going to use the latter option.

Time limits just seem like common courtesy for multiple reasons and yes, safety reasons especially while diving in current. I can't think of more of a dick move than making a bunch of people go into panic mode thinking you might be dead when your just to selfish to be on time.

So, what you're saying is if we take away vacation divers' fins, we can save the reef? Brilliant!

 

[tyesai]

Yes, just like taking away their gloves saves the reef...neither suggestion make much sense...

 

[John_B]

Would it be useful if agencies collected data on customers from operators? The casino industry from my understanding shares data on their customers with others in the industry, so it wouldn't be unprecedented. Agencies could use the data for marketing and the ops for safety (this person should be supervised or denied) and customer service (recommending specific dives).

Are you serious? Maybe they could put a logo on their websites, so they'd be easier to avoid.

Sheesh, some people's kids...

 

[BluewaterSail]

Yes, just like taking away their gloves saves the reef...neither suggestion make much sense...

To someone who respects the reefs, it might seem ridiculous. In Eilat Israel, before they started to enforce a no gloves rule, tourists were actually breaking off peices of coral to bring home as souvenirs.

 

[Nishan]

In all situation where I felt the operator was too fussy I was not angry nor did I debate with them about their rules or how they enforced them, but I personally believe there can be some flexibility and understanding if there is no danger or inconvenience caused. And it certainly influences my decision making on choosing an operator. A photographer staying a few extra minutes in the shallows near the boat in good conditions is not a major issue in my opinion. The crew can see you and call you up if there was an emergency. I have worked as a dive guide and a dive shop manager and we would never make a fuss about such a situation. Customers who try to fit diving into a packed schedule can be a major problem. We are dealing with nature and nothing is predictable. Do you forego a random whaleshark encounter so that one person can meet an appointment they have set 30 mins after the boats scheduled arrival time?

Obviously there is no clear right or wrong in these scenarios but diving is supposed to be fun after all. And I always thought recreational dive operations were part of the tourism and hospitality industry where a little customer service can go a long way.

---------- Post added ----------

One thing I have wondered about is how badly a diver would have to perform during a checkout dive before an operator would pull the plug on them diving.

I have seen divers who descended, ascended and did part of their dive with the DM holding their tank valve to stabilize their buoyancy. Shocks me how they were certified in the first place.

But generally a check out is to assign you to an appropriate buddy/group and dive site.