where to dive

[merkin]

Hi everyone, I'm coming up to Toronto May 10th-16th 2003 from Florida and thought about trying to get some diving in while I'm there. I know... it will seem like its freezing to me. I'm just AOW and comfortable to about 120' depth - could anyone suggest some potential dive experiences while I'm there? Thanks!

[Jimmy B]

Try Kingston www.northerntechdiver.com or Tobermory. Kingston's wrecks are far the best in Ontario.

JB

[Butch103]

Merkin......methinks you may be SOL.......I dont believe any charters are running. Tobermorey and Kingston may be a long drive from TO. Shore diving is may be all you can do. The water is beginning to get a little hard up here..........I hope some others can give you better advice than I.......Good luck........:boom:

[Groundhog246]

Butch103 once bubbled...
Merkin......methinks you may be SOL.......I dont believe any charters are running.

Read a little closer. He's coming next MAY! Merkin, do you dive wet or dry? Water will be liquid in May but COLD. One of my favourites close to Toronto, is the J.C. Morrison in Barrie. Vis in the spring is good (unless there's a flock of students". It's not deep (max 30 ft). Water temps will be COLD! I think my first dive there in Early may it was about 42F.

[taz22]

I suggest that you take a look at this website under the dive profiles. Will give you an idea on what you will find in various areas of Ontario.

http://www.gregsdivepage.net


Cheers, Taz :)

[sparky30]

There is always the "unnamed" wreck in Port Dalhousie... Its down to about 113ft to the mud, and its only and hour away from Toronto. After the dive you can go see Niagara Falls (15 minutes away), or do a shallow drift dive in the Niagara River. Just keep in mind that the water will be damn cold. I would bring a drysuit or at least a drysuit c-card and rent one here.
Have fun :)

[merkin]

No drysuit just a 7mm wesuit. I tried a couple of drysuits at DUI Demo day this November. I'm sure it was amusing - I kept trying to control buoyancy with the BC... maybe I could do the specialty while there?

I guess my timing is wrong (work-related)?

I would prefer to experience your wrecks if possible. Shouldn't be too hard to spend the weekend after May16th in Kingston if that's the best place? I'll look into the other suggested locations as well.

Thanks for the help!

[Groundhog246]

merkin once bubbled...
No drysuit just a 7mm wetsuit.
I would prefer to experience your wrecks if possible. Shouldn't be too hard to spend the weekend after May16th in Kingston if that's the best place? I'll look into the other suggested locations as well.
Thanks for the help!

One piece or two? I dive wet. :( Can't fund a dry suit yet. I will be diving Jan 1, 2003, expect a water temp of about 34F (unless it's colder than last year). Last year it was a 40 minute dive in a 6.5 mil john/jacket, only problem was my fingers. Bought new, warmer (better fitting) gloves since then. I haven't made it down Kingston way yet, I'm the West side of Toronto. So if it's a 7mil, especially a 2 piece, and you make sure you've a good hood and gloves, you should be ok. If it's a one piece, you migh want to consider adding a vest.

Was into my LDS today, signed up for an equipment course. Noted, they're first open water next year, will be 24 May, 2003 at Tobermorry. All the students will be diving wet.

[merkin]

1-piece 7mm wetsuit with 2mm socks and gloves but without hood - I guess I could rent some stuff for appendages (!). This is for spring diving here (the gloves are just for wrecks).

Imagine - I was in West Palm a few weeks back with 79F water temperatures - there were several people without any thermal protection, except for their beer bellys!

[Groundhog246]

merkin once bubbled...
1-piece 7mm wetsuit with 2mm socks and gloves but without hood - I guess I could rent some stuff for appendages (!). This is for spring diving here (the gloves are just for wrecks).


You'd be in good shape if you could find a 5 mil hooded vest and 5 to 7 mil gloves and same for boots. I just got a 7 mil semi-dry (Bare Extreme), Haven't had it in cold water yet, just a quick dip in a pool to adjust the weighting. I will be as soon as condtions permit. I dove several times in the last year with a buddy who wore a henderson Hyperstretch, water temps down to 40F. I think it was a 7/5 mil, with a 5 mil hood and gloves.

[sparky30]

merkin once bubbled...
1-piece 7mm wetsuit with 2mm socks and gloves but without hood - I guess I could rent some stuff for appendages (!). This is for spring diving here (the gloves are just for wrecks).

Imagine - I was in West Palm a few weeks back with 79F water temperatures - there were several people without any thermal protection, except for their beer bellys!

I think you will definitely need a hood. and some nice warm gloves. The good news is with the exchange rate here they are pretty cheap :) and you can rent them too. As an added trick you might want to bring a thermos of warm water.. poor that into your wetsuit before you go in to "pre warm" it :) Its supposed to work wonders. I've never tried it. I've gone diving in a 5/3 wetsuit in 49deg water.. It was a bit cool and it was only a 20 minute dive but definitely doable.

[Groundhog246]

sparky30 once bubbled...


As an added trick you might want to bring a thermos of warm water.. pour that into your wetsuit before you go in to "pre warm" it :) Its supposed to work wonders. I've never tried it.

I can definitely recommend this technique. Not so much filling the wetsuit, but filling your boots and gloves. You want lukewarm water though, not hot. Filling a mid size cooler works well (not so full that it spills), as you can place your hands and feet in the cooler after the dive, if they're cold.

[Bubble Boy]

if they're cold
What do you mean "if".... should it not read "when" LOL:out:

[DivingGal]

sparky30 once bubbled...
I think you will definitely need a hood. and some nice warm gloves. The good news is with the exchange rate here they are pretty cheap :) and you can rent them too. As an added trick you might want to bring a thermos of warm water.. poor that into your wetsuit before you go in to "pre warm" it :) Its supposed to work wonders. I've never tried it. I've gone diving in a 5/3 wetsuit in 49deg water.. It was a bit cool and it was only a 20 minute dive but definitely doable.

The water at Tobermory will be cold at that time of the year. Kingston will be in the high 40s to low 50s.

I use the hot water technique to warm up hood and gloves. I bring a cooler full of hot water and put the hood and gloves in it while I suit up (yup I'm a quazi wimp -- I have a dry suit, but I do this if I am diving wet too). If I use water to "warm up" my wet suit -- it's luke warm. Hot can burn you -- I've seen it happen at dive sites.

As for Kingston charters - drop a line to our own Divedude (Big Jim's charters) he can tell you when he, and most of the other charters in Kingston start running.

Keep the gang posted -- you may get company! Just think a bunch of NDI Canucks, and an American diving..... fun time!

[sparky30]

I have a nice DUI drysuit but not dry gloves.. still diving with wet hands. I'll have to try the cooler technique. Sounds like it will keep me toasty... So do you just throw the hood and gloves in luke warm water? Any other tips? I am going for my first new years day dive this year (well.. next year actually).
Big Jim mentioned that the Vicky Marie will be back in the water in May. Very cool. I am really looking forward to another Kingston trip. My LDS already has at least one trip set up in Sept. Hopefully they'll do more.. I thought they were kidding when they told me diving is addictive.

[DivingGal]

sparky30 once bubbled...
I have a nice DUI drysuit but not dry gloves.. still diving with wet hands. I'll have to try the cooler technique. Sounds like it will keep me toasty... So do you just throw the hood and gloves in luke warm water? Any other tips? I am going for my first new years day dive this year (well.. next year actually).
Big Jim mentioned that the Vicky Marie will be back in the water in May. Very cool. I am really looking forward to another Kingston trip. My LDS already has at least one trip set up in Sept. Hopefully they'll do more.. I thought they were kidding when they told me diving is addictive.

hot water in the cooler for the hood and gloves. Unless it's really cold, I tend not to warm them up for the 1st dive, but if it's really cold, or if I'm going in for a 2nd dive, they go into the water, and I close the lid until I'm ready to dive.

BTW it's a great way to help prevent non-cold rate regs from doing their free-flowing at the surface. I had to dunk two sets from students the last time I was out with an OW class. After setting up their tanks on the second day, they turned them on, and poof free-flow. we turned off the tanks, put the regs in the cooler, then didn't turn them on again until we were in the water.

Hehehe -- WARNING, WARNING diving is addictive. I've already got my annual September charter booked with Jim.

[sparky30]

DivingGal once bubbled...

Hehehe -- WARNING, WARNING diving is addictive. I've already got my annual September charter booked with Jim.

He he he.. You are right.. I spent my savings account on dive gear this year.. And it didn't even hurt.. LOL
When are you going in Sept? My LDS is booked with Jim on the 13/14 I think.. He's awesome. I also want to go back to Brockville.. Lots of fun stuff there.. I need to dive the Keystorm again. Last time I was there we had to cut out dive short (only 7 minutes bottom time) 'cause the weather was too nasty and we used too much air just getting in the water and getting down :(
The night dive on the Gaskin was cool.. Saw the 'mutant eel from hell'.. The thing was huge.. Startled me a bit ;) But I wasn't scared.. honest I wasn't.. LOL

[weight_for_me]

...he just had his eyes lazered and maybe he can't see so well...and you know what happens when advanced age creeps up on you. Lets just humour him OK?
:D
Randy...

[DivingGal]

sparky30 once bubbled...


He he he.. You are right.. I spent my savings account on dive gear this year.. And it didn't even hurt.. LOL
When are you going in Sept? My LDS is booked with Jim on the 13/14 I think.. He's awesome. I also want to go back to Brockville.. Lots of fun stuff there.. I need to dive the Keystorm again. Last time I was there we had to cut out dive short (only 7 minutes bottom time) 'cause the weather was too nasty and we used too much air just getting in the water and getting down :(
The night dive on the Gaskin was cool.. Saw the 'mutant eel from hell'.. The thing was huge.. Startled me a bit ;) But I wasn't scared.. honest I wasn't.. LOL


I have the weekend of Sep 20/21 booked with Big Jim's.... I reserve some space for my dive pals up here in the Ottawa neighbourhood.... but I open the remaining spots to my pals here on the board.

Who do you use in Brockville?

[Butch103]

I missed the dates in the first post..:bonk: :bonk: .....water should be a lot softer than it is right now .

[Butch103]

Thanks Randy (I think)......;) Say when are we getting wet again dude ????............

Diving Gal.......I hope you have me on that list in September.......Hate to break a streak...........:bonk: :boom:

[taz22]

I'm looking at booking a August 2003 weekend charter with Diver's Paradise in Brockville. This will be in celebration of completion of my Divemaster course.

Any members of this board that are interested, please pm me so I can make arrangements along with some of my buddies.

Wrecks that I'm thinking of diving include: Gaskin, Lillie, Daryaw, Keystorm, Muskie and the new wreck "Mason" which will be an assume drift dive.

We'll see who is interested and which wrecks they are interested in a book it asap.


Please note: I also intend to have any board members that are interested in doing a shoredive to the Daryaw from my cottage to come and dive for the day and then have a bbq some time this coming spring, watch the board for details!

Cheers, Taz.

[eagleray2003]

I hope he takes a boat handlers course before next summer, I was up visiting friends last summer and we were out diving and his boat went right over top of the Gaskin while divers were down, then he almost took out the dock at Sparrow Island.

[DivingGal]

Butch -- of course you're in on the count! It just wouldn't be the same without you. My annual Sep dive without the Crowe's Lake contingent? No way.

Taz -- when you get a few more details let me know. Sounds like the number of wrecks you're looking at two days of diving. A bit to early for me to commit to August weekends -- you'll soon discover June-August are the prime "teaching" months around here, and you tend to be busy with DM work.

[sparky30]

DivingGal once bubbled...

Who do you use in Brockville?

Off the top of my head I can't remember the name of the operation... Last time we stayed at the Riverside Dive Resort and dove on "Under Pressure" and "The Keg". I think the owner's name is Rob.. I have his business card somewhere. It was awesome. The accomodations and food where supreb. Oh yeah, and the diving was excellent too :)

[eagleray2003]

Another wanna be operator, an accident looking for a place to happen!

[sparky30]

Who is the wannabe operator?!

[DivingGal]

sparky30 once bubbled...
Who is the wannabe operator?!

Just who are you referring too?

[sparky30]

DivingGal once bubbled...


Just who are you referring too?

I was just going to ask eagleray2003 who he was referring to, since he brought it up.

[DivingGal]

sparky30 once bubbled...


I was just going to ask eagleray2003 who he was referring to, since he brought it up.

that's who I should have quoted... I'm as confused as you as to who he is referring to.

[sparky30]

Confusion.. My favourite state of mind....
:bonk:

[taz22]

eagleray2003 once bubbled...
Another wanna be operator, an accident looking for a place to happen!

Seems someone has a problem with charter operators. I have a cottage close to Brockville and know almost all of the charter operators in the area and the one's that I recommend are as follows:

Abucs - Helen runs a great operation

Diver's Paradise - Mike knows his boat and the river since he grew up in Brockville and he runs a great operation

Sea n Sky - Prescott but the boat runs out of St. Lawrence Park also runs a great operation


Rob and Lori who run two boats Under Pressure and The Keg as Sparky has noted also run a great operation.


It just depends on who is available on that particular weekend, if one of these operators is full they will usually point you to one of the other three.


I have lived on the river my whole life ( thanks to my grandad for having the forsight to purchase river property in the 30's) and all I will say that the diving between Cardinal and Kingston is probably the best fresh water diving in the world. We are lucky to have this jewel right out our front door.

If you have any specific questions about operators or diving in the Brockville area, feel free to PM me.

Cheers, Taz.

[eagleray2003]

Somebody needs to educate you on charter operators on that river, there a few very top notch that you seem to have forgotten about.

[DivingGal]

eagleray2003 once bubbled...
Somebody needs to educate you on charter operators on that river, there a few very top notch that you seem to have forgotten about.

You seem to be "dancing" around the issue. Ok, it appears you have some sort of beef about some of the charter operators.

Just what are your beefs against which operators.

Sly innuendos serve no purpose other than stroking your own ego. You claim to be from Halifax, so where do you base your knowledge from.

As with TAZ I have a fairly good knowledge of the charter operators from Cornwall down to Kingston. Sure some of my opinions may differ than his, but we agree on others.

[taz22]

DivingGal once bubbled...


As with TAZ I have a fairly good knowledge of the charter operators from Cornwall down to Kingston. Sure some of my opinions may differ than his, but we agree on others.

If you have other operators that you wish to share in this form or PM me, I would be greatful.

To my fellow posters on this board, I think we can all learn from this forum as we share information as positively as we can. Sure, we might not always agree, but we are all part of the diving fraternity and as such, we should always be respectful to others and their opinions.

[Bubble Boy]

Here is a list of the Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall Charter Operators. It may not be complete but it is not biased and is in alphabetical order:

BROCKVILLE AREA
Above 'n' Below Scuba Services
Abucs scubA Charters
Action Scuba
ALP Maritimes Oddessy
Bottom Time Dive Charters
Centre de Plongee Nepteau
Country Divers
Depth Charge Diving Inc.
Diver Dan
Diver's Wearhouse Inc.
Getting Ready Dive Charters
Knott-Awake Marine Services
Newave Dive Charters
Ron's Scuba Shop
Scuba Saffari
Scuba Quest
Seeway Vision Dive Charter/Sea 'n Sky Scuba
Southern Nights
St. Lawrence Scuba Diving Charters
Thousand Island Pleasure Diving
Under Pressure Dive Charters
Underwater Bum Expedition

CORNWALL AREA
Depth Charge Diving

KINGSTON AREA
Big Jim's Dive Charters
Burton's Dive Service
Deep Blue Scuba Charters
Ducks Diving
Divercity
Limestone Diving Centre
Northern Tech Diver
Suspence Charters
T and H Charters
U&I Scuba

[eagleray2003]

I do not have a problem with any particular charter operator only all of them who operate in an unsafe or careless manner. That area has an abundance of half a..ed operators and are an accident looking for a place to happen. On the other hand there are some good ones. I spend my summers in the Thousand Island's.

[taz22]

Bubble Boy once bubbled...
Here is a list of the Kingston, Brockville and Cornwall Charter Operators. It may not be complete but it is not biased and is in alphabetical order:

BROCKVILLE AREA
Above 'n' Below Scuba Services
Abucs scubA Charters
Action Scuba
ALP Maritimes Oddessy
Bottom Time Dive Charters
Centre de Plongee Nepteau
Country Divers
Depth Charge Diving Inc.
Diver Dan
Diver's Wearhouse Inc.
Getting Ready Dive Charters
Knott-Awake Marine Services
Newave Dive Charters
Ron's Scuba Shop
Scuba Saffari
Scuba Quest
Seeway Vision Dive Charter/Sea 'n Sky Scuba
Southern Nights
St. Lawrence Scuba Diving Charters
Thousand Island Pleasure Diving
Under Pressure Dive Charters
Underwater Bum Expedition

CORNWALL AREA
Depth Charge Diving

KINGSTON AREA
Big Jim's Dive Charters
Burton's Dive Service
Deep Blue Scuba Charters
Ducks Diving
Divercity
Limestone Diving Centre
Northern Tech Diver
Suspence Charters
T and H Charters
U&I Scuba

A great post.

Thanks

[DivingGal]

eagleray2003 once bubbled...
I do not have a problem with any particular charter operator only all of them who operate in an unsafe or careless manner. That area has an abundance of half a..ed operators and are an accident looking for a place to happen. On the other hand there are some good ones. I spend my summers in the Thousand Island's.

What are your recommendations? (and why)

[Groundhog246]

eagleray2003 once bubbled...
I hope he takes a boat handlers course before next summer, I was up visiting friends last summer and we were out diving and his boat went right over top of the Gaskin while divers were down, then he almost took out the dock at Sparrow Island.

:confused:
I am completely lost here. Whose boat? Which operator? I have a "problem" with any boater acting in a careless or unsafe manner. Teh worst seem to be PWC operators who look at any buoy, including the one under your dive flag, as a slalom object, requiring a fast turn of at least 90 degrees, as close to the buoy as possible. :boom:

[eagleray2003]

My recommendation is Ron MacDonald best boat, best captain on the river Kevin at Sea Way Vision, I'm told Mike I think his name is at Action Scuba is very good. To many operators down there with poorly equipped boats and just overall bad operators. Just like instructors, scuba stores and divemasters there are the good ones and the bad ones, they know who they are nobody need tell them.

[Jimmy B]

Use Northern Tech Diver, at least they'll take you to the wrecks you want, not the ones the Captain wants.

JB

[fredk]

So much *****ing on this board lately about shops and charter operators maybe instead of *****ing about them simply stop using them, the good shops and charter boats will be around for a long time the rest will fall by the wayside. They always do!

[Groundhog246]

eagleray2003 once bubbled...
To many operators down there with poorly equipped boats and just overall bad operators. Just like instructors, scuba stores and divemasters there are the good ones and the bad ones, they know who they are nobody need tell them.

I think I'm starting to follow. :confused: If indeed, the boat is improperly equipped, call the cops. There are regulations and inspections. To carry paying guests (charter) you must have the proper qualifications and equipment. Your rants sound more like a personal dislike of an operator, than any specific problem.
I know a guy, up where I keep my boat. Claims to be a PADI DM. Absolutely despises my LDS and slams them at every possible opportunity. He wasn't trained there. As far as I can determine he showed up for some gear once. They didn't know him, asked for his C card and log book. Had an older C card, no log book. He was "so experienced, he didn't log dives anymore". Per their policy, no knowledge of him as a diver, no log book, no gear.

Maybe I'm just a trouble maker, but if I consider a store, service or product, substandard, I TELL THEM SO! I don't yell, I don't call them names, I don't threaten them (those are all self defeating actions). I clearly state my dis-appointment and what I expect of them and/or what my action will be. If they're doing something illegal, I report them. :copper:

[taz22]

eagleray2003 once bubbled...
My recommendation is Ron MacDonald best boat

I was under the impression that Ron has retired and won't be doing charters anymore. Can anyone confirm this for me?

Thanks

[eagleray2003]

As I posted earlier I do not have a problem with a particular shop or charter operator, only the ones who are shaddy operators and there are lots of them out there. It's time the diving community in other words us the divers weed them out and either put them out of business or they conform to all standards and safety issues.

[sparky30]

eagleray2003 once bubbled...
As I posted earlier I do not have a problem with a particular shop or charter operator, only the ones who are shaddy operators and there are lots of them out there. It's time the diving community in other words us the divers weed them out and either put them out of business or they conform to all standards and safety issues.

Are there any good divesites near Halifax? I have never been to the east coast and I was thinking that there must be some awesome divesites there.

[taz22]

eagleray2003 once bubbled...
As I posted earlier I do not have a problem with a particular shop or charter operator, only the ones who are shaddy operators and there are lots of them out there. It's time the diving community in other words us the divers weed them out and either put them out of business or they conform to all standards and safety issues.


Safety certainly is a chief concern when diving that is for sure. However, there is not a tonne of government regulations when it comes to operating a charter boat.

I have been boating all my life and know the St. Lawrence River very well. I think you want someone who knows the local conditions, is an experienced Dive Instructor, Ass Instructor or DiveMaster working the charter boat.

Aside from being a Divemaster ( Insurance Issue ) and having a Pleasure Boat Opertors Card, charter boat operators need little else to run a charter business in the eyes of the government.

So, when looking for a charter service, I suspect people should be asking the charter operator:
1) how long they have been servicing the area

2) did they grow up locally

3) what level of certififcation they are ie: Dive Instructor etc, how long they have had this certififcation,

4) is their boat registered etc

5) are they a member of the Power Squadron

6) ask them if you could see their Pleasure Craft Operators Card

7) Copy of current Insurance Certificate

Hoepfully the answers to these questions will lead you to an operator that you are comfortable with. Not everyone will agree on a certain operator, but you are only responsible for yourself, so make sure you make the right decision for yourself.


Keep in mind that even with a boat of these sizes ( ie; chater boats ) they can be a handful for even the most experienced of charter operator, sometimes water or conditions or even other boaters can make is so. Cure those darn buggers on the PWC's.

Hopefully after consideration of these questions, you will have a fun and safe time.

[Groundhog246]

taz22 once bubbled...

Aside from being a Divemaster ( Insurance Issue ) and having a Pleasure Boat Opertors Card, charter boat operators need little else to run a charter business in the eyes of the government.

Your boat doesn't have to be "registered". To carry paying guests legally, you must be "licensed" by Transport Canada. The boat must also meet standards and pass an inspection. See http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/CES/Small-Commercial-Vessels/menu.htm Any operator doing otherwise is breaking the law. If you accept any payment for transporting anyone on a boat, you are a commercial vessel and must be licensed as such. Same as taking money to drive someone somewhere in your car. As soon as you accept any payment (cash or in kind) you are a taxi.

I have no knowledge on the DM issue. If you are just providing passage to and from the dive site, I'm not sure TC requires this. That's not to say you should require it of your charter operator. I don't see it anywhere in the regulations. Now, if you are providing gear or underwater guidance, other rules may apply. As far as insurance for the vessel operator, TC requires liability insurance as a passenger vessel. That's all that's required of a fishing charter and I suspect all that's required of any charter.

That's not to say the standards are all that high or difficult to pass or that there are not bad operators. But, if you know of a charter boat which is not up to standard, ie no or damaged pfd's or damaged/missing equipment, a call to Transport Canada will be followed up.

Boaters profinciency card is not required for boats over 4 meters until 2009. I need one to operate my dinghy with a small outboard, but not my big boat. :confused:
Some of the worst boaters I've ever seen, were on a CPS Bridge. You can pass lots of their courses and have lots of paper certificates, without ever displaying any boat handling ability. Not that there aren't some excellent people in the CPS, but to me their certificates/membership don't mean much. My wife has both her proficiency card and CPS membership, took their boating course, can read charts and navigate, but still can't put our boat in it's slip. At the moment she refuses to take the helm inside the breakwall.

[taz22]

Groundhog246 once bubbled...


I have no knowledge on the DM issue. If you are just providing passage to and from the dive site, I'm not sure TC requires this.

I don't know of anyone that would want to set foot on a charter boat that doesn't have atleast a DM on board. In vase of emergency what would happen and DM is the minimum level you need to have personal liability insurance in the scuba industry. No insurance company would touch an operation without a DM minimum, not to mention the fact that main-stream insurance companies would charge a arm and leg for insurance coverage, imagine the risk to the insurance company if the operator didn't know who to handle and emergency and a diver died. Would'nt want to be in his shoes.

There is no mistake, all the memberships and certificates don't make you a safe and knowledgeable boater, only experience can do that. I'm lucky to have grown up on the river and can say that next year will be my 30th year of boating without incident on the water.

:)

[Groundhog246]

taz22 once bubbled...

I don't know of anyone that would want to set foot on a charter boat that doesn't have at least a DM on board. In case of emergency what would happen and DM is the minimum level you need to have personal liability insurance in the scuba industry. :)

I do think we're in agreement here. But, as far as I can find there are no Federal or Provincial regulations specific to a dive charter. Federal regulations cover charter vessels, class them as commercial passenger carrying vessels. Liability insurance required for a charter vessel is $350,000 per passenger capacity and that's the limit you can claim.
If the charter boat only transports you too the dive site and back, does not provide gear and does not get in the water with you, guide you to the wreck, etc, then I think you would have a hard time establishing any liability for any scuba related incident. If a cab drove you to a bar and you paid him to wait outside while you partied for an hour, you got hurt in the bar, or on the sidewalk outside the bar, what would he be liable for? IF he is a DM or higher, then he will be assumed to be in charge of the dive and may face liability issues. (I was to an instructors wedding last summer. He had a guest who started suiting up to dive after having had a couple of beer. He firmly told the guest that he was not diving, since he would be held accountable for any diving accidents on the property, because he was the senior instructor present. The guests regs were locked away, to prevent him diving).

I would suggest very carefully reading the waiver you're presented to sign, before doing so. If there is no signed waiver/agreement, you've got a rank amateur on your hands and I would suggest you run, run away.

[taz22]

Groundhog246 once bubbled...


I would suggest very carefully reading the waiver you're presented to sign, before doing so. If there is no signed waiver/agreement, you've got a rank amateur on your hands and I would suggest you run, run away.


I don't dispute what you say. But if a charter service doesn't have atleast a DM on board to give a dive report on the site etc I'd stay away from them just outta fear that the operator is just after the money.


I wish you well with whoever you might choose.

Merry Christmas

:)

[Groundhog246]

taz22 once bubbled...



I don't dispute what you say. But if a charter service doesn't have atleast a DM on board to give a dive report on the site etc I'd stay away from them just outta fear that the operator is just after the money.
Merry Christmas

:)

I agree 100%, and too many are just after the money (charters and shops). Until I'm better educated/experienced, I will travel with my LDS (which doesn't seem any more expensive than trying to arrange one myself) or a dive club I belong to. With either one, we WILL have a DM and probably an instructor with us.

:frosty: :madelf: Merry Christmas to you also, and may Santa leave some nice new toys under your tree.

[taz22]

Groundhog246 once bubbled...


Until I'm better educated/experienced, I will travel with my LDS (which doesn't seem any more expensive than trying to arrange one myself) or a dive club I belong to. With either one, we WILL have a DM and probably an instructor with us.

:frosty: :madelf: Merry Christmas to you also, and may Santa leave some nice new toys under your tree.

I agree that your local LDS or scuba club is the right way to go. My scuba club ( 43 members ) includes 2 instructors and 11 Divemasters at this time. A few of us are taking the DM course and hope to complete it by the end of May ( the map should be fun ). If you ever get down to the 1000 islands send me a Pm and maybe we can hook up.

Thanks for your good wishes and best of the season to you :madelf:

[Groundhog246]

taz22 once bubbled...


If you ever get down to the 1000 islands send me a Pm and maybe we can hook up.


Will do. I hope to get down that way this summer. Maybe all the way to the East Coast (was born on PEI and relatives to visit). Had planned to go last summer, but LIFE intervened. Also have relatives on my wife's side near Cornwall. She just started a new job about 3 weeks ago, so much will depend on what, if any, vacation she gets this year.