Reservation etiquette...

[rnees]

OK then...
fng here, in the process of booking my first scuba trip. A little dilemma, hoping for some advice...
1. Booked at a hotel between xmas and new years, spoke (via email) to the dive shop that's on campus. They quoted me prices, and I told them when I'd be in town.
2. Was turned on to another dive shop, spoke to them (again, via email) and they are substantially less expensive (20% less per dive) and would pick me up from my hotel.
In neither case have I sent any money to anybody (for the dives, the hotel is already paid for)
--Would I be a jag for emailing the first bunch and telling them 'thanks but no thanks'? With the money I save, I could go on an extra dive...
whaddya think?

[almitywife]

i dont blame you for wanting to save $$$ plus the added bonus of hotel pickup

i would suggest at least diving one day with dive shop #1 so you can see for yourself if next time they are worth paying extra

either way just be honest with dive shop #1, make sure you have cancelled & tell them why you changed your mind as they might want to know why customers go elsewhere

cheers

[alcina]

Make sure you are comparing oranges to oranges first.

As a consumer, if I haven't paid, I haven't booked, I have enquired. Two different things. Assuming I haven't given my word that I will be on the dive, of course.

As a business owner, if a client hasn't paid, they haven't booked. We expect that, no worries.

There's a small twist to that since the first dive centre is connected to your hotel. As you have talked to them and told them, presumably, that you would be diving during your stay, they may actually have you confirmed on the dates of your stay because you have paid (I assume at least a deposit) the hotel and the dive shop may simply tack on to that. So make sure to contact them and let them know that you are NOT confirming with them and you didn't want to have any confusion.

[DandyDon]

I understand. I've tried the expensive ones, and they were fine - some better than others. My taste is just as happy with some of the cheaper ones, but - that is not always the case. I've had some cheap bid ops that were dreadful. You're new, stick with the pricey one; you'll probly need more help - be sure to tip. Maybe go with the other op one day for comparison, but start with the pricey one that will probly take better care of you. Since you haven't named names, I won't either.

How much money are you talking about? $50 for an extra boat trip on a $1500 trip. :confused:

[rnees]

I can name them, no big deal to me, just didn't want to be even more unfair.
Here's what I've been told:
Shop 1: Dive house, on the campus of FAmericana: $72 for two tank dive, and I'd have to rent stuff to the tune of about $30 or so.
Shop 2: Scuba Mau, not sure where they're at: $60 for two tanks, plus $5 flat (including bcd, reg and suit) for renting everything else (if I've read the email correctly...)
So, that's a difference of over $30 per dive ($100 vs. $65)...seems substantial to me.
I'm staying at the Fiesta Americana...
and I wish it were a $1500 trip. I'm up to 3k and counting...

[Scott M]

There is no problem inquiring about pricing then picking the best deal that fits your needs. They will not reserve a spot for you with out a deposit so it's all fair game until the money exchanges hands. Just be aware not all dive shops are the same. For that same two tank dive one could be using steels and giving you max bottom time, the other could be a cattle boat. In and out in 40 minutes. I'm not saying either of the two you listed are anything like that as I have never used them. Just be sure your comparing equal shops and services that fit your needs as a diver.

[rnees]

There is no problem inquiring about pricing then picking the best deal that fits your needs. They will not reserve a spot for you with out a deposit so it's all fair game until the money exchanges hands. Just be aware not all dive shops are the same. For that same two tank dive one could be using steels and giving you max bottom time, the other could be a cattle boat. In and out in 40 minutes. I'm not saying either of the two you listed are anything like that as I have never used them. Just be sure your comparing equal shops and services that fit your needs as a diver.
I know nothing about either shop. divehouse is on the hotel campus, so that would be convenient, and I've been recommended to mau by a member here.
But if anybody out there knows anything about either of these outfits, any input would be greatly appreciated! I hate to make a decision based on price alone...but that's all I've got to go by at present....

[awap]

I can name them, no big deal to me, just didn't want to be even more unfair.
Here's what I've been told:
Shop 1: Dive house, on the campus of FAmericana: $72 for two tank dive, and I'd have to rent stuff to the tune of about $30 or so.
Shop 2: Scuba Mau, not sure where they're at: $60 for two tanks, plus $5 flat (including bcd, reg and suit) for renting everything else (if I've read the email correctly...)
So, that's a difference of over $30 per dive ($100 vs. $65)...seems substantial to me.
I'm staying at the Fiesta Americana...
and I wish it were a $1500 trip. I'm up to 3k and counting...

I was going to say that I hoped the $3K was for 2 or 3 folks, then I remembered you are going at the high point of the high season.

Dive House is OK but nothing special worth that much. I'd be looking for less expensive dive ops too. You do not have a dive reservation until you make a deposit. Keep shopping unless you think you will be happy with Scuba Mau. Their price seem reasonable.

[Diver Kat]

I've stayed at FA and dove with 'Scuba wit Alison' who was able to pick us up at the pier each morning. (Many ops will pick you up at the pier there.) If you go with someone other than Dive House, I wouldn't worry - there is so much action going on, it's not like they'll know you were the one that inquired about diving with them, and then went elsewhere. For the price savings, I would seriously look at some other options - epecially if you're looking for a bit more personal service - like Blue XT-Sea that gives the VIP treatment, or 'Scuba with Alison' who provides excellent service. Or the less expensive, but reliable ops like Blue Angel, Papa Hoggs and - from what I hear - Scuba Maui ... you can finds tons of great recommendations for good dive ops here on the board - in every price range and every service range ...I'd say the key is what do you want from your dive op? Then start narrowing it down by reviews, recommendations and contact with the actual ops ...

[alcina]

I'd be asking a lot more questions to make sure I was comparing oranges to oranges:
- how many on a boat
- how many in a group
- bottom times?
- allowed to dive your own profile
- time out and return
- any extras (snacks, etc) included
- typical diver they get

Or try both of them...you'd be surprised at the difference in real life compared to two things that look the same on paper.

[cicopo]

Until you have paid a deposit your just pricing and there is no commitment on your part. Another name to check out is Dive with Martin, who from everything I've read (haven't used them) also supply the gear as part of the price. They have a great reputation, I just haven't tried them and since I do have my own gear may never get to them. Blue XT Sea was the last op I used and they were top notch, but I don't know the gear rental prices, but I'm sure Christi will be happy to tell you.

[DandyDon]

Good one Alcina, again! :medal:

Ok, so there is a biggg difference in rates. Now I understand. Maybe use Alcina's suggestions, run a search for the five letter combination of *mau* to see what's been said, and ask your Inst how to check a rental reg & rental BC for safety. I have not dived either since I certified.

Then do whatever you want to. The big operator won't miss you, especially in high season.

BTW, I use a cheaper hotel & Op, and like them fine. But since it's your first dive trip and you're alone, you'd probly be happier with a hotel that includes a lot of on site activities.

Have a great trip. :pilot: Hydrate early and often, equalize early and often, treat your ears with alcohol and vinegar early and often, make sure you have at least the mid level DAN insurance if not the top, and - I always take trip insurance. ;)

[Fish-R-Man]

My wife and I do a lot of travel diving and we have in the past made reservations with a group that didn't work out liked we had hoped (Looked better in the brochure) If we are going to a new place, we will do some research online or talk with people that have been there to get an idea of whats available. Then I usually try and set something up for the first couple days and then spend the first afternoon after the dives are over checking with the other divers that are there and the different operations available. The only draw back is if it is a busy season, you might have problems getting on the better boats as they seem to fill up fast. As far as the gear rentals, if you are coming from an area that is in the low season for diving, you should check with your LDS to see if they will make you a deal on renting the gear that you have been using and are familiar with. I did this with my wife when she first started and she was way more comfortable using gear that she new was in tip top shape from our local LDS as opposed to some of the rental gear she used on her first trip to Cozumel. Have a great trip.......

[rnees]

I'd be asking a lot more questions to make sure I was comparing oranges to oranges:
- how many on a boat
- how many in a group
- bottom times?
- allowed to dive your own profile
- time out and return
- any extras (snacks, etc) included
- typical diver they get

Or try both of them...you'd be surprised at the difference in real life compared to two things that look the same on paper.
THANKS!
that's what I need. The right questions to ask. Like I keep saying, I'm so new at this, I don't even know the right questions to ask to get the info I need...

[DandyDon]

As new as you are, you might skip "allowed to dive your own profile." You need to stay with the DM. DMs probly watch us close enough, but we usually have no idea where they are when we finish a dive in Coz. (I'm severe camera chaser. :blush: )

[cicopo]

Agree with Don, stay close to the DM, follow them closely enough to see the things they point out without having to swim back against the current, and be ready for the DM to keep reminding you to check your gauges, it's part of the drill until the DM knows your air consumption pattern.

[ReefHound]

THANKS!
that's what I need. The right questions to ask. Like I keep saying, I'm so new at this, I don't even know the right questions to ask to get the info I need...

Since you're renting gear and that seems to be where much of the price difference is, ask about that too. What brands do they use? How old is it?

Sometimes the onsite op is more expensive because of a perceived captive audience (not truly captive but many people just go with the easy option). But there may be amenities like dive lockers and rinse tanks by the pier that are for their customers' use.

[CozumelAntonio]

Whoever you choose to dive with, if you're coming between X-Mas and New Year, you want to have your reservation 100% CONFIRMED with a deposit, as it's one of the busiest weeks of the year here and having your dive space secured is a very good idea.

There are some big differences between the 2 dive operators that you've mentioned, these factors might also help your decision, because as a general rule of thumb, selecting a dive operator, by price alone, is not the best idea.

Dive House has been in business for many years, they are a reputable and established shop, and their dockside facilities at your hotel are very convenient, of utmost importance is the fact that they OWN all of their own boats.

The other shop you mention is a "johnny-come-lately" operator, that bad-mouthed, slandered and bashed their previous employer (Papa Hog's, also a well established and reputable business), they engage in writing fake reviews about themselves on Trip Advisor Weeding out FAKE reviews. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12104-k2263538-Weeding_out_FAKE_reviews-Help_us_make_TripAdvisor_better.html)
They do not own the boats they use, they rent them, and in the peak season this could represent an issue, if the person they rent from has a better offer for renting the boats at a higher price. I will admit I am biased, and seriously dislike them.

[Noboundaries]

Whoever you choose to dive with, if you're coming between X-Mas and New Year, you want to have your reservation 100% CONFIRMED with a deposit, as it's one of the busiest weeks of the year here and having your dive space secured is a very good idea.

There are some big differences between the 2 dive operators that you've mentioned, these factors might also help your decision, because as a general rule of thumb, selecting a dive operator, by price alone, is not the best idea.

Dive House has been in business for many years, they are a reputable and established shop, and their dockside facilities at your hotel are very convenient, of utmost importance is the fact that they OWN all of their own boats.

The other shop you mention is a "johnny-come-lately" operator, that bad-mouthed, slandered and bashed their previous employer (Papa Hog's, also a well established and reputable business), they engage in writing fake reviews about themselves on Trip Advisor Weeding out FAKE reviews. (http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1-i12104-k2263538-Weeding_out_FAKE_reviews-Help_us_make_TripAdvisor_better.html)
They do not own the boats they use, they rent them, and in the peak season this could represent an issue, if the person they rent from has a better offer for renting the boats at a higher price. I will admit I am biased, and seriously dislike them.

Great advice on the deposit.

Aye Carumba on the rest! Also good advice.

[novalyne]

Well, heck, I was the one who recommended Scuba Mau to rnees, since we'll be in town the same week. I was hoping to get a dive buddy and we're both diving solo. So, yeah, I suggested that we dive together and I recommended Scuba Mau since that's who I dove with back in August.

I loved Scuba Mau, had a great time, recommend them wholeheartedly and unreservedly. I also believe that it's impossible to find a bad dive op in Cozumel, and particularly like the advice you all gave to ask a bunch of questions and even to try them both out. There is certainly a convenience to using the onsite dive op, that's for sure! I am sure Dive House is also a great op...they're just not the one I'm using. :D

Antonio, I read your post above and just hope that you realize that you are making some claims that are ENTIRELY unprovable (the fake posts, the badmouthing) and in doing so it makes you like like a sour-grapes competitor with an axe to grind. I think it's seriously unprofessional and you realize that YOU are the one doing the badmouthing that you accuse THEM of doing. The difference is that you are doing it on a public forum read by lots and lots of people. Uncool, man.

I personally found them to be exceedingly professional, several of the group on my boat were customers *prior* to them opening the shop, they followed them from their last shops and THAT is my definition of a loyal customer.

Regardless, my opinion is ONE person's opinion and I encourage anyone looking for a dive op to follow the excellent advice given by many posters above: ask specific questions, try out more than one, and go with what you're most comfortable with.

And rnees, even if we don't end up diving together...my offer of the first cerveza remains!

[underachiever]

We dive with Scuba Mau when we are on Cozumel. Yes, they are a new shop but they have some great and very experienced DM's from our (personal) experience. They take out small fast boats and we have never been on one that was over crowded. You get to dive your air and the equipment is new (6 months or so) You get water and fruit on the boat as well.

We have also dove with Blue Angel as well but decided to give the guys and gals at Scuba Mau a try and have been with them ever since. Tell them your experience level (as you would any shop) and they will see that you enjoy your dives.

Have fun

[rnees]

And rnees, even if we don't end up diving together...my offer of the first cerveza remains!


you're on for that cerveza, on the condition that I'm buying the second one...

[DandyDon]

it's good to have different views. Thanks all!

[MMM]

I think you will prefer Scuba Mau to Dive House for much more personal attention. Their staff formerly worked for Papa Hogs and Blue Angel. Regardless of what they may have said about their former employers, and whether or not the posted "fake" reviews (I can recall some others that have also done so and been found out...), this should not detract from whether they will show you an enjoyable time. I've dived with at least one of their DMs at both Papa Hogs and Blue Angel. Not my cup of tea, personally but as new divers, I think you will have fun with them.

[scubawife]

What does owning the boat have to do with whether or not to choose a specific shop? There are several top-notch, reputable and established shops on the island that consistently get great reviews and repeat business who either don't or didn't always own their own boat(s). I would be more concerned with having DMs and captains who have solid experience and reputations in Cozumel then with who the boat owner is.

Being a new shop doesn't make it a bad choice. Wasn't every shop new at one point? I think everyone can name one or two different shops on the island that were started by an experienced DM leaving his/her employer and going out on their own.

For whatever may or may not have transpired between Mike and the owners of Scuba Mau, they set up shop in the same building and they both seem to be doing fine.

Pick your dive operator based on your list of criteria and who matches it and you should have a great dive vacation.

[Diver Kat]

Well put by both MMM and Scubawife .... if SM posted a few fake reviews - they for sure weren't the first (and won't be the last either!) Not smart - if you're caught you get your butt chewed, but sometimes a new business is desperate to get their name out there .... and every dive op was new at some point. I used to dive with both Papa Hogs and Blue Angel ... in general, both Ops had very well liked & respected DM's .... if a few decided to throw in and start their own op, well good for them!

No matter who you end up with, we'll all be looking forward to a review on how you liked (or not!) everything!!! :D

[pidgiepoo]

dont forget to check out Dive with Martin.com They have a five day dive package/2tanks/day for $260.00 and equipment (except wetsuits) and a free video is included. They also have small boats and will pick you up at FA.

[loudives]

The other shop you mention is a "johnny-come-lately" operator,

I can remember a Jane-come-lately about 10 years ago and is now one of the best. (Christy)


They do not own the boats they use, they rent them, and in the peak season this could represent an issue

Many Ops do this as a primary boat, and for overflow, when they have groups. I'm sure Mau contracts in advance for the holiday weeks. I Can name several. Thats how most got started!


I will admit I am biased, and seriously dislike them.

So happy you are big enough to admit your BIAS and I have found some of your past postings truly helpful.

It is human nature to bad mouth ones employer if one feels they have been wronged. To stay as a disgruntled employee would have been a bad situation for all. To go out and start a business knowing that there is much competition is a big gamble. If they continue to bad mouth then they become wrong. If they stop and give excellent service then word of mouth will give them the break they need to succeed.

[rnees]

WOW. I hadn't expected all of this. THANK YOU ALL for your input. I will certainly be checking out a bunch of other ops now, I had no idea there were so many.
And I will report when I get back!

**please keep the ideas coming, if you have them! They are truly appreciated.

[DandyDon]

WOW. I hadn't expected all of this. THANK YOU ALL for your input. I will certainly be checking out a bunch of other ops now, I had no idea there were so many.
And I will report when I get back!

**please keep the ideas coming, if you have them! They are truly appreciated.
Hahaha :lol: quite a thread you got going here newbie. Don't make it so complicated for yourself, tho; it's your first Coz trip. :pilot: Have a good one.

[ggunn]

I can remember a Jane-come-lately about 10 years ago and is now one of the best. (Christy)



Many Ops do this as a primary boat, and for overflow, when they have groups. I'm sure Mau contracts in advance for the holiday weeks. I Can name several. Thats how most got started!



So happy you are big enough to admit your BIAS and I have found some of your past postings truly helpful.

It is human nature to bad mouth ones employer if one feels they have been wronged. To stay as a disgruntled employee would have been a bad situation for all. To go out and start a business knowing that there is much competition is a big gamble. If they continue to bad mouth then they become wrong. If they stop and give excellent service then word of mouth will give them the break they need to succeed.

Not to get embroiled in a controversy, but one thing that I know is that one of the principle DMs in Scuba Mau, while he was still working for another operator (not Papa Hog) and had not announced his intention to leave, was actively promoting Mau and hustling business for them while he was on the job out on that other operator's dive boat. This got back to that operator and it hastened his departure from them.

[CozumelAntonio]

Not to get embroiled in a controversy, but one thing that I know is that one of the principle DMs in Scuba Mau, while he was still working for another operator (not Papa Hog) and had not announced his intention to leave, was actively promoting Mau and hustling business for them while he was on the job out on that other operator's dive boat. This got back to that operator and it hastened his departure from them.

Birds of a feather, flock together......

I have nothing against people breaking out on their own and trying to make a place for themselves, but there are honorable ways to do it (like Christy, Cristina, Tony, among others), and then there are dishonorable ways to do it, I know from personal experience how very dishonorable the leading couple from SM are. When people here bounce from shop to shop, for several years, and can't hold down a job at any one place for too long, there comes a point where the word gets around (it is a small island) and not many Ops will hire them, so often such people start their own business, because they can't get a job anywhere else....

[DandyDon]

Well this thread has gone to hell... http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/traurig/sad-smiley-064.gif

[ScubaSteve]

Well this thread has gone to hell... http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/traurig/sad-smiley-064.gif


......so in conclusion, until you have paid or committed in either person, writing or over the phone, you are free to do whatever you want. Hopefully this brings us back because I do agree with Don

[chucksaul]

In the world of Scuba, who you dive with in COZ is about as personal as it gets... Wars have been fought, loves lost, natural disasters averted, all over who to dive with in COZ...

But the question which I have not seen asked or answered is that you say you are not certified and have no dives... Will you be certified before you go or will you be getting some part of your certification in COZ... How many dives will you have done before you hit COZ?...

All of this asked to start yet another wild discussion of who has the best instructors, DM for new divers, etc etc etc... Since I started it... My vote is Aqua Safari...

[DandyDon]

I don't know Chuck. My bud & I both prefer small fast boats, and we hope that if caca ever hits - that the crew will be helpful, but we really don't care that much. We carry our own beverages onto the boat, carry our own gear on & off, tend to it ourselves, never use a mask bucket or camera bucket even if there is one because of the ways others abuse them - just skip those arguments, or even follow the DM closely. We're both Rescue certified with all the toys we can carry so between roll-in and ladder climb, we usually do our own exploring, and on the boat we chill.

If there are any bad operators on the island, they probly won't last long - and will be exposed here quickly I hope. I know that I disliked the big, slow boats I've tried on package tours and the bare boat with no shade I took once, but otherwise it doesn't take much for us. I agree that the original poster needs to work more closely with his DMs and suggested that earlier - but for some of us, it's not that big of a deal.

[rnees]

In the world of Scuba, who you dive with in COZ is about as personal as it gets... Wars have been fought, loves lost, natural disasters averted, all over who to dive with in COZ...

But the question which I have not seen asked or answered is that you say you are not certified and have no dives... Will you be certified before you go or will you be getting some part of your certification in COZ... How many dives will you have done before you hit COZ?...

All of this asked to start yet another wild discussion of who has the best instructors, DM for new divers, etc etc etc... Since I started it... My vote is Aqua Safari...

Well, if all goes as planned, I will be certified. Doing the class now, in my 4th week, OW dive scheduled for 4/5 October. And having a blast.
But I will have NO dives beyond that when I get to Cozumel.

[Fish-R-Man]

My wife and I do quite a bit of diving in Coz and we always try to get on the smaller faster boats that carry a limited number of people. When my wife first started diving about 6 years ago, we were on a number of the larger boats that carry a large number of people. The problem I find is that there too much of a blend in ability on these boats. What I found worked the best for us was to talk with the OP and be perfectly clear as to what your ability level is. Most of the time they are able to book you with divers that have the same skill levels. This will actually make a more enjoyable dive for you as well as the others on the boat. If you get on the smaller boats with some advanced divers, they have a tendency to make a person feel rushed or they can be disapointed that they are not going to the more advanced sights because of having inexperienced divers on board with them. This worked well for us until my wife gained enough experience to be comfortable in just about any situation. If you can book on the smaller boats with divers at your level, the DM's have more time to help if you have any problems and they select dive sights that are more to your ability. They also seem to avoid the crowds. Just to throw in another shop, we dove with Black Shark for a week last spring and had a really good time with them...

[scubawife]

My wife and I do quite a bit of diving in Coz and we always try to get on the smaller faster boats that carry a limited number of people. When my wife first started diving about 6 years ago, we were on a number of the larger boats that carry a large number of people. The problem I find is that there too much of a blend in ability on these boats. What I found worked the best for us was to talk with the OP and be perfectly clear as to what your ability level is. Most of the time they are able to book you with divers that have the same skill levels. This will actually make a more enjoyable dive for you as well as the others on the boat. If you get on the smaller boats with some advanced divers, they have a tendency to make a person feel rushed or they can be disapointed that they are not going to the more advanced sights because of having inexperienced divers on board with them. This worked well for us until my wife gained enough experience to be comfortable in just about any situation. If you can book on the smaller boats with divers at your level, the DM's have more time to help if you have any problems and they select dive sights that are more to your ability. They also seem to avoid the crowds. Just to throw in another shop, we dove with Black Shark for a week last spring and had a really good time with them...

Small boats and being grouped with divers of about the same experience level (or interested in doing the same type of diving.... not all experienced divers want the most challenging sites every trip ) only works if you go with a dive operator who has multiple boats and enough customers and/or enough of the same experience level to split you up that way. Many shops in Cozumel don't fit that bill.

If you're with a one or two boat operation then expect and accept that you can and likely will be on the boat with a mixed group of 6-8 divers. This is especially true if you travel during low season or at slow times. These dive ops though do usually have DMs who are fantastic at planning dives in a way that gives everyone onboard a good day and brand new divers can higher private DM, which is a good idea, especially if it's their first time drift diving.

[thevalkyry]

Speaking of ability, rnees, I was with Novalyne in Coz this past summer diving with Scuba Mau. As a fresh off certification diver, I couldnt have asked for a better crew to look after me. While I advocate doing your own research and coming to an informed decision, I will also say, that due to my experience, I give Scuba Mau a big two thumbs up. I was very comfortable on all of my dives and even did a night dive. I had a lot of buoyancy issues going from salt water to fresh water to work out and they were so patient and understanding. So if you are a new diver, my experience says that Scuba Mau is an excellent shop to dive with.

Novalyne is going back in Dec - I am so jealous - cant wait to see the Scuba Mau folks again. Find a turtle for me :)

[underachiever]

Birds of a feather, flock together......

I have nothing against people breaking out on their own and trying to make a place for themselves, but there are honorable ways to do it (like Christy, Cristina, Tony, among others), and then there are dishonorable ways to do it, I know from personal experience how very dishonorable the leading couple from SM are. When people here bounce from shop to shop, for several years, and can't hold down a job at any one place for too long, there comes a point where the word gets around (it is a small island) and not many Ops will hire them, so often such people start their own business, because they can't get a job anywhere else....

Just curious. What Dive shop do you manage? And what does your resume look like?
Sounds like you have been with them for a long time. Good job.

We are always looking for options. Sometimes in the busy season shops get booked up so we may need alternatives.

Also as a note. Just to be fair. On one of our vists to Cozumel we were hanging around the Scuba Mau dive shop after diving one day and Alejandra the owner of Blue Angel stopped in to talk with the leading couple from Scuba Mau. I asked about the conversation and it was about BA renting/borrowing gear when needed and offering the same option for Scuba Mau. She was very pleasent to both of them and also another former DM that had recently moved from Blue Angel to Scuba Mau. She was wishing them the best of luck with ther new shop and offered to help them out any way she could. She reminded them that Blue Angel started in the very location they are presently in.

Lots of good shops in Cozumel. Old and new.

[DandyDon]

:hmmm:

[MMM]

Hmm indeed, Don. Rule #1 in any business is don't burn your bridges. It's a small island and better to get along (and help each other) than to fight as a long term strategy.

[DandyDon]

Hmm indeed, Don. Rule #1 in any business is don't burn your bridges. It's a small island and better to get along (and help each other) than to fight as a long term strategy.
Yep, I'm sure that's true, especially for the closer neighbors. I like diving with Blue Angel, but like I said above - I don't expect much from a dive operator other than a safe boat ride and pickup. The mention of "renting/borrowing gear when needed and offering the same option for Scuba Mau" does remind me why I service and carry so much of my own gear. I was only concerned about the lack of tank air quality controls, testing, reporting, scrubbing, etc - but now I got that covered - even tho airline luggage charges are becoming challenging, it's worth it.

A poster mentioned on the Thailand "On-board air compressor explosion" thread: "As a rule of thumb, any place where you can see a family of five on a scooter probably has a more casual attitude towards safety than you are used to." I don't know if that's an objective assessment or not, but I saw the scooter families are up to 4 in Cozumel last month, little kids standing up on the seat between parents, tots held off to the side with one arm. :shocked2:

[CozumelAntonio]

Just curious. What Dive shop do you manage? And what does your resume look like?
Sounds like you have been with them for a long time. Good job.

For the many years I have been posting on the boards, I have posted as an individual, not in any way representing the company I work for. Other operators (like Dave of Aldora and Christy of Blue XTSea) post as the voice of their companies, as they are the owners of the dive operations they represent. My posts are not in any way, speaking for the company I work for, I speak my personal opinions as an individual.

My resumè? Hmmm, my first job was when I was 7yrs old, believe it or not, I'm 39 now and I have to say my resume is quite colorful. I have been in the dive business since 2000 (with the same company), I've been a Certified diver since 1992. Since 2000 I left the company for a year, to manage a non-diving business, then returned. The dive shop I manage is at El Coz and El Pres, 'nough said...


Lots of good shops in Cozumel. Old and new.

Completely agree...

[CozumelAntonio]

See this is what I mean, this is what bugs me about them, if you all could see the nasty, venomous lies & false accusations this woman wrote in a letter, when she and her then boyfriend attempted a coup at the dive shop at El Coz (shortly before they got canned), to have the gall to now send me this message privately:


I would like to thank you for everything, even though you do not like us. I can not thank you enough for talking about us at all!!!
Have a nice day Antonio and i will wave when you pass by in the morning.

Opal
Scuba Mau Cozumel


It just confirms my opinion of them as cynical hypocrites, I'm sure when they "turn it on" with their clients they can be quite appealing and pleasant, but that's not the reality of who they are, they only "turn it on" for business. I was at Papa Hog's once, and saw how they deliberately stopped some people walking to Papa Hog's, in an attempt to steal the business, and she does that frequently, soliciting people on the sidwalk as they walk by....so classless...

[DandyDon]

Sorry Antonio, as true as all that might be, it looks bad for you to post such.

People lie & cheat when it serves their needs, to varying extents according to the person's own code, but it happens all the time. And I'm sure it happens about me here on this forum, but the best anyone can do usually is just stay above it.

Hehe, I was telling my home bud about my last trip with a a group I used to dive with some, whose leader is horrible about gossip and backstabbing. On the first day of a liveaboard, my assigned buddy (who was supposedly experienced but she lied about that too) stopped for a safety stop after a dive to 40 ft. I looked around for him when I lost sight of him, then saw him stopped, so I watched from the surface. :silly: Next thing I know I'm assigned a new buddy arrangement (I started ocean buddy diving, which I prefer if I cant get a decent bud) but she probly tells the story differently - that a diver asked to be changed because I blew off a SS leaving out the fact that it was a 40 ft check out dive, probly making it sound worse. It happens.

It's fine to talk about how good you are, but not about how bad others are.

[TravisD]

On the first day of a liveaboard, my assigned buddy (who was supposedly experienced but she lied about that too) stopped for a safety stop after a dive to 40 ft. I looked around for him when I lost sight of him, then saw him stopped, so I watched from the surface. :silly: Next thing I know I'm assigned a new buddy arrangement (I started ocean buddy diving, which I prefer if I cant get a decent bud) but she probly tells the story differently - that a diver asked to be changed because I blew off a SS leaving out the fact that it was a 40 ft check out dive, probly making it sound worse.

So was blowing off the stop part of the dive plan? Or were each of you assuming different things about that dive?

[DandyDon]

So was blowing off the stop part of the dive plan? Or were each of you assuming different things about that dive?
From a 40 ft maximum dive? I don't do a SS from a 40 ft dive; do you?

He was a quite fellow. We discussed the dive plan but there wasn't much to discuss for a 40 ft check-out dive and no mention of a SS.

[Christi]

From a 40 ft maximum dive? I don't do a SS from a 40 ft dive; do you?

He was a quite fellow. We discussed the dive plan but there wasn't much to discuss for a 40 ft check-out dive and no mention of a SS.

It is a good and recommended practice to do a safety stop for all dives, regardless of time or depth...it can't hurt right? I don't do them on shore dives, because the whole dive is typically less than 20 feet...but for anything over that, I always do a safety stop.

[MMM]

Anything deeper than 20 feet gets a safety stop from me - which means Columbia Shallows gets a safety stop. The shore dive in front of Caribe Blu does not.


From a 40 ft maximum dive? I don't do a SS from a 40 ft dive; do you?

[Diver Kat]

Anything deeper than 20 feet gets a safety stop from me - which means Columbia Shallows gets a safety stop. The shore dive in front of Caribe Blu does not.Ditto .... that's how I was trained, and that's what we stick to. (And that's what my computer tells me as well!)

As per the PADI manual - "You may make a safety stop at the end of any dive, and in fact, you should consider it standard practice on virtually all your dives."

[Nevis Diver]

From a 40 ft maximum dive? I don't do a SS from a 40 ft dive; do you?

If I am not the last diver up, which is most of the time, I do my safety stop for as long as I can... sometimes until the last divers start up. It's cool to just relax and look around. A SS from 40' is a must with me especially in Coz where you have many dives, not just one 40' dive, and it helps with the loading. OTOH, if two divers want to do a 40' dive and blow off the SS, and they both know about the plan, well, more power to them.

I don't care if a Coz dive is at 25' or 125', I love them all... which is why I don't sweat the mixed bag of experience on the boat. I don't remember ever having the same group on the boat all week anyway, and the experience level changes throughout the week. Just dive, man.....

[ggunn]

From a 40 ft maximum dive? I don't do a SS from a 40 ft dive; do you?



I do. It can't hurt. I don't do a safety stop at Colmbia Shallows because the whole dive is a safety stop, but I do pretty much everywhere else if it's a boat dive.

[MMM]

You CAN hit 30 feet at Columbia Shallows but I agree, you'll probably spend the better part of the dive - at least toward the end - at 15 feet or less. There are lots of other sites where I've ended it in shallow water; just because you didn't stop and hang doesn't mean you didn't do a stafety stop. ;)


I don't do a safety stop at Colmbia Shallows because the whole dive is a safety stop

[DandyDon]

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/fragend/confused-smiley-009.gif Okaaaay...

My OW training is dated and my RDP is 7 years old but it says to do one when within 3 pressure groups of NDL or for any dive deeper than 100 ft: no argument there. I'm just not one to last 111 minutes at 40 ft.

A slow ascent does not take the place of a stop from a dive to depth and I do incorporate SSs sooner than the 100 ft mark, more likely with depths greater than 60 ft; indeed in the 70-100 ft range I'd like one minute at half depth of 35-50, then three in the 25-15 ft range - preferably 1 min at 25, 1 at 20, 1 at 15, followed by a very slow ascent to surface listening for boats and jets skis.

Now that I think of it, my non-home boat-pick buds usually last longer on air, send me up alone, and join others for their duration - a safety breach I would never impose on anyone else, as well as my last dive with that bud - but my general experiences with random buddies is why I carry a 15# pony rig on every flight, every boarding, almost every dive, and pay for vizes and reg servicing every years, etc.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask boat-pick buds to elaborate on how they plan to do the dive, ascents, etc. for end the water - we do it their way anway. Wouldn't have helped with mumbles there on that dive, but worth a try. I do always request a 15 ft stop on descent for additional bud, bubbles and valve check and I hate to risk overwhelming the randoms with details, but I'll keep this in mind.

[ScubaSteve]

From a 40 ft maximum dive? I don't do a SS from a 40 ft dive; do you?


I can not speak for everybody else but if my computer tells me to do a safety stop (which it would after a dive to 40 feet for a certain length). Irrespective of what tables and RDP's say, a safety stop is part of almost any dive beneath safety stop depth. Often though, that safet stop is done while diving because of my shore diving reality.

I say it does not hurt and keeps me under water for an extra 3 minutes....that is all good in my mind.

[Teamcasa]

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