ScubaSteve1962
Contributor
Are there any dive ops in the fl panhandle area that have the guides included, not hired from the outside?
Dive ops that include guides in the panhandle area?
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Hetland
Contributor
what do you mean by "guides"?
paulwall
Contributor
Viking always has someone in the water with you and they will give you a tour of the site, if you're interested. I usually do my own thing with them, though.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...h7TiDw&usg=AFQjCNGNhMwI9NUCPlEJkOi_OOx6gDAV2Q
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...h7TiDw&usg=AFQjCNGNhMwI9NUCPlEJkOi_OOx6gDAV2Q
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ScubaSteve1962
Contributor
Hetland
Contributor
Ahhh, locally, we just call them divemasters. I'm not aware of a boat in Pensacola that doesn't use a divemaster.
Typically, the divemaster ties the carter boat into the wreck, and returns to give everyone a report on the conditions (current, visibility, etc.) The divemaster then either stays in the water while the captain helps everyone into the water, OR returns to the boat to help everyone in.
After everyone gets in, the divemaster then follows everyone down, and watches for problems. He/she usually hovers a bit shallower than the group so that it can be properly observed, and so that he/she accumulates a little lesser of a nitrogen load. If a certain diver needs more attention, then the divemaster (DM) focuses on them a bit more than the divers that seemed squared-away.
On larger boats, there are often two divemasters, with one performing the duties described above, and the other diving with the customers.
Most shops have a number of DM's that can be privately hired as well, even for shore dives and such. The prices are pretty reasonable, especially since you'll be getting an actual guide, and a rescue diver / divemaster all rolled into one.
One thing to remember: On charter trips, divemasters typically work for tips. 10%-20% is typical, but the size of the tip should be based on the quality and quantity of the service. I usually tip 20% unless the service is really terrible, but terrible DM service is rare in this area.
Typically, the divemaster ties the carter boat into the wreck, and returns to give everyone a report on the conditions (current, visibility, etc.) The divemaster then either stays in the water while the captain helps everyone into the water, OR returns to the boat to help everyone in.
After everyone gets in, the divemaster then follows everyone down, and watches for problems. He/she usually hovers a bit shallower than the group so that it can be properly observed, and so that he/she accumulates a little lesser of a nitrogen load. If a certain diver needs more attention, then the divemaster (DM) focuses on them a bit more than the divers that seemed squared-away.
On larger boats, there are often two divemasters, with one performing the duties described above, and the other diving with the customers.
Most shops have a number of DM's that can be privately hired as well, even for shore dives and such. The prices are pretty reasonable, especially since you'll be getting an actual guide, and a rescue diver / divemaster all rolled into one.
One thing to remember: On charter trips, divemasters typically work for tips. 10%-20% is typical, but the size of the tip should be based on the quality and quantity of the service. I usually tip 20% unless the service is really terrible, but terrible DM service is rare in this area.
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