lord khram
Contributor
I've wondered about that too, each time you say so. I don't doubt your claim in the least, but as you say, side-by-side operational expenses would logically be higher in the UK. I can only presume that perhaps the dive staff are not paid (BSAC volunteer dive leaders, perhaps?), transfers are not provided (you get yourself to the boat dock), and there's no food on the boat (or cook to prepare it), you provide your own tanks and weights (or hire them separately), etc. Those savings could add up to quite a lot, I guess.
Yes what is provided does differ, it is not resort diving, generally I am talking of commercial operations rather than a BSAC club set up (that would be even cheaper) and dive guides are not provided nor required. most charter boats provide hot drinks and a snack and yes there is no shuttle service to the boat.
cost of a typical charter boat day:
2 dive trip £30 - 40 (1500-2000bt)
2 air fills at approx £3 each (300bt) divers own cylinders.
cylinders at a lot of places can be hired full (with air) at around 10-12 per day (500-600bt)
Some boats have compressors on board and air is included.
A typical days diving with own equipment in the Pattaya area costs around 2600 - 3000bt, approximately 1000bt more which should easily cover a transfer to the boat and cylinder hire, given low wages in Thailand.
UK fuel costs are around double what they are here, mooring fees for boats, I know one boat I dive from every year pays around £4000 (200000bt) per year and insurance policies that are legally required for all businesses such as public liability I know are very expensive.
Agreed there is not a direct comparison because as you point out there are differences in what is being provided, but overall I feel the diving I do in the UK represents far better value for money.