No O2 on boat

[paddyp]

So far a few people have questioned whether I should have posted this information given the fact that I did not physically go along and see if they had O2 on the boat.

The facts are that I had an email conversation with an instructor on Koh Tao who worked at the DC. I was given the email address of this employee by the dive director of the DC. The instructor told me that they did not carry O2 on their boat.

Out of all of you, who can seriously say that they would have then gone to the DC and checked in person if they carried O2?

What possible reason would I have not to trust what she said?

 

[Batfish]

So far a few people have questioned whether I should have posted this information given the fact that I did not physically go along and see if they had O2 on the boat.

The facts are that I had an email conversation with an instructor on Koh Tao who worked at the DC. I was given the email address of this employee by the dive director of the DC. The instructor told me that they did not carry O2 on their boat.

Out of all of you, who can seriously say that they would have then gone to the DC and checked in person if they carried O2?

What possible reason would I have not to trust what she said?

Now paddyp, don't get all defensive. In one way I agree. You had email from them saying they have no oxygen, so you don't dive with them and why would you then go to their dive centre? I would do the same. BUT, if you are going to start pasting their name on popular forums, which many people will read, you should check your facts. If you said the same about a US dive centre they might just want to sue your a**!

Also, I notice you are posting all this over 1 month after the original contact you had with Aquademia. Why didn't you post it in August?

 

[catbrown]

Hey Sunrise

Sorry didn't make it to Similan with you changed to Sipadan...

no need to check instructors manual - to actually get certification to be a PADI Resort (which gives you various rights including utilising their signage) you must carry oxygen and first aid, flare gun and two way communications on your boat.

PADI does not specify in what form any of this must appear, thank goodness because if we all had to buy DAN gear we'd be broke!

Cat
currently in Sydney

 

[paddyp]

Regardless of where the DC is,US or not, I posted copies of emails received from the DC. This is not grounds for sueing. I am simply sharing the information I received. I choose to do it on a public forum because that's exactly what they are for.

(To answer your question - I didn't post this earlier because I was still travelling and internet access was very limited.)

Anyway I'm done with this. I think everyone can make up their own mind from what you've read. The silence from the DC speaks volumes.

Ask before you dive as Dorsetboy says :

1). Do you carry O2 on your boats?
2). Are ALL dm's and instructors on the boats FULLY qualified to provide O2 in the event of emergency?
3). Is the dive shop a suporting member of their local DAN (or equivalent) network?

Safe diving everyone.

 

[Mako Mark]

Nowhere it says a PADI DC is required to have O2 on a boat. I don't think that would work, since plenty of DC's don't have a boat. .

(PADI digital instructor manual GS&P Page 50)

4. Have a first aid kit and oxygen unit available (unless prohibited by
local law/regulations) when conducting training dives or supervising
diving activities.

 

[Kim]

Anyway I'm done with this. I think everyone can make up their own mind from what you've read. The silence from the DC speaks volumes.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something but what silence? The reply from the DC is here:

Dear Paddyp

I would like to correct some inaccuracies in your post.

Aquademia Dive DO carry O2 on our boat.

We are a member of the SSS Recompression Chamber Network who conduct:
Primary Care and Life support
Neurological examinations
O2 Therapy
Oxygen Bank (28,800 litres)
Automatic defib
Air and Sea evacuations
Medical Escorts

SSS's website is www.sssnetwork.com

So there is a whole system of emergency support IN ADDITION TO the O2 on the boat used by Aquademia Dive.

We would also like to state that oxygen on a boat is not a licence to neglect safe and conservative diving practices or to push the limits. We're a small dive shop with an excellent safety record and people enjoy diving with us. Our staff is very enthusiastic and motivated to help people enjoy the wonders of diving.


Aquademia Dive

 

[r37691]

Sounds like you want to open a DC nearby, or at least work for a competitor.
:1poke:

 

[stevenl]

Mark,

You're right. Thank God I have one of each.

 

[paddyp]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding something but what silence?

yes you are :


ie. silence - as in not responding to the fact that the emails I received stated there was no O2.

Where is their explanation for one of their instructors not being aware of the existence of O2 on the boat?

 

[DORSETBOY]

Hey paddyp, like I said before I agree with the importance of having 02 on a dive boat, in fact I consider it to be paramount. I think though that in the time honoured tradition of scubaboard we're flogging a dead horse on here now! Also I think that everyone needs to be fair to the DC in question and to stop flinging mud at them.