DevonDiver
N/A
The Philippines is an exception. I live here. Those that can afford to scuba dive get treated 'in the manner to which they are accustomed'.
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although i dont mind carrying my own gear, i have dived at 3 centres in the philippines and ALL have carried my gear without me requesting any assistance. i think from the centres point of view it makes more sense to get the gear on the boat and get going as quick as possible.
I a lot of places, for various reasons, the operator will make sure the equipment is on board, and the guest will not have to carry it.
Same here, we'll always make sure the equipment is on the boat, and the guests don't have to carry it or worry about it.
If someone wants their own gear carried to the dive boat for them, then I would want to see proof of their disability.
i have dived at 3 centres in the philippines and ALL have carried my gear without me requesting any assistance.
Boat boys don't know how to handle equipment and DM's in the Philippines will not be humbled to sling your gear.....some poor ignorant (meaning poor and ignorant) day laborers lift full kits by the hoses. Masks get shattered, bag handles torn, regulator hoses get shredded at the crimp....
As well many DM's are NOT Certified .... boats not having functional oxygen, CPR masks, sign-in systems, repair parts, not even enough emergency water for an at sea breakdown. Most don't have VHF radios
You seem to have had some bad diving experiences!?! Perhaps you need to amend your process for choosing dive centres.