Posted by Designated Divers of El Dorado Hills on September 08, 2004 at 16:27:50:
I am part of a small group (6 to 10 divers) from the Sacramento area. Once per year, we take a charter boat trip to the Channel Islands, Catalina, San Clemente, or oil rigs. Just this last Labor day weekend, we went out on the Pacific Star. We have also been on the Peace, Great Escape, Truth Aquatics, Monterey Express, Blue Escape, and other boats in Hawaii and the Caribbean. We have never arranged our own charter, we have always tagged along with other clubs and groups.
We have become somewhat selective and particular with accommodations, as far as what we are paying for and the value of service provided. We have found lately, the price going up, and the value going down. We are looking to set up or own charter, shopping for smaller boats who can meet or needs.
Some of our areas concerns and needs (problems on other boats) are as follows:
_plenty of room for storing dive gear and personal gear
_comfortable room for lounging between dives
_appetizing snacks between dives, fresh fruit, chips, dip, fresh chewy cookies and candy bars (not Oreos jaw breakers)
_BBQ facilities
_if charter includes meals, provide a tasteful menu, with enough for seconds for hungry divers
_no institutional food (canned, packaged, just add water, etc.)
_option to bring and cook our own food, adult beverages
_interesting dive sites, for game, sea life, swim throughs, wrecks, rigs, etc.
_current lines from bow line or stern to avoid fatigue
_submerged air tanks for safety stops
_comfortable swim step, not a cattle grate or escape ladder
_at least five dives per day (we have done up to 7)
_complete and informative dive briefings
_announcements in advance by captain or dive master so divers can prepare for dive
_helpful crew to assist with gear when gates are open and when exiting water
_ability to solo dive when hunting or gathering
_proper accommodations for cleaning and storing game
We are willing to pay for what we want, we just want to get what we pay for. Looking forward to your reply.