Frequently Asked Questions about dive charters

What is the general rule for tipping?
The boat captains typically are very knowledgeable of the local area.  They know where the best dive sites are, and have a boat that is specifically designed to accommodate divers.  Tip as you would in a restaurant or hotel. Gratuities are usually a major portion of the crew’s pay.  Dive charter boat captains and crew members do enjoy their work, but it is a job for them. If tipping is permitted, show your appreciation for good service by contributing a few dollars. Most charter operations don’t actively solicit tips, but may display a sign or a jar. Especially if tipping is not the norm on a particular boat, be generous with compliments where warranted. Better yet, take the time to let the boss know if a crew has done an exceptional job.
Click Here for more info on tipping procedures.

What kind of Safety Gear should I expect the dive charter to have?
Obviously when on a boat you are further from help than on shore.  That is why a dive charter in particular should be equipped with the necessary safety and emergency equipment.  Each boat should have enough Personal Flotation devices (PFD’s) for each person on board.  They should also be equipped with fire extinguishers, a horn, bell or other sound signaling device, flares or strobes, a first aid kit and a marine radio.  A lot of charters also have O2 equipment on board for any decompression or o2 toxicity emergencies.  Ask a crew member if you need to know the location of any emergency equipment.

What if I don’t complete all of the dives I paid for?  Can I get a refund?
Generally, you should not expect a refund if you do not complete all of the dives you paid for on a charter.  Basically, you have paid for your seat on the boat and the time for the tanks.  Whether or not you actually use everything you have paid for, the boat still incurs the expense. 

Should I invest in travel insurance?
Dive trip travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you are planning an expensive trip to a far away place where deposits are non-refundable.   Travel Insurance can generally be bought from your travel agent or through diver’s networks like DAN.  There is an added expense up front but you’re covered if there is an illness or last minute emergency that would cause you to miss you trip.

What are some questions I should ask the captain?
It is always a good idea to introduce your self to the captain, but keep in mind that he has a lot of people and a big boat to think about, so try not to tie him up with lots of unnecessary questions or offers to “help”. You do want to make sure that you are comfortable with the captain and the crew so it is a good idea, even prior to making you reservations, that you make contact with the captain and get a gauge on what his experience in the area is, how long he has been on the dive boat captain path, and what his credentials are, both as a boat captain and as a diver. You also want to check and see if the dives are guided and what the credentials of the crew are. Your captain and crew will go over any information they think you should know regarding the rules, procedures for entering the water and what to expect at the dive site.  This will be done upon boarding, before entering the water and after re-boarding post dive. Make sure you are comfortable with all of the information you have received and that you understand everything. If you have a question, ask it.

What if I get Seasick?
Almost everyone is susceptible to getting seasick. We would recommend that you take some motion sickness medication the night before your dive trip, and then again in the morning before you leave to go diving.   Sometimes when people take it right before the trip the medication does not have time to take effect.  Pretty much any type of over the counter motion sickness medication should work for you, but try something that specifically says “non-drowsy”.  If you know that you are very susceptible to motion sickness you may want to consider consulting your doctor and getting a prescription motion sickness medication.  It is also recommended that you stay away from foods that are very greasy, high in acid like orange juice or grape fruit juice and do not consume alcohol before the dive.  If you do get sick on the boat, don’t tie up the head.  It is probably hot and cramped and won’t help you feel any better.  Try and stay towards the middle of the boat where it is more stable.  If you feel the undeniable urge to lean over the side of the boat, do it on the where the wind is behind you.  The boat won’t turn around and it could be a long trip.  In most cases you will not get a refund if you get seasick and cannot dive.

What if I think the weather is good enough for a charter to go but the captain cancels the trip?
The captain makes the call as to whether or not the conditions are safe for his size boat.  It is his boat and the captain himself is responsible for all the divers onboard, so ultimately it is his decision.  Most of the time, the captain will try and make the call to “no go” enough in advance in an effort to not waste their time or yours, but sometimes you just don’t know what the seas hold in store. Be prepared to go to an alternate dive site if conditions dictate. You need to flexible.  It is up the specific charter as to what their policy regarding refunds or re-scheduling a trip based on bad weather or rough seas, so it is good to ask before hand.

Where can I find a buddy?
You can post a notice on Charter Hunts Community with the dates and location of you trip to try and connect with someone before hand.  Sometimes you can contact the individual charter at you dive destination to see whether they know of any other single divers in need of a buddy.  Be prepared though. You need to remember that you can only dive up to the least experienced divers limits and abilities so some accommodations may need to be made on you part if you plan on trying to buddy up with someone new.