9/11/2006 - Commendation

I often see glowing (or not-so-glowing) reports written by members of a group or club that went on a dive holiday and had a great (or not-so-great) time. More often than not they praise the diving itself, the crew, the accommodations, the food, the atmosphere... everything (or not-so-praise it all).

It's not often that I see reports written by the staff or crew of diving centers and resorts writing reports about the groups and customers that move through, so I'm going to change that.

Not so long ago, we had a 'bad run' with a charter and our crew was left feeling disheartened and doubtful about the services we offer, and our quality as a dive operation. However, the following weekend we had a completely opposite experience with the next charter. They were loud and boisterous, and made no secrets of their enjoyment of either food, diving or accommodation. They were great company, full of jokes and laughter and praise, and when you talked to them they also offered suggestions and ideas as to what they liked and didn't like about the operation.

When you all read the dive log, or sport diver, or whatever diving literature you lay your hands on, I bet most of you read reports on areas you're interested in diving, or have been to, or would maybe like to go to. You mark out the 'bad experiences' and tag the 'good reports' for future reference and research.

When you then go on your holiday, how many of you stop to think about what YOU are like as a customer for the dive operation you chose to deal with? Are you difficult? Do you create a fuss? Do you argue and expect them to justify all their requests (such as wear a snorkel, please) or do you completely ignore their time, depth and air restrictions because you're experienced and feel those things a waste of time?

I know I personally resent those sort of restrictions myself when I'm going diving, but they are there for a reason and it is that particular dive operator's right to have their own rules and operating procedures. If I choose to dive with that operator, I choose to abide by their requirements, no matter how silly or 'over the top' they might seem at the time.

Also, do you tell them you enjoyed yourself? It's not a matter of wanting our egos stroked, but rather an honest opinion of whether or not you enjoyed the dive. If you don't say anything (despite it being an excellent dive), we might think you didn't enjoy the dive, and in the future elect to take people to other sites before taking them to that one again rather than risk people not enjoying the dives.

There is nothing worse as a dive operator, than having a sullen, miserable dive group as a charter, especially if the weather is a bit below average. Please, for the sake of your crews, put yourselves in their shoes. For the most part, they're all probably doing their best to look after you and help you enjoy your dive holiday.  Let them know, at the end of the day, that you appreciate their efforts and thank them,e ven if it's just with a smile because our egos are surprisingly fragile and occasionally need encouraging to remind us that there are still divers ou tthere who enjoy all sorts of diving!