Mike Wallace wrote:
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Reef Fish" <[log in to unmask]>
>
> > Not sure if ALL the DMs in Southern Cal and Texas don't get wet.
> > Even the DM in WESTERN Florida (Redneck Riviera) get wet.  Jeff
> > can tell you how the DM tied the boat to a dumpster mistaking it
> > to be the barge we were supposed to dive.   >
>
> The DM's on the boats I have been frequenting in the Gulf don't get
> wet unless prodded to do so, although I can't imagine why you want
> to encourage them to do so. :-)

This is true, our Panama City charter 6-pack was an exception and not
the rule.  I have had several dozen dives with ScubaTech in Destin and
one other operator there (would have to search my logbooks) and the only
time there was a DM in the water was to certify students.  The same was
true of Panama City, or more in your neck of the woods, South Carolina.
When diving the Vermillion, there was a DM to set the anchor line to the
wreck and hang stage/bailout bottles, they did not dive with us
(reference Jim Greenlee or Pat whats-his-name).

The only time a non-instructing DM was in-water with me was at Sarasota,
and I had no dive buddy while the majority if not all of the boat were
local divers.  And while I may risk the wrath of the Feeesh for saying
so, our PCB dive was my only recollection, and even then, the DM only
set the anchor (improperly) and didn't dive with us.

As far as CZM goes, I agree 100%, I don't think I've ever done a boat
dive there without a DM accompanying us (though sometimes SOB-style).

The only other place I can offer any experience with is Grand Bahama,
where diving with UNEXSO was always with DM, but diving with Xanadu
(this was 1993, they've since changed hands/names/etc) there was no DM
except for the shark dive and that shipwreck (the 100' one, don't recall
the name offhand).

But as for Destin, PCB, Tampa, Sarasota, Ft Lauderdale (only 1 diving
day in the last 3 places), no DM on the dive, though they do set the
anchor line where applicable.

Never dived the keys so I won't comment on them.

Can we let this rest/die/whatever?  We're starting to sound like SCUBA-L
:-(

Jeff Kell <[log in to unmask]>