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Selecting Dive Operators
Most experienced divers have gone through several dive operators and have enough experience to determine what they like and dislike about a dive operation. The remaining divers will find themselfs looking at a multitude of dive operators with a big question mark in their head... so many, which one?
The following are just a few general recommendations in what to look for in a dive operation.
Is it a established business?
If this is your first time in a particular location go with operations that have been in the business for years and have one or more facilities (offices). Though, there are many highly professional independent dive operators that work from home. A good rule of thumb is that the operation is associated with a worldwide diving organization, such as: PADI, NAUI, SSI, CMAS, YMCA, SDI, TDI, IANTD, NACD or NSSCDS among the most common.
Dive operations that have been working within a hotel for a period of time are a good choice, though there are excellent non-hotel operations that have been around for a long time. Check their history through their web site and diver´s forums.
Established dive operators take most mayor credit cards, which means they have a serious business relationship with a bank.
Dive operators should be affiliated with a hyperbaric treatment center, through "
Buceo Medico Mexicano" in Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen, or "Cozumel Hyperbaric Research" in Cozumel.
Do you want comfort or speed?
Dive operations have large boats, medium boats, small boats, or a combination of all. Big boats are 40+ feet, medium boats 33-38 feet, and small boats 26-30 feet. Larger boats have more  space, sometimes they have a head (toilet), some even have fresh water showers, and usually hold more than 16 divers (yes, the "moo" word comes to my mind). Medium boats sometimes have a head and hold up to 16 divers. Small boats can only hold 6 to 10 divers, have no head (you´ve got to use the "big one": jump in the ocean).
Usually, the smaller the boat the fastest, but it also means that is going to be a bumpy ride. Bigger does not necessarily mean slower, some larger boats go faster than medium boats. It depends on engine power, water displancement and captain´s navigation style.
Though no matter what size boat, the speed depends on how the captain leans on that throttle, but usually the bigger the slower, the smallest the fastest.
It just depends how do you want to get to the reef, walking, jogging or running.
Insurance
Established dive operators are required to carry passenger insurance (boat incidents) and are usually affiliated with hyperbaric chambers wich will cover only initial treatment. To be fully covered you must purchase your personal insurance as a diver through DAN before you begin diving. Most established dive operators offer the purchase of DAN insurance on site, but it is a good idea to come prepared before you dive, just in case they don´t. Check with your dive operator prior to arrival.
Cruise Ship Diving Tour
If you´re comming on a cruise ship, cruise lines have deals with local dive operators for diving services. Booking through the cruise line will be a bit more expensive, and you will have no choice on the operator, but the good thing is that cruise lines will only use dive operators and staff that are insured.
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PADI,
NAUI,
SSI,
NSS-CDS?...
Most recreational dive operators are affiliated with PADI which is the most popular diver certification association. Most operators also support other certification associations like
NAUI,
SSI,
CMAS,
YMCA and
SDI among others.
Technical diving specific associations as TDI,
IANTD and
associations for cavern and cave diving like
NACD and
NSS-CDS are also supported.
All associations have advocates, it just depends on what you are looking for, what is important is that most are supported by qualified professionals.
Established dive operators will have instruction classrooms where you can take lectures, view intruction related videos, or just for you to come in and study when the classroom is not being used, since your sunburn is getting really bad (please, always use environment friendly sun screen!)
Equipment
 A bcd (bouyancy control device) that looks old does not mean that it will fail, and a beautiful looking bcd can fail. What is important about diving equipment is that it goes through proper maintenance. Most established dive operators keep a manitenance log. Don't ask to see the log (though you could), but you can just ask if they keep one. If you have your own equipment have it inspected and properly serviced by a qualified professional before you begin diving. If you forgot or did not have time to have it serviced most established operators have a full time equipment specialist to keep things working. You can rent the equipment from the dive operator until they have serviced yours.
Most operators take care of your dive equipment. Most offer the care service as an added value. Most of the time you will only have to tip (optional) the guys at the warehouse that took care of your equipment at the end of your dives.
Refund Policy
Although refund policies vary from one dive operator to another, what is important is that they are stated clearly on print, either on the dive operator´s web site or on paper. If you can´t find their refund policy ask for one either by email, by fax, or on paper before you commit any payment. Clearly understand the terms, conditions and services you will be receiving for your money. Established dive operators have clear refund policies. Avoid unpleasant surprises by taking a few minutes to read them. One common mistake is to think that the dive trip cost includes dive equipment. Make sure you check with your dive operator on what is included in the price..
Finally...
Quality service is measured by divers through different standards. Some are measured by personilized service, where you
sometimes become lifetime friends with dive operator´s owners and staff. Other divers measure quality service by
the ease to which dive services are available through the hotels where they stay, or that the dive services are offered through the cruise lines they travel with.
So, whatever your choice, be inquisitive and ask questions. Remember: the worst question is the one that was never made... and probably the question you needed an answer for...
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