 |
Read Before Diving With Blue Water Divers Bermuda
What you should know before Diving with only Blue Water Divers in Bermuda.
NOTE!!!
This information only pertains to the Blue Water Divers in Bermuda, not any other dive charter under the same name in other locations.
The information is only for your education about my individual experience.
****************************************************************
MY BEST ADVICE TO HELP PROTECT FELLOW DIVERS FROM HAVING THE SAME EXPERIENCE
DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR CREDIT CARD NUMBER.
DO NOT BOOK AHEAD OF TIME BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO GIVE THEM A CREDIT CARD.
The appt book was pretty empty. You are better off risking having to find another place to go through.
PAY ONLY IN CASH ONE DAY AT A TIME.
DO NOT MAKE ANY RESERVATIONS FOR ADDITIONAL DAYS IN ADVANCE
DO NOT LET ANDRE TELL YOU IT MAKES THE CHECK IN PROCESS FASTER TO PAY IN ADVANCE FOR FOLLOW DAYS
MY EXPERIENCE
I made an online reservation and checked in the day before inquring on the conditions.
Andre at the location stated Monday would be the better of the two days and showed on a map where we were going. Stated we would be shielded from wind.
As soon as we hit the site and slowed down, the boat began to shake violently. The boat was too small for the conditions. We could barely set up our gear.
Immediately I told Andre I did not want to go tomorrow if today is the better of the two days.
***********************************************************************
This was at 9:30 am. I had to say this at 8:30 to be valid and get a refund.
They do clearly state at the end of all emails for booking 24 hours notice is required to cancel
This was only a refund for the second day of diving, we already paid for in advance. I did not ask for any refund for the first day of diving.
***********************************************************************
I was told "No Worries", Andre's favorite line, the next site would be better for the second dive. Long story short, it was not. I knew I would be better if I could get under the water but could not even make it to my gear, the boat was being thrown so violently and I felt so ill.
Andre also does the minimum possible. Complained no one was listening about taking off your fins before climbing back on board. If someone was there to help make sure they did not fly back into the water, taking them off is common sense for any certified diver.
He was polite as a positive. He was very misleading about conditions. We discussed the conditions on at least three occasions
There were also three snorklers. Two never touched the water and one make it in for less than 5 minutes. They paid $50 each.
THE EMAILS UNEDITED, UNBIAS, BETWEEN ME AND THE DIVE CHARTER>
I WAS NEVER ALLOWED TO DIRECTLY CONTACT THE “MAIN OFFICE” OR EVEN GIVEN A NAME OF THE PERSON HANDLING THE INQUIRY. THIS STARTED ON 5-17-09 AND TOOK A MONTH TO GET TOLD NO. I HAD TO CONTINIOUSLY FOLLOW UP WITH THEM.
No answer was given to the first email. Below is the second email to the end, in order.
To: somerset@cwbda.bm
Subject: Looking for contact info or to be contacted
I am trying to get in touch the owner of the Somerset location, whom I believe is John Stephenson to discuss my experience the other week. Please provide me an email address. I started to contact the Abassador of Tourism's office for the info but was told this would be faster.
************************************************************
your email has been forwarded to the main office.
they should contact you as asap.
Should you have any other questions, please visit our secure website www.divebermuda.com or feel free to contact us.
We are looking forward to serving you ...
Thanks,
Blue Water Divers & Watersports Limited
(441) 234-1034
www.divebermuda.com
the main office asked me for some information about your case from the side as I saw it,
and they would like you to see yours as well, before doing any decisions.
Please send us an email with your information, so we can put all the information together and present to the main office.
thank you in advance and we are looking forward to sort this issue.
Blue Water Divers & Watersports Limited
(441) 234-1034
www.divebermuda.com
************************************************************************Sent: 27 May 2009 21:55
To: somerset@cwbda.bm
Subject: RE: Looking for contact info or to be contacted
We checked in, in person the night before. You showed us on map where we were going and said Monday would be better of the two days. We were going to a certain place on the map and it should be calmer there.
The next morning we paid for two days. We went out to the dive site. While waiting for the boat to anchor it started shaking violently side to side. You came down from the wheel area, I said if this is the better of the two days I do not want to go diving tomorrow and wanted to know about a refund(Around 9:30 AM). You said the next spot would be calmer. Everyone got there last minute briefing and we took our dive. I was first in and first out. When I surfaced you were near the bathroom and asked if I was okay, I gave the okay signal. When we got out we were told we were not listening because half the people got out with their fins on. Having dived off a boat before I understood this but did not want to lose my fins with how the boat was going up and down
We were told to switch our tanks for the next dive which was next to impossible with how the boat was shaking side to side. Then we hit the next spot, the waters were just as rough. I was not able to make for the next dive because I felt so ill. You said if I get under the water I would feel better. Normally I would agree but was worried as soon as I hit the water I may start getting sick which is not an ideal place to be. I did not look for a refund because that was my call and I felt better staying out.
While waiting for the other divers to go, you were on the phone and heard you say the water was rough, you were used to it and something about the low tide at 1PM may be better later.
We got back to the shop and said again I did not want to go tomorrow. I was told that was fine. I again inquired on a refund and was told it was past 24 hours. I explained how I said something as soon as we hit the first spot and was told that was past 8am. I argued for a bit, wanting a refund because I felt I was mislead on the conditions. You said you would give me one then just charge my card again in the morning. You waited on the next group. I heard people were going snorkeling. The two snorklers I was with (my in-laws, one a diver for 20 years) never touched the water, the other lady for 5 minutes on the second site, who also cut her leg getting out. I said how about I tell these people about the conditions. You said go ahead(politely). I asked you for help getting a taxi and went and waited up near the road. I gave up and figured when I got home I would get in contact with whom ever owned the company. I started doing some leg work, contacted the ambassador of tourisms office. It was suggested I go this route first.
First want to point out that Andre was always polite which is not always easy dealing with the public. I felt I was really mislead on the water conditions from the start, I knew the boat was not full so would of canceled the second day, 48 hours in advance and taken my chances getting on if we decided to go. Yes I have only been diving only a year but 30 dives in upstate New York/ Massacheuts waters with 15 ft visability is not easy. These have been in lakes and ocean. I am used to swimming out against waves etc. Similar conditions in Cozumel cause the dive to be canceled and could see the shop was right since there was no harbor. The conditions were not visible in the harbor until you hit open water. If the dive boat was the size of one of the ferrys it would of been fine.
2 divers at $115 each is too much money just to let go. I want a full refund for the second day for my wife and myself totaling $230. I never thought it was possible to have a bad time diving. This also kind of killed the rest of the vacation since this was all we planned to do, 2 boat dives then hit Elbow beach and shore dive.
Good afternoon
We went through all the emails at the company meeting.
We didn’t find anything in contradiction with the Blue Water Diver Policies.
Unfortunately as you didn’t cancel within the 24 hr window, we cannot refund you any money.
We hope next time you will be diving with Blue Water Divers, the weather is going to be better and you will have more fun.
Should you have any other questions, please visit our secure website www.divebermuda.com or feel free to contact us.
We are looking forward to serving you ...
Thanks,
Blue Water Divers & Watersports Limited
(441) 234-1034
www.divebermuda.com
Sent: 17 June 2009 09:28
To: somerset@cwbda.bm
Subject: RE: Looking for contact info or to be contacted
It is not that you cannot refund my money, it is you will not refund my money. Did the boat even go out the second day? Do you keep everyones money for the weather cancelations.
I did not meet your 24 hour policy, BY AN HOUR, because your sales person was very deceiving about the conditions. Plus the boat was not even close to being sold out, We did not cause any busniess to get turned away.
I will pursue further with a few government departments I found doing some research, and at the same time report my experience on as many cruise forums, scuba forums, travel sites etc. The review will not be considered slander because it will be an exact account of the communications between both parties. I am sure many readers will reconsider diving Blue water divers.
With the new route on Norewegion Cruise lines it will cost you more than 2, two tank dives. Plus the time invested in dealing with the various offices that will be in contact with you.
I will copy this address with links for the first few reviews and maybe the occassion review each couple weeks so you know I am still discussing my expereince but all the other ones you will have to research for on your own. I am considering using my free web space from my ISP to make a web page as well. It quick and easy, and will allow me to post the complete emails. I will post this email as well so all is fair.
Good afternoon
Yes the boat went out and everybody had a great time.
Please let us know if you would like us to send you the opinion of our crew and witnesses,
of your behavier and you threatening our captain.
We think that it would help you to keep your website objective.
Should you have any other questions, please visit our secure website www.divebermuda.com or feel free to contact us.
We are looking forward to serving you ...
Thanks,
Blue Water Divers & Watersports Limited
(441) 234-1034
www.divebermuda.com
CANCELLATION POLICY RESERVATIONS MUST BE ASSURED BY A PRE-PAYMENT AT THE DIVE SHOP, HOTEL TOUR DESK OR VIA A MAJOR CREDIT CARD. FORFEITURE OF THE WHOLE VALUE OF THE RESERVATION WILL OCCUR IF 24 HOURS CANCELLATION NOTICE IS NOT GIVEN. A MINIMUM OF 48 HOURS NOTICE FOR GROUPS OF 4 OR MORE.
GENERALLY (please confirm with a BWD representative)…..The morning 2-tank trip departs at 9am and return at approximately 12:30pm. The afternoon single-tank dive leaves at 1:30pm & returns at approximately 3:45pm. IMPORTANT: Please remember…. Check-in time is 45 minutes prior to departure! Don’t miss the boat!
Sure will be happy to add it. It should be up and running with in the week. Plus check cruise critic, travel advisor, and random scuba forums.
I did not threaten the Capitan, my exact words were, I can see how you really got that red eye. He said a random person attacked him. I had a feeling that was misunderstood because he mentioned calling the police. Outside of that my behavior was calm given the customer service I received.
I WILL ADD THERE SIDE AS SOON AS I RECEIVE IT UNEDITED>
Send E-Mail to:
Copyright © 2009 . All Rights Reserved