Divers Den

Reviews (1)

Wayne Owen Roberts August 12th, 2024 - 3:35:

This is a email sent to PADI on Divers Den Hello, I would like to file a formal complaint with the PADI organization against the Divers Den in Tobermory ON Canada regarding their behavior and business practices. I had four dives scheduled with them. I am a Rescue Diver with 60 dives completed. I have not had any issues with any dive shop prior to the writing of this email. On August 10, I arrived at the with my dive buddy and step son. The check in was uneventful and we proceeded to the dive boat. We received the usual pre-trip brief. We arrived the dive site. I made the first dive and noticed something was wrong with my BCD despite it being relatively new. I aborted the dive and returned to the boat. I examined the BCD and found it was missing a nut that secured the back plate to wing of the BCD. This caused it to pivot and become unstable. I showed it to the divemaster (I don't recall his name) from Divers Den. He told me "don't worry about it, I would dive with BCD like that". I was not satisfied with that answer. I asked the boat Captain for a fastener to secure the BCD. He found one and after sometime of playing with it, we got it on the bolt and I was ready to go. When went to put on my compass the band shaped and I had to leave it behind. However, by this time the rest of the divers had departed for the wreak. The Captain told me to dive a short distance and then dive down to the wreak. With the frustration of my missing nut, I made an error and went in the wrong direction. After a short time, I realized that I had not reached the group and decided to surface to get a bearing. I realized then that I had made an error and headed back to the boat. The captain was saying something to me but I could hear him. I stayed on the surface and thought that today was just not my day. I had no discussion further with the Captain and after I saw the group returning I went back into the boat and to make the return trip to port. Before commencing return trip, the Captain starting making rather extreme comments about the Canadian Healthcare system. I told him that I did not agree and some of the other divers also agreed with my comment. It was clear to me having thought about after the fact, that he did not appreciate my reply. Honestly, I thought nothing of it. When we reached the shore, I thank him for helping me with find the nut for my BCD. Again, I thought nothing more about it and went back to my hotel room. I got up the next morning and was having breakfast before diving at the restaurant next door to The Divers Den. I realized that I had not tipped the Captain which was customary. I had brought an extra tip for today's dive. I received a phone call asking me to come to the dive shop. I was informed by the attendant that I would not be allowed to dive today without a divemaster with me. I was baffled and asked why. I was told the I had disobeyed the Captains instructions. I was completely confused as I had followed my training that when in doubt if something is not right then abort the dive. Unfortunately, on the previous day, I had to do twice. This is the cornerstone of PADI training, conservative decision making. I refused to hire a divemaster for no reason. I went back up to finish my meal. I went back down to the dive shop and asked for my tank deposit in error. This time the owner told me that I was being banned. When I asked why they said for "disrespectful behavior ". They said this as I said the Captain had made this claim because of my comment and that I did not tip. At no time did I swear or even raise my voice, I just told them I would not be returning to the shop anyway. It is my belief that the Captain did complain about me but not for any real safety concerns. He didn't like my reply and I didn't give him a tip. What is most concerning is the Divers Den immediately banning me from the shop without discussion or investigation. I do know that one of the waitresses in town said business was very slow this summer. I believe that this pressure caused the Captain to react the way he did. I also believe that the shop saw it as an opportunity to gain more revenue from me because of the situation. As far as I am concerned, the matter is closed. I will never return to Tobermory as they are the only dive shop in town. I am concerned that when a diver makes conservative decisions while diving, they will be viewed as a opportunity to be taken advantage. Furthermore, I do not think it is appropriate for a Captain to be preaching his political views while operating a public dive boat. Regards Wayne Roberts PADI # 2010CK9908 Get Outlook for Android