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Diving Bonaire: WRONG DIVE SHOP
Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999-2005: Archives - 2005-08-03 to 2005-12-30: WRONG DIVE SHOP
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 2:39 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just spend a month in bonaire, my wife and I use Dive inn, as well as 6 other divers staying at the same place, I must say I was not very satisfied with their tanks... 1 out of 4 had a problem while leaking from the o ring, my wife and me have made altogether 75 dives, so we use... 75 tanks from them, I let u calculate how many where actually leaking, plus all the other divers... one day after complaining I have been kindly asked by the management to take 2 more tanks that I needed just in case...It is very kind, but what would have happen if the o ring which blew up while preparing myself to make an earling morning dive at the hilma hooker would have blowed underwater...and u can ask u question about how often are checked their tank.
so u should be advised to choose another dive shop for your tanks best regards thierry

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Myers (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #218) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 2:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I always carry spare tank O-rings with me for just such situations. They are quite cheap and easy to install.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #369) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 3:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thierry, I am a Dive Inn person. We have stayed and dove with them many times. I well agree with you that some of the tank O-rings leak but that happens at any diveshop. What we did is checked each tank with our regs before leaving for the day. I do that no matter where I get the tanks. Babs, Harry, or Peter will give you extra O-rings if you tell them about the problem and will show you the easy way to replace them if you don't know the trick. Some regs will leak more then others. My wife (Diane) has a Genesis Reg and it happened to her all the time. The seal surface is wider on some regs then others. My Daycor Viper Tek could use a tank that Diane's couldn't.
I hope that was the only problem you had with Dive Inn... We love the place... Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #422) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 4:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I don't know about the Dive Inn but I have expirienced bad o-rings on tanks from dive operators on Bonaire before. Good idea Ron. I think I'll start carrying extra O-rings also.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2491) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 5:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

So Thierry, you could find no problem with the tanks when you checked the fill before you took them out? You could not hear them leaking? And anybody without spare o rings at the dive site is being silly. Even then you can still turn the o ring around and it usually seals.
I hate complaining first posts. Grrr!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #423) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 5:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Now that I think about it, we were gearing up at the dive shop instead at the dive site on our last visit in September. That was the first time we had done it that way; It gave us the opportunity to check the tanks prior to departure from the shop. Just the same, I think I'll still carry some O-rings.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Riekelt Brands (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 6:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I find it very inconvienient to check the tanks before taking them from the dive-shop.
When we were on the island we dove with Wanna-Dive. First year we had 2 tanks with a leaking O-ring. This year when we were with 8 persons. We had NO problems with any of the tanks. And we dove every day minimal 3-times.
We did not check the tanks before diving with them. But just in case we always brought some extra tanks. And we never had to use them. So it is not always 'normal' to have bad tanks.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 7:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi guys, tks for your comments and I agree with u very silly not to have a o ring with u, BUT i have been diving for 20 years and never had an o ring with me and let me tell u I have been diving all over the world and even in the most remote area, I am sorry but if u find normal to have 1 out 4 tank leaking (we checked all our thank sometimes we could notice the leaking, but sometimes not ), Me I do not find this normal, It is just because their tanks are NOT properly serviced or check :How much does it cost for a dive shop to have all their o ring change on a regular basis ?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Besco (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #103) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 8:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

You are correct to bring this up Thierry. I've used Photo Tours on all my Bonaire diving for a total of eight weeks of diving and never had a bad O ring or any dive buddy I was with.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #370) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 9:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Grow up people, I have been diving for 42 YEARS( if that makes a difference)And I feel if your day is spoiled by a five cent leaking O-ring and you can't find it in your busy schedule to take the time to replace it(or don't know how) then for sure if you experiance a REAL problem I wouldn't want to be your buddy! We live in a spoiled society with people that can't perform simple tasks for themselves. Sure glad your pottie trained.. RANT!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3570) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 9:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sorry folks, but it doesn't matter how long you've been diving.. just plain irresponsible not to check your tanks before leaving the dive shop, or at the very least carry a spare parts kit. It is never okay to trust someone else... take responsibility for yourself !

Of course that is just my opinion.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rick Fortune (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 10:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Folks, I beleive the O-ring he is talking about is the tank O-ring, not the one for the regulator and no matter if you have a spare, it won't do you any good since the tank will be empty.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #825) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 10:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kelly..."irresponsible" where do you usually dive?.... hardly irresponsible... having an o-ring blow is not life threatening, it may shorten the dive..if the regulator is installed correctly, the tank doesn't empty instantaneously...to those who panic because a few bubbles are blowing out their reg's, I probably wouldn't want to dive with you anyway

I don't carry spare o-rings, I carry spare tanks...if I rig up and have a leaker, I put the tank back in the truck and take another...then I return the tank and advise the shop that there is a bad o-ring....If I ended up with multiple bad tanks, I'd say something to the dive shop about it...just like Thierry reported

I also think the moderators should exercise more restraint before flaming new persons on the chat line

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rick Fortune (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 10:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

It is the dive operation that is responsible for the carer and maintenance of the tanks. VIP's should be done every year and new O-rings put on. If a O-ring does blow underwater there would be time to safely ascend to the surface. Even though underwater the rush of air looks greater than it actually is. I believe an 80 cu. ft. tank takes approx. 11 minutes to drain when an O-ring blows, so you see there should be ample time to ascend safely. If these O-rings are leaking or blowing in that many tanks, I would question the care and maintenance the dive operation is performing. I would also question the quality of air they are supplying also.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1515) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 11:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hello everyone! It appears that we have a lot of experience on this thread so I want to throw out a somewhat related question. We never had an O-ring problem the two trips we made to Bon but did have neck leaks. On the first leak, our entire group decided to abort the dive because no one had any experience with this type of leak (and we had some old timers with us). The dive shop dismissed our concerns and said to keep diving and to just watch our gages. Of course, we just grabbed extra tanks and used them if we saw a leak once we were in the water (never could hear those leaks). On our second trip to Bon (same dive shop), we had the same problems. Several tanks leaked from the neck. When we got home, we asked my LDS and they had never heard of this happening. None of their tanks had ever sprung leaks there. Any one out there know how valid the advice was that we got on Bon? Can you safely dive if there is a leak at where the neck joins the tank? I know off subject, but you guys always have such good information that I thought I could ask.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #371) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 11:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Rick it is the Valve O-ring not the Tank Ring. The O-ring betwwen the valve and the tank doesn't leak. If there is a problem in that area the tank will not hold air after the O-ring ruptures with a loud noise. I think the words "blew up" are being misused.
Vip's should be done every year but I have yet to see a VIP sticker on any tank in the caribbean. When we dove with steel it had to be done. Rust kills! Check your reg filter after your first dive and look for BAD AIR that way. I do everytime I change my tank. A habbit I picked up in the Military and it has just stuck with me. There is a bunch of things that divers can do to make their dives safer and more enjoyable. Most of witch are basic common sence. Divers die all the time from lack of communications! One of the biggest Killers. Panic is another big one. The sport of diving is becoming easyer all the time and people are getting certified at a drop of the hat. I just hope that the sport stresses self control and discipline to new divers as it has in the past.. Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2492) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 12:09 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Gregg, Thierry, I apologize if I was flaming, it's just makes me so sad that someone would spend a month on the island and what is most important to them in their first post is warning others about their dive shops o rings. I know it can be frustrating, but they are easy enough to switch out. I pressure check every tank I take out and discard the leakers. I'm with Kelly that you should check your gear before diving.

Jeaninie,I've dove with more leaks between the tank and the valve than I'd like to think about. usually a fine mist of bubbles stream out. It got to where I recognized the tanks and avoided them. But I never suffered any ill effects, and only lost a smidgen of air. Same as when I have a small leak from the first stage seal, I'm not going to abort that dive. I discuss it with my buddy to see how bad it is, and then usually go on diving. I always report the valve leaks to the dive shop for repair, but a lot of things get lost in the shuffle on an island dive shop.

Lastly, I use a cut off end of a pick I got from my dentist as an o ring remover. It fits in a film canister with some tank rings.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3574) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 12:22 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I just meant that you have to be responsible for yourself, not rely on a dive shop or someone else. It's the same reason I wouldn't rely on my buddy's dive computer; I would use my own. Oftentimes it's way too easy to blame others. Is it life threatening? Probably not. Probably like Seb says you'll most likely just lose a little air. But it only takes a second to check the small things like that. Would you get in the water without doing your BWRAF check?? That's not a buddy I want to dive with anyway. Not that I was invited. lol.

And as my non-diving husband just said, "if I've said it once I've said it a million times, there is nothing worse than an unhealthy o-ring". Sorry thought I'd add a bit of levity. ;)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #372) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 12:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Seb, Easy way to change valve O-ring is loosen the 1st stage on the tank and open the air valve a little and rock your first stage back and forth, side to side and the old ring will come out. No danger of scrating the O-ring seat with a tool. Complements of a Navy Seal Instructor that I trained with 42 years ago... Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jane Marie Garchinsky (BonaireTalker - Post #100) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 1:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

After seeing the dive masters in Cozumel and some in Bonaire dive to 90' give or take 30', without any concern for their leaky tank valves, I've become relatively complacent with tiny leaks in my first stage to tank connections. That is unless when I charge the HP hose on the surface the noise blows me away. That's not to say I don't check my air supply much much more frequently during the dive when I suspect something. Most times its tough to hear a leak with the wind and waves breaking on Bonaire.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2253) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 1:41 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Neck leaks can be from at least 2 sources: the o-ring between the valve and the tank, and cracks in the aluminum of the neck. The latter has been a problem with Al tanks for years; it can result from work hardening of the tank metal during the many air cycles rental tanks experience on Bonaire (and elsewhere). It is one reason many shops on Bonaire get new tanks every year. I am not sure if new tanks are a requirement. I expect some shops continue to rent older tanks.

Cracked necks can, and have, resulted in massive tank ruptures. I wouldn't use a cracked 'neck leaker' since my life. and others, might depend on it.

I would ask the shop if they change tanks annually and what they do with tanks with cracked necks: in the States the rule is to cut a hole in the tank so it cannot be pressurized again.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Menno de Bree (BonaireTalker - Post #42) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 7:45 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thierry, if you were so very, very unhappy at the Dive Inn, why didn't you simply check out and go somewhere else ???

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 8:16 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi everyone,
whoao the subject is so hot, i really did not mean it. i did not wanted to start a fight, just modestly give an advise.
But I have one question coming to my mind for those person who are (rightly) talking having a spare kit: since it seems that the diver should be responsible for the tank (o ring) he will be using, Is your spare kit contain 20 ,yes 20 O'ring ? Because I am not talking about an eventually aborted dive (which did not happen), but talking about changing 20 O'ring and then why I am paying about usd 100.-- weekly (2 divers x 4 weeks= usd 800.--)just to have air in a tank ??? I am suppose to change every 0 ring of every tank in the dive shop for this price. Yes we hav been diving with leaking tank which we could not detect before diving and so what u will dive with a little music in ur hear for an hour, it is ok.
But The real questions is: If there o'ring are so often leaking, what else ? is the filter of their compressor clean and change as it should be and what about their tanks,are they checked regularly ? These are the real questions.
PS: my wife did ow and aow with photo tours/yellow submarine and never had or saw any problems, ok altogether it is only 10 dives, but still.
amically to everyone thierry

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 8:24 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Menno,

But simply because the package was already paid from home, as u know since we have made few dives together, Menno,didn't we ?
thierry

PS: unless I make a mistake on u, Menno, you can also witness this since it happen to u and to Paul as well

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Menno de Bree (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 9:03 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Thierry,

Indeed, it can happen to everybody, a leaking o-ring. Just look at it from the bright side: When there is air leaking out, you do know that you have air left :-))

Still, if you are so very very unhappy at a certain dive-shop - check out. I find it very hard to believe that the travel agent you booked trough is unwilling to change your air-package to another dive-shop. Travel agents on general are indeed mostly interested in receiving the highest commission, but still they do want you to be happy and will listen to you and make the transfer. It does take a little effort during your trip, that's true, but it might save your dive-trip and, afterwards, you could have posted some possitive things on this board. :-))

Sorry, I do not recall that we have been diving together and yes, I do admit that I have made some dives with leaking o-rings.

To help you prevent this a bit in the future, you can "see it coming". Visually inspect the o-ring and if it looks not new (damaged, hard, dirty, flat)at all, just do not take that tank with you for your dive. Due to this pretty hot climate and intense use of dive-tanks on Bonaire they do not last very long. Indeed, I do agree, they should be replaced before they are worn out, but, some dive-shops are a bit penny wise and pound foolish :-))

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #450) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 10:38 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

if the o-ring in question is the one between the valve and the first stage, it sometimes can be damaged while being filled at the shop. if their valve from their air supply has a burr on the fitting it will scratch the o-rings to the point that they will wear out faster. we own our own tanks on bonaire but i always take a supply of o-rings with me in case we have a problem. and, yes, we've learned to dive with small leaks...as was mentioned above, small leaks look worse than they are and you probably don't lose more than 25-50# of air in a one hour dive.

on the other hand, some of our neighbors rented gear thru dive inn a year ago and were so dissatisfied with the condition of the gear that they returned it and ended up buying their own gear at carib inn.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #373) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 12:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Pat, where do you get your tanks that you own Hydro-tested?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 1:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

hi Menno,
Tks for ur comments and please excuse me for having mixing u with someone else because I have been diving last week with... another Menno !!!
(I had never heard of the name Menno b4, so I thought it was quite "rare" to hear this name and u should have been the Menno I dived with, sorry again)
Hi Pat,
Interesting comments, but u know i do not leave on the Island and it would be a bit difficult to transport my own tank, those airlines are so expensive with overweight... I know I just paid eur 250.-- to go back home...
bibi now

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mickey McCarthy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #232) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 3:39 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi all
After reading all the stuff above and having a recollection about tank neck failures I searched around a bit and spotted this article. It's pretty long, and while I don't think all those mentioned leaks could be related to this, it's not impossible that one might be.
Mickey
http://www.cdnn.info/news/article/a000805.html

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #128) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 4:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Did'nt NASA have a problem with O rings?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #425) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 5:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bet it wouldn't be easy to replace NASA's O rings yourself.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Menno de Bree (BonaireTalker - Post #44) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 5:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I never saw any complaints about it on "Moon Talk" either.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #130) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 5:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

After 31 post on the O ring subject you would think it was the NASA O ring problem.

A) Check the tank with a reg 1st.
B) Replace O ring if needed.
C) Load tank into truck.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15641) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 5:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Menno, I never saw any either ;-)

soooooo...Thierry, how was the rest of your trip?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #134) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 6:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Let's harp on this a bit more.
In order to get to any dive dock to do a boat dive, you have to walk past there dive shop, SMART. Buy some O rings.

Diving on your own, buy some O rings when you sign up.

If you do the above and there is a problem with the O ring, then you have only yourself to blame. Be safe and enjoy your dive.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #452) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 6:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

ron, we've only had the tanks there about a year and a half now so they haven't needed hydro yet. i'll check into that as the time gets closer.

thierry, i didn't mean to suggest that you bring your own tanks, i just meant that we use the exact same four tanks over and over and over. we have had to replace a few o-rings but we carry spares in the jeep.

from the states american airlines will charge $80 US to transport a scuba tank...even if it's empty, valve is removed, and it's in your suitcase and within the weight limits. i think that's a major ripoff.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 7:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Cynde,
well must say bonaire is one of my favourite diving destination, i even think of buying a house there. diving is so convenient u dive whenever u want no schedule. I came there 8 years ago and just came back home last week. Bonaire has so much change talking about building houses, just i have notice that few only few diving spot has gone private... hope it will not be an epidemic... otherwise we will have to dive with... a boat.I really love being in Bonaire, will come back soon.
bye now Thierry

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail Thomas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #766) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 10:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Menno and Cynde - perhaps no complaints on "Moon Talk" because all of those involved are dead...........

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1527) on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 10:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Inquiring minds want to know...what is Moon Talk?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1308) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 3:48 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Neck leaks that I have seen tend to be were the valve and alu tank are joined rather than a structural failing of the metal. I have seen this all over the world and I think it happens as the jointing compound starts to deterioate and a fine mist of bubbles can be seen escaping from the neck seal. I always inform the staff after the dive so that the tank can be fixed and do pretty much the same with O rings. We used to be fussy about having a fizzer with a slightly leaking O ring but now realise that the leak is usually insignificant on the dive duration ( I used to take off my BC so I could assess the leak).

Maybe we should pop the O ring when breaking down our gear (by leaving a little pressure un purged) and that way the next person who gets the tank will automatically have a new O ring, as the dive centre can't fill the tank until the O ring is replaced.

And what is Moon Talk

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jon (BonaireTalker - Post #21) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 7:42 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thierry and others;

Just a hint, flipping a leaky valve face o-ring will usually stop a leak--unless those before you flipped it once already.

As for the valve neck o-ring, I've done plenty of "fizzy" dives, and with almost two full years of accumulated bottom time, have had only one "catastrophic" failure. That incident was while diving with a vendor on Provo with whom I wasn't familiar, and still, I was able to do a normal breathing ascent from 80FSW. Admittedly, I did go from 2800PSI to zero in the 20-30 seconds it took to ascend.

P.S. Do build a save-a-dive kit. And, if you have issues with o-rings, change to the new ones you bring, then change to the vendor's before you return the tanks.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Menno de Bree (BonaireTalker - Post #45) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 8:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Moon Talk is a "discussion board" for people who traveled to the Moon or are planning to do so. You can just lurk or join in via www.moontalk.com.
They are working hard now for offering images with special Mooncams !!

One thing you must be aware of: NAGGING IS NOT ALLOWED HERE !!!


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1531) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 8:47 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Who was nagging?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #141) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 11:47 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

What's an O ring again?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15653) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 11:57 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Menno, I thought you were kidding about "Moon Talk." Gee, there really is a chat board...wow...Gail, thus my *tks* because I had no idea it was a real board ;-)

Menno, by nagging do you mean complaining and whining? Here is another board where that is not allowed... www.diver.net ...it can be a tough crowd!

(Message edited by cyndelee on December 13, 2005)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #426) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 12:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As far as I can tell, an O Ring is a device used by NASA.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #143) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 12:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

INSTALLATION DAMAGE



Description: The seal or parts of the seal may exhibit small cuts, nicks or gashes.

Contributing Factors: Sharp edges on glands or components. Improper sizing of elastomer. Low-modulus/hardness elastomer. Elastomer surface contamination.

Suggested Solutions: Remove all sharp edges. Proper gland design. Proper elastomer sizing. Higher-modulus/hardness elastomer.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1532) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 12:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Nice link Menno...but I'm not looking to buy a house in Eastgate. Seriously now, what is moon talk?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mare (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1220) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 12:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Here's a moon song.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rog & Karen Huff (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #175) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 1:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

When we put our reg's on the tank and check pressure we also check and listen for leaks...if we hear air escaping we take reg off and check o-ring position (sometimes when tanks are filled the o-ring comes loose), then we lick the o-ring with our finger...that normally takes care of the problem. just our 2 cents...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 1:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

hi Ron and Hi Brian,

I really like ur hints, but must say prefer Brian's (sorry Ron), we should give them their tanks back with no O'ring...

Tks bi now

Thierry

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #147) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thierry, do you carry a O ring with you?
Just wondering?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15659) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:09 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mare, LMAO...

This is kind of heading toward "deep diving thread."

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #149) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Do you need a special O ring for deep diving?
If so where can I get some?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2255) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:28 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Re Brian's neck seal post above: I thought that all tanks today used an o-ring seal between the valve and tank rather than teflon tape as my steel 72's have, or a 'compound'. ??????

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #427) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Maybe Thierry has some.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #150) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Glen, are you talking about plumbers tape and paste?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15661) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jerry...LOL...you remember the deep diving thread don't you?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #152) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 2:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

A tank / valve leak is not good. If air can get out, water can get in. Even with 3000psi in the tank, water is able to SNEEK in a bit. Last year I had a bad tank, very bad, it had a small amount of water in it and it stunk.
So now we need to add SKUNKY TANKS to the O ring problem.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #153) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 3:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Who is talking about deep diving. I just want to talk about O rings.
O rings are my life.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15665) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 3:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

All I need is this O ring...and this tank...and this fin...that's all I need...oh, and this wrench...that's all I need

I really need to lay off the office Christmas cookies...too much sugar

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #155) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 3:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Try using a larger mouth piece, it could keep you from grinding your teeth.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2256) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 5:39 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Not sure about the name 'plumbers tape and paste'. I don't remember seeing any compound on an old tank seal; that was mentioned above by Brian. I was talking about a teflon tape used by the tank test people and dive shops; likely the same material as 'plumber's tape'.

Scuba tanks used a standard tapered 'pipe' thread for many years. I don't remember seeing any paste or compound on the threads; they seemed just to be tightened until a seal was made. Later, teflon tape has been used because a seal is easier to achieve and disassembly is easier.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2257) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 5:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cyn,

I didn't know that deep diving tanks required a special thread???? :–)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #578) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 6:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Well i guess i need to put my two cents into this conversation. In my thirty years of diving and taking care of scuba cylinders. I have never ever had a tank take on any amount of water as long as it was filled with air. For your info tank neck o-rings will start to deteriorate in about a couple years time normally, but because these tanks are used so much on the islands they deteriorate quicker because of the salt in the air. Thats one of the reasons for annual inspections on scuba cylinders.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15669) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 7:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Glen, deep diving tanks require special deep diving O rings...;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rick Fortune (BonaireTalker - Post #12) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 7:43 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Holy smokes, 66 post about little itty bitty o-rings.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Menno de Bree (BonaireTalker - Post #46) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 7:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Aiaiai Rick - never ever underestimate the importance of an o-ring !!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15673) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 7:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I think the takeaway message for us all is...one can never have too many O rings...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #376) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 8:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Anytime you find liquid inside of a tank it is from the shop compressor.. Ron

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2259) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 10:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ron,

Unless something else has happened. I was with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution people once on Andros. In order for me to dive, they had to borrow a tank from an island civilian since I was not WHOI qualified. A very nice gal, but read on.

I had a very short dive. Then the tank sank when let loose. (Anyone beginning to get a picture-- I didn't then!) Later one of the ALVIN pilots had a similar short dive with the same tank.

When we checked the now 0 psig tank, the valve was loose in the neck of the tank which was literally half full of water. i have been more careful with borrowed tanks since then. :–)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2260) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 10:59 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

So many of us here are just itching for something to talk about!!! Just friends!!! As Cyn said, though, this is much better than deep diving if as long! :–)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Moderator (Moderator - Post #20) on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 11:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

How about we all move this discussion over to HERE

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #377) on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 6:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Ron,

I thank you for sharing this with me…. Especially your reaction on Thierry’s talk.

As you know I am not so good in words, like to post some reaction as well, maybe you can find the right words for me…and put it on your favorite network?

Like to share this with you what also happened with Thierry Trovatelli, but what he seems to forget…..

After 2 days diving he experienced problems with his censor /computer, therefore not able to read depth and pressure out of the tanks.

He blaimed the battery, did not had spare or wanted to take the thing home for service. Anyway he was looking for replacement.

Peter instantly gave him a HP hose with console including pressure and deptgauge and fixed this onto his regulator. For ONLY $1,- per day rent.

Thierry was very happy, loved the service, and used it for his remaining divingdays (more then 20 !). So I do not think Dive-Inn can be ranked under “wrong diveshop”….

I do not know of one diveshop that provide this service, almost with everyone else he should have bought a replacement console with gauges…

Sorry to hear that he experienced leaking o-rings but I like to close this subject, your respons was loud and clear!

As always it is easier for some people to complain about it once they are back home….

Ofcourse we told him to check his tanks before using and gave him spare o-rings, even spare tanks!

Oh well, its hard to please everyone for the fully 100%!!!

Thanks again and keep up the good work!

Have a great holidayseason for you, Diane and Randy !

Warm regards, Babs& Harry Peter & Babette



----Original Message-----
From: rongould3 [mailto:rongould3@comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, December 11, 2005 1:36 PM
To: Dive Inn
Subject: Emailing: 250046.htm





BonaireTalk Discussion Group
Diving Bonaire: WRONG DIVE SHOP



Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: WRONG DIVE SHOP


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By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 2:39 pm:




Just spend a month in bonaire, my wife and I use Dive inn, as well as 6 other divers staying at the same place, I must say I was not very satisfied with their tanks... 1 out of 4 had a problem while leaking from the o ring, my wife and me have made altogether 75 dives, so we use... 75 tanks from them, I let u calculate how many where actually leaking, plus all the other divers... one day after complaining I have been kindly asked by the management to take 2 more tanks that I needed just in case...It is very kind, but what would have happen if the o ring which blew up while preparing myself to make an earling morning dive at the hilma hooker would have blowed underwater...and u can ask u question about how often are checked their tank.
so u should be advised to choose another dive shop for your tanks best regards thierry






By Ron Myers (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #218) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 2:55 pm:




I always carry spare tank O-rings with me for just such situations. They are quite cheap and easy to install.






By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #369) on Sunday, December 11, 2005 - 3:34 pm:




Thierry, I am a Dive Inn person. We have stayed and dove with them many times. I well agree with you that some of the tank O-rings leak but that happens at any diveshop. What we did is checked each tank with our regs before leaving for the day. I do that no matter where I get the tanks. Babs, Harry, or Peter will give you extra O-rings if you tell them about the problem and will show you the easy way to replace them if you don't know the trick. Some regs will leak more then others. My wife (Diane) has a Genesis Reg and it happened to her all the time. The seal surface is wider on some regs then others. My Daycor Viper Tek could use a tank that Diane's couldn't.
I hope that was the only problem you had with Dive Inn... We love the place... Ron







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HEAR IS THE TRUTH ABOUT THIERRY'S VACATION... RON



 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #378) on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 8:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Read my 6:58 post.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2496) on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 10:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thierry, the ball is in your court!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thierry trovatelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 2:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Ron, Hi BAbs,Hi Harry and Hi Peter,Hi all the one I forgot

As I said earlier I did not mean to start a fight about this.

What Harry wrote represente the truth, is was very nice to rent me the gauge for usd 1 .-- a day, they might just forget to say they ask at first usd 3.-- a day and I said I was not ready to pay that much for 20 days (for usd 120.-- I will have a new one (in bonaire, my wife's cost eur 30.-- ok but in europe, u might to pay some tax when brought in bonaire) so in clear if I had to pay usd 60.--, i said to Pete I put another usd 60.-- and buy a new one and WE agreed on usd 1.-- per day.
Now ,everybody is the dive Inn are nice, BUT u might find me a little bit exigent, but THIS not enough for me, when we are talking about security ,I do not give a F... if people are nice or not. I repeat all the people working at Dive Inn are all nice people.
So far I have known a lot of diveshop which offer perfect tank (hopefully), the proof is that I was stupid enough never to have new o'ring with me) and are nice people as well.
I am sorry guys but I will not carry on talking about this subject on this chat (or any other), all what I wish is that The Dive Inn (and other diveshop) give what a simple customer expect: good service, security,etc
Best Regards To everyone
thierry

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #587) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 3:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thierry, for some reason i understand what you were trying to get across when you posted your first post. I still don't understand why people attack somebody for posting what happened. O-rings become bad and unfortunely you came across alot of bad o-rings from the dive shop. First off why should somebody on vacation have to worry about a bunch of bad o-rings on tank valves. YOUR ON VACATIONS. They should be checked by the person filling those tanks and i mean everytime that they are filled they should be checked. Things happen all the time but if you keep getting bad tanks enough is enough people. You come to my shop or any shop in the states, they should check for vis. sticker, hydro date, what the valve looks like and they should always check the o-ring to see what type of shape it is in. If not you need to find a new shop to go to. Hey i like bonaire also but you all need to stop this attack on somebody just because you don't like what they have to say. GROW UP AND BE ADULTS COME ON PEOPLE THIS IS A FORUM

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #430) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 3:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

There's nothing wrong with posting your negative expiriences on Bonaire Talk; however, I feel the poster could have gotten the point across without this statement "u should be advised to choose another dive shop for your tanks." It would not surprise me to to know that this is the statement that upset some Bonaire Talkers. No doubt it was perceived as a direct attack on someone's favorite shop and was seen as unnecessary to the point he was trying to make. When one makes a statement like that, one should expect a response.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #174) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 4:03 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

How is this guy Thierry?
Let's get him! (Just making a jokey)
I have over 1000 dives in Bonaire, sure have had a problem or two, but it was always correctable.
I do carry the GD O rings with me. I keep them in the glove box. Cost $1.95. Problem solved!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Back to Jeanine, or is it Tribs? (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1558) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 4:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Well...having been slaughtered for my opinions on this forum on more than one occasion, I do understand where Thierry is coming from; but, I also understand why someone might have been offended by how the statement was written. However, I think regardless of whatever else happened on the trip, this stuck with him and we should hear him out. I don't think it is fair to say it is easier to wait until you get home to complain, especially not in this case. Obviously he did complain to Dive Inn, per their admission. It was nice of Dive Inn to assist him like they did with his computer problems, but if you look at their response, no where did they say they started checking their O-rings or assured Thierry that they would fix the bad tanks. I'm kind of with Patrick...he was on vacation people. Why should he have to take the extra o-rings from the shop and the extra tanks just to enjoy a service that he paid for? The occasional leak is one thing and we should all carry spare o-rings just in case, but repeated problems is another matter entirely.

So bravo to Dive Inn for assisting with the computer problem! But also bravo to Theirry for coming out and stating his problem. What we should really be asking ourselves whenever we read a negative or a positive report is: Why was it so good or so bad that the person felt obligated to discuss it? If we all just rave and never rant, then how much is our opinion really worth? The big question, and now I am getting in way too deep here....how are we supposed to learn from each other's experiences if we just attack someone when they post a negative evaluation?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #588) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 4:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Marcus, this i understand. I can also see his point. Hey i'm on vacation why should i have to worry about a o-ring. I have also learned that your reputation on an island is a big thing also, if you are not taking care of the little things ie: your tanks with the little o-rings then what about the big things that we don't see. The filters on the intakes, have you wondered about those, I have and its because i'm in the business. Just a few things to think about.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail Thomas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #775) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 5:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Way to go Jeanine. Well said!

And you too Patrick. I would patronize your dive shop.

Why should we be made to feel that we 'failed to take responsibility for ourselves', when we take for granted that the service we paid for should measure up to our expectations. I remember on our first trip to Bonaire someone asked my husband upon discovering a leaky tank, "Well, didn't you bring any spare O rings?" Well we had 5 or less but thought they were for the unusual, not the norm. Now we know that perhaps in Bonaire it is the norm, due to the high tank usage or whatever. But as Patrick pointed out - is it our responsibility to 'fix the tanks', or is it the dive operation's responsibility to take a more active role in ensuring the tanks reliability? How difficult is the later?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15713) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 5:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jeannie, you and Patrick make some good points and are right, BT is here for learning both the good, and the not so good. I think the things that got everyone riled up were:

This was Thierry's first post ever on the board, and it was a complaint. BT, as we all know is full of folks that love Bonaire, and guard her like their baby. The title of the thread was in all caps and negative, and I guarantee you, got folks riled up before they even clicked on the thread. Had the post been a little more forgiving, as well as the title, things may have gone in another direction.

I have to go back to thinking about your first post as being like walking into a room full of people who love Bonaire, and yelling WRONG DIVE SHOP...and then going right into the complaint...think what the reaction of the crowd would be....???

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Menno de Bree (BonaireTalker - Post #51) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 5:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

So, when somebody has been on vacation he can burn a diveshop down because of more bad o-rings then in his opinion is acceptable ????
What will "be discussed" (and how will that start) when there is a real "emergency"
Just my 2 cents:
If you go out shorediving (on Bonaire) you HAVE to check your tank BEFORE taking it away from the diveshop. This, by the way, is learned to each and everybody in their open water certification class. Probably this item belongs in the same corner as the buddy-check, so, only to be executed by beginners ??
It still is each and everybodies OWN responsibility to leave this very simple checks out or not. If, you check all you "stuff" before going out there is no need to bring spareparts or whatever. How far do you go with this anyway.
If you find out later that something is wrong, by example with an o-ring, you should NOT use that tank for your dive. If that person decides to use that tank anyway that person is the one not following save diving procedures (as far as diving with a leaking o-ring can be called not save. In my opinion it is pretty annoying, but still very safe).
If this threat suddenly goes a complete different direction then intended, it might have something to do with the way this threat has started in the first place.
But, it is true and I say this again; some businesses are penny wise and pound foolish. In this case "investing" a US$ or 2 would have prevented quiet a lot of ...... ehhh .... typing.

Personaly I do not like it when people know exactly how to find publicity when they think they "are done wrong to" and then "shout to the world" how "bad their received service" was. I indeed joined in over and over again with the intention to try to laugh this "dark cloud" away. Sorry for that, but, I will do it again and again and again the next time.
But, it is true; this has gone far enough now. Thierry; Thanks for sharing your bad experience, I sincerely hope that for your next trip you will find a dive-shop which can offer ALL their services according YOUR expectations.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail Thomas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #778) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 5:59 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Menno - The concept of "investing a US$ or 2 would have prevented quite a lot of ...... ehhh .... typing." would go to the dive shop as well. Why can the dive shop not Listen, Learn, and Resolve to to better?

There's a lot of competition on Bonaire - should the dive shop say the customer is wrong, or should the dive shop say - what can I do for you to keep you coming back here?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2911) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 6:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Folks, I have tried to stay out of this one, however, one thing that has bothered me several times is the insinuation that a dive shop that has some bad o-rings might also be remiss in maintaining their compressors and or filtration systems. There is not a dive shop that I have visited on Bonaire whose air I would not breathe. Just like at my shop here at home, the Bonaire based Dive Ops Owners/Managers, their friends, their employees and in some cases their family members fill their tanks off of those very compressors/storage banks we, as visitors receive our air from.

Have any of you in the past 10 years, heard of a proven case of someone receiving "bad air"? I haven't or, I can not remember it. The dive shops I have used and visited on Bonaire over the past 9-10 years all seemed to take good care of their compressors, I look.

Thierry, I hope you find a operation with which you will be happy.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Menno de Bree (BonaireTalker - Post #52) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 6:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Gail,
I did mean the diveshop here .....

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mare (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1230) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 6:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

How to have a good time:
Be a good scout and be prepared.
Bring sun screen, bring water, bring an o-ring which, if you ask sweetly when you are signing in at the dive shop for your air, the dive shop will gladly give you. Put it into a pocket in your bc and get on with your life.
Smile.
Say please and thank you.

AND STOP EXPECTING EVERY LITTLE THING TO BE HANDED TO YOU ON A SILVER PLATTER!

Why do o-rings go bad? Blame the parents. Doo-doo happens.

whew.
rant over.

Thank you.

mare


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Liguori (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #237) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 9:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yea Mare!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail Thomas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #780) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 9:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yea Mare!! But why can't the dive shops that know there's a problem work to resolve it in a positive light!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #177) on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 11:41 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Apx 1000 Bonaire dives, only once did I get a SKUNKY tank. It was last year. I informed the dive opp and they took off the valve, and it did stink, and had a bit of water in it.
I think that tank was old, sat around in the sun a bit to long. The dive opp retired the tank right then and there. No big deal.
But the O ring was in very poor shape.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2261) on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 3:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jerry,

That is one way, if a bit extreme, to get the shop to retire a bad o-ring!!!! :–)

But, gee, the bad 'reg' o-ring was in the valve! I wonder if they changed it for the next use of the valve???? Not being terribly cynical, just a question in light of all the posts above.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fiona Rattray (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #346) on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 4:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mare, I agree, and you're too funny, blame the o-ring's parents... :-)

Of course, all life support equipment should be well maintained by those who rent it out. But isn't the theory "divers, check all gear before any dive" to reduce the possibility of something going wonky at 50 or whatever feet?

I check my own personal gear, including my steel tanks' o-rings before each local dive trip up here in frozen Canada, not just tanks or gear I rent on vacation. Plus I carry a save-a-dive kit on all dives, too, with multi-coloured o-rings and spare jet fin propellers.

Hey, sh** happens even with my own stuff, like the time a mouse got into the dive gear closet in the basement and chewed a teeny little hole in the rubber-covered inflate button on my old Sherwood Accord BCD so that it leaked like crazy when the air was turned on. Fortunately I found this out before the dive vacation and got it fixed because I did a gear check in the local pool before I left home.

Now I keep mouse bait in the back of the dive gear closet year round. Life in the country :-)



 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #184) on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 4:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The DM took out an old dive knife and had to put down the little O ring, better off I belive?
Now he's in pease. God bless his little rubber ass sole.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fiona Rattray (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #347) on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 4:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jerry, that's a serious hairdo you've got in your profile, perhaps an o-ring overdose?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Gauron (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #186) on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 4:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

That was taken right after a very deep dive in the mangroves.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James T. McPeak (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #327) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 5:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Well, if it makes anyone feel better, Babs had o rings mailed to my house for me to bring down to the shop. The Dive Inn is now in possession of a thousand new o rings.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Patrick T. (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #656) on Thursday, January 5, 2006 - 10:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

James i will sleep better tonight because of you. Thank you so very much.

 


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