Beware rental gear

BittonLin · 04-26-2007, 04:34 PM

I had a very bad experience recently in Placencia, Belize. I only dive once or twice a year so cannot justify buying my own gear. I rented from the shop but was not given time to make sure all was OK. (My mistake and I won't be rushed again). When we got to the dive site, the wetsuit throttled me, the mask was mouldy and the regulator only gave me water, no air! I spent the day sitting on an island waiting for the others to do their dives. When I got back I asked for some kind of refund, which was refused. I was told " if you want the gear to work you should bring your own".

Since there were PADI certificates and signs all over the place, I contacted them on my return to the UK. Their answer was that the shop wasn't registered so they could only investigate the owner (who IS a member). However, I was warned that she will probably know who made the complaint, because of its nature, but that I would not be informed of the outcome. My confidence in PADI is now nil - it seems a life can be put at risk under their banner and they don't need to do anything about it.

**MgicTwnger** · 04-26-2007, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BittonLin

I was told " if you want the gear to work you should bring your own".

That, sadly, is true. And PADI sucks, IMHO.

**Scuba Mama** · 04-26-2007, 09:03 PM

Sorry to hear of your experience. It looks as if you took some good from the experience. Always make time to inspect and test the gear.

Always ask the shop what the policy is regarding rental gear and refunds prior to leaving with the gear.

I try to rent paying via credit card, it the owners refuses to refund when they clearly should, I call the credit card company and refuse payment.

As far as PADI every agency has bad seeds you unfortunately found one.

Even though you only dive a few times every year, check ahead if possible with you local dive shop and find out who they use or better who they don't. I would look into a least you own mask, they don't take that much room up and it's a lot better then ever putting sometime moldy on.

Scuba Mama

BittonLin · 04-27-2007, 12:23 PM

The person in question has now offered me US$50, which I have asked her to donate to the local junior school. If that happens I will take the matter no further. Valuable lessons learned.