Well this is a long overdue post, but since there is talk of another Keys Krawl I thought I'd do it now.
I've posted this on several other dive sites, but wanted to put this out there as an FYI....
On the last Keys Krawl (not organized through SD), I had booked a dive operation of which we could not have been more disappointed. It was Underseas Inc out of Big Pine Key. I personally had booked a special charter. I think there were about 9 of us at that time...
We were to dive the Busch Wreck and 2 Reef dives on Looe Key. When we arrived to check in we were told that the regular boat was out of commission and we would be using a different boat. No problem... things happen, especially w/ boats. They made good by arranging another boat & crew. Well, as it turns that boat was also having mechanical issues and we therefore got a very late start.
We all kept a great attitude… wish I could say the same for the Captain. He was…. Well just rude! He also made us go through equipment checks that I have never experienced before. But, he’s the captain so we complied. It was quite obvious to all of us that he was not accustomed to divers, but rather ran a snorkel boat.
To make a very long story just a little shorter and to not bore you with the details… I’ll just say that we got out from our first dive, and were chastised by the captain about our down times. Keep in mind he did not state a limit in the briefing. The dive is relatively deep as well, so our times were not excessive! No de-co diving.
On our second dive… about 15-20 ft. on Looe Key were asked to surface ½ way through our dive to locate the boat, give the OK sign and then finish the dive. Another strange request… some complied… some not. We all of course were chastised again for not doing so.
The last dive we were offered was in the same location (why we could not have stayed down longer on the second dive, I don’t know….) We were told we had 15 minutes. And by that I mean, the clock started as soon as the words came out of his mouth! None of us were suited up and ready. What the *&^??????
When we asked why so short, he said that it was our fault because we stayed down too long on the first dive and were now running late. When we defended ourselves and reminded him about the late start, he just re-stated that the clock was ticking. He said he had another charter that afternoon. BTW - I personally knew was a flat out lie! When I booked the boat we were to have it for a 3 tank dive day…. No afternoon trip. And, his dive master had told me earlier that it was their day off and they had been called in for our charter. He said they were done for the day after our charter. So there was no reason for the short dive other than the captain calling it.
Several people sat out the dive as it was not worth it for 5 minutes bottom time. Others went (including myself) and just stayed down for about 15-20 minutes. Yes, chastised again. LOL
One other strange thing… water was supplied at the back of the boat, but they kept the cups stowed away. You had to ask for them. They seemed put out, when you asked. So, I went to fill the water bottle that I had brought on board with me. Again… that wasn’t appreciated either. What the heck? What dive boat in their right mind doesn’t push its divers to keep hydrated!!??
None of us were happy with the operation. We had a Capt and what I assume was a Dive Master on board (he didn’t say much and never entered the water.). I think it suffices to say that not one of us left a tip.
I went back to the shop to complain and was shocked at the response. I really wanted to let them know our experience since they were using this guys as a back-up. Maybe they didn’t know?????
But, apparently they use this boat and Captain often and sometimes they get great reports and sometime folks come back confirming an experience similar to ours. The only thing offered was “the next time you come down; we’ll make sure you’re not on his boat. Not good enough for me! I’ll never use them again, nor would I recommend them to anyone.
So, for those of you planning on diving you way down to Key West to catch the Spree....Just my personal opinion - Stay away from Underseas Inc out of Big Pine Key!!! 
Big thanks to my dive buddies for making the best of a bad situation and not hanging me from a tree for booking with that Op!!!
edited to add: Underseas Inc. had put us on Strike Zone Charters. Needless to say I wouldn't recommend them either.
Edited by DiverBabs, 03 November 2008 - 07:51 PM.
