Thailand Liveaboard recommendation: Similian-Richelieu and Hin Muang/Daeng

Hi,
Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
- Similans / Richelieu Rock
- Hin Muang/Daeng

Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
diving and very environmentally aware.

FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and nitrox
certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...

If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics as
to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.

many thanks in advance,
Kate

kjc2750@hotmail.com (KJC) wrote in message news:<e7ea825b.0401131617.13032768@posting.google. com>...
> Hi,
> Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
> mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
> - Similans / Richelieu Rock
> - Hin Muang/Daeng
>
> Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
> with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
> diving and very environmentally aware.
>
> FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
> Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and nitrox
> certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...
>
> If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics as
> to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.
>
> many thanks in advance,
> Kate
We just got back from Thailand where we spent a week on the Colona VI.
The first two days were at the Southern sights(Hin Daeng and Hin
Muang) followed by four days in the Simlan and Surin Islands,
including two dives at Richelieu Rock. Excellent boat and
personnel--would recommend them without hesitation. Computer
friendly, let you dive your own profile, etc. Food also outstanding.
You can contact them through Sunrise divers or Kon-Tiki divers in
Phuket.

Have Fun!

Tim

"KJC" <kjc2750@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e7ea825b.0401131617.13032768@posting.google.c om...
> Hi,
> Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
> mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
> - Similans / Richelieu Rock
> - Hin Muang/Daeng
>
> Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
> with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
> diving and very environmentally aware.
>
> FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
> Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and nitrox
> certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...
>
> If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics as
> to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.
>
> many thanks in advance,
> Kate

I have dived from only one liveaboard out of Phuket, but it was one of the
finest diving boats I have ever been on. Ocean Rover is a couple years old
and is as well or better fitted for liveaboard diving than any boat I have
been on over the past 25 years (in particular I think the Whale Deck is a
great idea). The crew is superb. During the months of Nov. to May they
service the Andaman Sea area so your Similians/Richelieu Rock interest would
be served by that itinerary. To my knowledge early March would be better
than late March when the plankton increases. Early March is the end of the
NE Monsoon so the seas are quite calm. I dived this month once and was
pretty happy with the conditions but still wanted calmer seas and clearer
water. To that end I board Ocean Rover this coming Friday to do the Andaman
Sea itinerary in January. I guess the fact I have rebooked with Ocean Rover
indicates my satisfaction with their crew, boat services and
professionalism.

I have heard good things about Aqua One as well, but having never boarded or
sailed her I can't really say anything from first hand experience.

Hello,

I was on the Ocean Rover last month. I wouldn't go back. The boat itself
is nice, the crew is outstanding, except for one of the divemasters. My
complaints are more with the dive sights in Burma. Dynamite fishing, gill
nets stuck on reefs (you swim up to a coral head and reef fish swim into the
nets)... stuff like that. I'm sure our trip (even though overall was still
very enjoyable) would have been better if Mark Strickland would have been on
the boat. He's only scheduled to be on it for three months in '04. There's
no camera equipment to rent, so if your thinking about underwater pictures,
rent or buy one before you get onboard. There were only 8 of us onboard,
including a "Photo pro". 5 of us said we wouldn't be back , including the
Photo pro. If I were going to be there and had an interest in diving "since
you're there", I'd take one of the shorter trips like the other poster wrote
about. There are a large number of really nice boats out of Phuket that go
on short trips. I really don't think you'll be missing anything by not
going to Burma, and therefore wouldn't go on the Ocean Rover trip.

Good Luck,
Brian


"William Rampartson" <nosp@m.com> wrote in message
news:H4gNb.615$F83.42477@news.uswest.net...
>
> "KJC" <kjc2750@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:e7ea825b.0401131617.13032768@posting.google.c om...
> > Hi,
> > Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
> > mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
> > - Similans / Richelieu Rock
> > - Hin Muang/Daeng
> >
> > Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
> > with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
> > diving and very environmentally aware.
> >
> > FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
> > Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and nitrox
> > certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...
> >
> > If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics as
> > to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.
> >
> > many thanks in advance,
> > Kate
>
> I have dived from only one liveaboard out of Phuket, but it was one of the
> finest diving boats I have ever been on. Ocean Rover is a couple years old
> and is as well or better fitted for liveaboard diving than any boat I have
> been on over the past 25 years (in particular I think the Whale Deck is a
> great idea). The crew is superb. During the months of Nov. to May they
> service the Andaman Sea area so your Similians/Richelieu Rock interest
would
> be served by that itinerary. To my knowledge early March would be better
> than late March when the plankton increases. Early March is the end of the
> NE Monsoon so the seas are quite calm. I dived this month once and was
> pretty happy with the conditions but still wanted calmer seas and clearer
> water. To that end I board Ocean Rover this coming Friday to do the
Andaman
> Sea itinerary in January. I guess the fact I have rebooked with Ocean
Rover
> indicates my satisfaction with their crew, boat services and
> professionalism.
>
> I have heard good things about Aqua One as well, but having never boarded
or
> sailed her I can't really say anything from first hand experience.
>
>

"Brian Allen" <brallen467NOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:100bb6eoh2u4ib5@corp.supernews.com...
> Hello,
>
> I was on the Ocean Rover last month. I wouldn't go back. The boat itself
> is nice, the crew is outstanding, except for one of the divemasters. My
> complaints are more with the dive sights in Burma. Dynamite fishing, gill
> nets stuck on reefs (you swim up to a coral head and reef fish swim into
the
> nets)... stuff like that.

Boy, that's entirely counter to my diving there. I don't know if you just
got a bad week or what, but to me Burma (indeed most of the Andaman Sea) was
well worth the expense and time. In terms of critters it ranks very close to
PNG. The photo ops (wide angle or macro) in the Andaman Sea are numerous and
worldclass quality. I saw no nets left on the reef...but, unfortunately,
dynamite and cyanide and bleach fishing are evident almost anywhere in the
world.

> I'm sure our trip (even though overall was still
> very enjoyable) would have been better if Mark Strickland would have been
on
> the boat.
> He's only scheduled to be on it for three months in '04.

Mark's wife recently had a baby and he is staying home a bit more. He was on
my first trip and will be onboard on Friday.

> There's
> no camera equipment to rent, so if your thinking about underwater
pictures,
> rent or buy one before you get onboard.

> There were only 8 of us onboard,
> including a "Photo pro". 5 of us said we wouldn't be back , including the
> Photo pro. If I were going to be there and had an interest in diving
"since
> you're there", I'd take one of the shorter trips like the other poster
wrote
> about. There are a large number of really nice boats out of Phuket that
go
> on short trips. I really don't think you'll be missing anything by not
> going to Burma, and therefore wouldn't go on the Ocean Rover trip.

I think in Mergui, that Western Rocky, High Rock, Black Rock and Three
islets are not to be missed....and are absolutely worldclass sites for scuba
and photo. The greatest schools of pelagics and the widest varieties of
sharks were found at this Westernmost area of the Archipelago. Burma does
not have nice coral, with almost everything being rocks and hard coral, but
it has the critters, schools and sharks. Very nice in my opinion. We spent 4
1/2 days diving the outbanks of Mergui and Burma Banks and they were
spectacular. Both areas..Mergui and Burma Banks have extraordinary macro. As
good and accessible as any other place I have been with the exception of
Milne Bay, Wakatobi and Mabul....and that is pretty good company.

That was the only Myanmar diving we did and those were certainly worth the
ride and time to visit. As much as I enjoyed the Thai sites I would not
return to Andaman Sea diving without visiting Mergui Archipeligo and Burma
Banks again. Those are as nice or nicer than Richelieu and the
Similans...which I found to be the best Thai sites.

>
> Good Luck,
> Brian
>
>
> "William Rampartson" <nosp@m.com> wrote in message
> news:H4gNb.615$F83.42477@news.uswest.net...
> >
> > "KJC" <kjc2750@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:e7ea825b.0401131617.13032768@posting.google.c om...
> > > Hi,
> > > Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
> > > mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
> > > - Similans / Richelieu Rock
> > > - Hin Muang/Daeng
> > >
> > > Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
> > > with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
> > > diving and very environmentally aware.
> > >
> > > FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
> > > Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and nitrox
> > > certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...
> > >
> > > If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics as
> > > to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.
> > >
> > > many thanks in advance,
> > > Kate
> >
> > I have dived from only one liveaboard out of Phuket, but it was one of
the
> > finest diving boats I have ever been on. Ocean Rover is a couple years
old
> > and is as well or better fitted for liveaboard diving than any boat I
have
> > been on over the past 25 years (in particular I think the Whale Deck is
a
> > great idea). The crew is superb. During the months of Nov. to May they
> > service the Andaman Sea area so your Similians/Richelieu Rock interest
> would
> > be served by that itinerary. To my knowledge early March would be better
> > than late March when the plankton increases. Early March is the end of
the
> > NE Monsoon so the seas are quite calm. I dived this month once and was
> > pretty happy with the conditions but still wanted calmer seas and
clearer
> > water. To that end I board Ocean Rover this coming Friday to do the
> Andaman
> > Sea itinerary in January. I guess the fact I have rebooked with Ocean
> Rover
> > indicates my satisfaction with their crew, boat services and
> > professionalism.
> >
> > I have heard good things about Aqua One as well, but having never
boarded
> or
> > sailed her I can't really say anything from first hand experience.
> >
> >
>
>

Hello William,

If it's important to you that Strickland is going to be there I'd double
check it. I don't know the circumstances, but I was told his son was born
with serious medical problems and the way people were talking they didn't
know when he'd be back.

It's very possible that I did get there in an off week, but I dove all the
places you refer to and saw NO pelagics in Burma, and either did anyone else
on the boat. The only big stuff we saw were at Richelieu Rock (leopard
sharks, 2 mantas, marbled rays and a huge ray I can't remember the name of).
I did see a few large schools of barracuda, but nothing else big even worth
mentioning during the ten day trip. I agree that the macro diving is very
very good, but I can't agree on the comparison to PNG. I've been there too,
and I really don't think it compares.

The dive master I was referring to was Hans. He was also in charge of the
boat. We were repeatedly dropped off down current, especially in bad vis.
That's just plain stupid. When I asked him about figuring out which way the
current's going before the drop off he said there was no need for that.
There were people on the boat who quickly refused to get into the dingy with
him. One of these people in particular was very vocal, but I don't think
took the hint. On one dive the vis was particularly bad, my wife, an older
guy and myself were with Hans and were once again dropped off down current.
As soon as we hit the water Hans made a bee line for the bottom. I actually
saw him look back once too. I started following but realized my wife wasn't
keeping up, so I slowed down. He just kept going and disappeared. I turned
around and had some how also lost my wife. I figured that it was no big
deal, I'd just go north using my compass, remembering from the brief that we
were to be dropped off south of the submerged pinnacle. Fifteen minutes
later, sucking air swimming against the current at 100' I gave up, did a
safety stop and went back to the OR. My wife and the other guy had bumped
back into each other and somehow found the reef, but never did see Hans
until later on the OR. The older guy, who was very laid back and quiet,
asked Hans how hard is it to keep track of three people. I skipped the next
dive and my wife and I either went with Andy (the other guide) or did our
own thing. There are more examples, but I've whined enough. You sound very
experienced and I'm sure you'll have a good time even if Strickland isn't
there, but I hope he is.

Regards,
Brian


"William Rampartson" <nosp@m.com> wrote in message
news:Q_iNb.712$F83.62891@news.uswest.net...
>
> "Brian Allen" <brallen467NOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:100bb6eoh2u4ib5@corp.supernews.com...
> > Hello,
> >
> > I was on the Ocean Rover last month. I wouldn't go back. The boat
itself
> > is nice, the crew is outstanding, except for one of the divemasters.
My
> > complaints are more with the dive sights in Burma. Dynamite fishing,
gill
> > nets stuck on reefs (you swim up to a coral head and reef fish swim into
> the
> > nets)... stuff like that.
>
> Boy, that's entirely counter to my diving there. I don't know if you just
> got a bad week or what, but to me Burma (indeed most of the Andaman Sea)
was
> well worth the expense and time. In terms of critters it ranks very close
to
> PNG. The photo ops (wide angle or macro) in the Andaman Sea are numerous
and
> worldclass quality. I saw no nets left on the reef...but, unfortunately,
> dynamite and cyanide and bleach fishing are evident almost anywhere in the
> world.
>
> > I'm sure our trip (even though overall was still
> > very enjoyable) would have been better if Mark Strickland would have
been
> on
> > the boat.
> > He's only scheduled to be on it for three months in '04.
>
> Mark's wife recently had a baby and he is staying home a bit more. He was
on
> my first trip and will be onboard on Friday.
>
> > There's
> > no camera equipment to rent, so if your thinking about underwater
> pictures,
> > rent or buy one before you get onboard.
>
> > There were only 8 of us onboard,
> > including a "Photo pro". 5 of us said we wouldn't be back , including
the
> > Photo pro. If I were going to be there and had an interest in diving
> "since
> > you're there", I'd take one of the shorter trips like the other poster
> wrote
> > about. There are a large number of really nice boats out of Phuket that
> go
> > on short trips. I really don't think you'll be missing anything by not
> > going to Burma, and therefore wouldn't go on the Ocean Rover trip.
>
> I think in Mergui, that Western Rocky, High Rock, Black Rock and Three
> islets are not to be missed....and are absolutely worldclass sites for
scuba
> and photo. The greatest schools of pelagics and the widest varieties of
> sharks were found at this Westernmost area of the Archipelago. Burma does
> not have nice coral, with almost everything being rocks and hard coral,
but
> it has the critters, schools and sharks. Very nice in my opinion. We spent
4
> 1/2 days diving the outbanks of Mergui and Burma Banks and they were
> spectacular. Both areas..Mergui and Burma Banks have extraordinary macro.
As
> good and accessible as any other place I have been with the exception of
> Milne Bay, Wakatobi and Mabul....and that is pretty good company.
>
> That was the only Myanmar diving we did and those were certainly worth the
> ride and time to visit. As much as I enjoyed the Thai sites I would not
> return to Andaman Sea diving without visiting Mergui Archipeligo and Burma
> Banks again. Those are as nice or nicer than Richelieu and the
> Similans...which I found to be the best Thai sites.
>
> >
> > Good Luck,
> > Brian
> >
> >
> > "William Rampartson" <nosp@m.com> wrote in message
> > news:H4gNb.615$F83.42477@news.uswest.net...
> > >
> > > "KJC" <kjc2750@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > news:e7ea825b.0401131617.13032768@posting.google.c om...
> > > > Hi,
> > > > Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
> > > > mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
> > > > - Similans / Richelieu Rock
> > > > - Hin Muang/Daeng
> > > >
> > > > Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
> > > > with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
> > > > diving and very environmentally aware.
> > > >
> > > > FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
> > > > Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and
nitrox
> > > > certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...
> > > >
> > > > If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics as
> > > > to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.
> > > >
> > > > many thanks in advance,
> > > > Kate
> > >
> > > I have dived from only one liveaboard out of Phuket, but it was one of
> the
> > > finest diving boats I have ever been on. Ocean Rover is a couple years
> old
> > > and is as well or better fitted for liveaboard diving than any boat I
> have
> > > been on over the past 25 years (in particular I think the Whale Deck
is
> a
> > > great idea). The crew is superb. During the months of Nov. to May they
> > > service the Andaman Sea area so your Similians/Richelieu Rock interest
> > would
> > > be served by that itinerary. To my knowledge early March would be
better
> > > than late March when the plankton increases. Early March is the end of
> the
> > > NE Monsoon so the seas are quite calm. I dived this month once and was
> > > pretty happy with the conditions but still wanted calmer seas and
> clearer
> > > water. To that end I board Ocean Rover this coming Friday to do the
> > Andaman
> > > Sea itinerary in January. I guess the fact I have rebooked with Ocean
> > Rover
> > > indicates my satisfaction with their crew, boat services and
> > > professionalism.
> > >
> > > I have heard good things about Aqua One as well, but having never
> boarded
> > or
> > > sailed her I can't really say anything from first hand experience.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
>

On 13 Jan 2004 16:17:58 -0800, kjc2750@hotmail.com (KJC) wrote:

>Hi,
>Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
>mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
> - Similans / Richelieu Rock
> - Hin Muang/Daeng
>
>Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
>with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
>diving and very environmentally aware.
>
>FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
>Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and nitrox
>certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...
>
>If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics as
>to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.
>
>many thanks in advance,
>Kate

Check out:

http://www.westcoastdivers.com/

I have only done day trips with them, but they were great. They have
a livaboard that does the Andaman Sea including the Similans. More
info can be had from them by e-mail.

kjc2750@hotmail.com (KJC) wrote in message news:<e7ea825b.0401131617.13032768@posting.google. com>...
> Hi,
> Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
> mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
> - Similans / Richelieu Rock
> - Hin Muang/Daeng
>
> Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
> with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
> diving and very environmentally aware.
>
> FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
> Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and nitrox
> certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...
>
> If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics as
> to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.
>
> many thanks in advance,
> Kate


I just saw your other post regarding luggage storage in Bangkok, where
you indicate that this is a backback/budget trip.

You may be able to get a very good rate by simply walking in the
various liveaboard operations and asking for a last-minute deal. In
some cases filling a berth, at nearly any price, is better than an
empty berth for them. At the time I would not have been able to afford
a 1-week Burma cruise with Fantasea otherwise (I got a discount of
about 50%, plus free equipment rental).

The drawback is that you must be flexible in terms of schedule and
operator.

Regarding secure storage for valuable equipment in Bangkok, the
airport's services or a first-class hotel (not a budget one) are the
two best options. None is cheap but I would be wary of leaving
valuable equipment in the average guesthouse. Note that you should be
able to rent scuba equipment in all dive sites and may elect to leave
some items at home.

Enjoy your trip,

"Brian Allen" <brallen467NOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:100bmn07mua0r82@corp.supernews.com...
> Hello William,
>
> If it's important to you that Strickland is going to be there I'd double
> check it. I don't know the circumstances, but I was told his son was born
> with serious medical problems and the way people were talking they didn't
> know when he'd be back.

Hey Brian, just arrived Bangkok, it's 11:30 PM or so here. I catch the Thai
Air flight to Phuket tomorrow morning but the time change has me wide awake.
Whether or not Mark is on board is not important to me. I had heard of the
new baby but not of the troubles. That too bad. Were I him I would stay home
too.

> It's very possible that I did get there in an off week, but I dove all the
> places you refer to and saw NO pelagics in Burma, and either did anyone
else
> on the boat.

That you saw no pelagics in Burma does make me think you had an off week. At
the places I mentioned they were evident on every dive. I have some
wonderful schooling shots of Bluefin, Giant Trevalies, Chevron Barracuda and
Big Eyes and a small group of Shovelnose Rays. Of a singular nature I shot a
Guitarfish and Banded Sea Snake. As far as sharks go we had Silvertip
Sharks, Spinner Sharks, Grey Reef, White Tips and Leopard Sharks (we saw
Leopard Sharks on most "rocky" dives though).

> The only big stuff we saw were at Richelieu Rock (leopard
> sharks, 2 mantas, marbled rays and a huge ray I can't remember the name
of).
> I did see a few large schools of barracuda, but nothing else big even
worth
> mentioning during the ten day trip. I agree that the macro diving is
very
> very good, but I can't agree on the comparison to PNG. I've been there
too,
> and I really don't think it compares.

Not equal, but close. PNG is one of my very favorite places, I have made
that trip 7 times and Andaman Sea has some favorable comparisons to PNG in
terms of macro populations. Three Islets and Western Rocky are worldclass
macro sites. Tremendous macro at both locations. Looking thru my journel: On
one dive in particular at Three Islets I shot Harlequin Shrimp, Black and
Yellow Ribbon Eels, Mantis Shrimp, Harlequin Ghost Pipefish, Longsnout
Pipefish, Banded Sea Kraits, Sea Horses, Frogfish (numerous varieties and
some HUGE, I'd bet 12 inches in a couple cases) and a Tiger Tail Sea Horse.
I returned to the boat 4 times on that dive to replenish film. A couple boat
mates, people I have dived many places in the world with, told me that was
the single best macro dive they ever had. I won't say it was my best macro
dive, but it was certainly one of the best. I think there is an astounding
assortment of macro in Andaman Sea. PNG has more, but it is more work to
shoot it and I haven't seen such diversity in such a small area in PNG
either.

> The dive master I was referring to was Hans. He was also in charge of the
> boat. We were repeatedly dropped off down current, especially in bad vis.
> That's just plain stupid. When I asked him about figuring out which way
the
> current's going before the drop off he said there was no need for that.
> There were people on the boat who quickly refused to get into the dingy
with
> him. One of these people in particular was very vocal, but I don't think
> took the hint. On one dive the vis was particularly bad, my wife, an
older
> guy and myself were with Hans and were once again dropped off down
current.
> As soon as we hit the water Hans made a bee line for the bottom. I
actually
> saw him look back once too. I started following but realized my wife
wasn't
> keeping up, so I slowed down. He just kept going and disappeared. I
turned
> around and had some how also lost my wife. I figured that it was no big
> deal, I'd just go north using my compass, remembering from the brief that
we
> were to be dropped off south of the submerged pinnacle. Fifteen minutes
> later, sucking air swimming against the current at 100' I gave up, did a
> safety stop and went back to the OR. My wife and the other guy had bumped

> back into each other and somehow found the reef, but never did see Hans
> until later on the OR.

Well, I don't know who Hans is but I can say this:
1) On drift dives I too hit the water and make a "beeline" to the bottom".
It probably comes from my West Palm days but that is how I do it. Beeline
and no looking back. My buddy (usually my wife) and I meet at the bottom and
if not abort the dive.
2) I do not follow DM's or other people. In this sense what the DM does or
doesn't do, once in the water, has no impact on my dive or safety.
3) If I enter the water and the current is running away from the intended
drift I abort and reboard the boat. To me that's a simple decision. Not
going to get to the site anyway, why continue?
4) If there is a problem employee on the boat I don't complain to him or
her. I find the Captain or trip/group leader and we talk about it. I have
never had a problem after approaching situations in this manner.

But I now understand why you disliked the trip so much. And I do not blame
you. Whomever it was you were diving with appears to have been completely
unprepared to prepare you for the local conditions, subject matter and photo
ops.

> The older guy, who was very laid back and quiet,
> asked Hans how hard is it to keep track of three people.

My position is that I do not expect anyone to keep track of me, the minute I
do that then I am diving their dive, their safety decisions and their skill
level. I suspect had you severed your interaction with Hans the minute you
realized he was a dufus, your trip may have been better than you report
here.

>I skipped the next
> dive and my wife and I either went with Andy (the other guide) or did our
> own thing. There are more examples, but I've whined enough. You sound
very
> experienced and I'm sure you'll have a good time even if Strickland isn't
> there, but I hope he is.

Mark will be onboard but I don't find that imperative other than his
incredible expertise in describing where certain photo subjects should be
found. I don't expect him to point them out, cause I won't be diving "with"
him, but often just a hint of what colors and environment to look for really
helps.

We board tomorrow night at 8:00 PM local time. I'll send you a mail after
the trip. It should be interesting to see if your bad experience has become
the norm on the boat or was an unfortunate anomoly. Either way, for the
money and time invested in a trip like this I do not blame you for the hard
feelings given what seems to be a poor performance by the diving operation
on the boat.


>
> Regards,
> Brian
>
>
> "William Rampartson" <nosp@m.com> wrote in message
> news:Q_iNb.712$F83.62891@news.uswest.net...
> >
> > "Brian Allen" <brallen467NOSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:100bb6eoh2u4ib5@corp.supernews.com...
> > > Hello,
> > >
> > > I was on the Ocean Rover last month. I wouldn't go back. The boat
> itself
> > > is nice, the crew is outstanding, except for one of the divemasters.
> My
> > > complaints are more with the dive sights in Burma. Dynamite fishing,
> gill
> > > nets stuck on reefs (you swim up to a coral head and reef fish swim
into
> > the
> > > nets)... stuff like that.
> >
> > Boy, that's entirely counter to my diving there. I don't know if you
just
> > got a bad week or what, but to me Burma (indeed most of the Andaman Sea)
> was
> > well worth the expense and time. In terms of critters it ranks very
close
> to
> > PNG. The photo ops (wide angle or macro) in the Andaman Sea are numerous
> and
> > worldclass quality. I saw no nets left on the reef...but, unfortunately,
> > dynamite and cyanide and bleach fishing are evident almost anywhere in
the
> > world.
> >
> > > I'm sure our trip (even though overall was still
> > > very enjoyable) would have been better if Mark Strickland would have
> been
> > on
> > > the boat.
> > > He's only scheduled to be on it for three months in '04.
> >
> > Mark's wife recently had a baby and he is staying home a bit more. He
was
> on
> > my first trip and will be onboard on Friday.
> >
> > > There's
> > > no camera equipment to rent, so if your thinking about underwater
> > pictures,
> > > rent or buy one before you get onboard.
> >
> > > There were only 8 of us onboard,
> > > including a "Photo pro". 5 of us said we wouldn't be back , including
> the
> > > Photo pro. If I were going to be there and had an interest in diving
> > "since
> > > you're there", I'd take one of the shorter trips like the other poster
> > wrote
> > > about. There are a large number of really nice boats out of Phuket
that
> > go
> > > on short trips. I really don't think you'll be missing anything by
not
> > > going to Burma, and therefore wouldn't go on the Ocean Rover trip.
> >
> > I think in Mergui, that Western Rocky, High Rock, Black Rock and Three
> > islets are not to be missed....and are absolutely worldclass sites for
> scuba
> > and photo. The greatest schools of pelagics and the widest varieties of
> > sharks were found at this Westernmost area of the Archipelago. Burma
does
> > not have nice coral, with almost everything being rocks and hard coral,
> but
> > it has the critters, schools and sharks. Very nice in my opinion. We
spent
> 4
> > 1/2 days diving the outbanks of Mergui and Burma Banks and they were
> > spectacular. Both areas..Mergui and Burma Banks have extraordinary
macro.
> As
> > good and accessible as any other place I have been with the exception of
> > Milne Bay, Wakatobi and Mabul....and that is pretty good company.
> >
> > That was the only Myanmar diving we did and those were certainly worth
the
> > ride and time to visit. As much as I enjoyed the Thai sites I would not
> > return to Andaman Sea diving without visiting Mergui Archipeligo and
Burma
> > Banks again. Those are as nice or nicer than Richelieu and the
> > Similans...which I found to be the best Thai sites.
> >
> > >
> > > Good Luck,
> > > Brian
> > >
> > >
> > > "William Rampartson" <nosp@m.com> wrote in message
> > > news:H4gNb.615$F83.42477@news.uswest.net...
> > > >
> > > > "KJC" <kjc2750@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > > > news:e7ea825b.0401131617.13032768@posting.google.c om...
> > > > > Hi,
> > > > > Plan to end a 2-month SE Asia trip with liveaboard trip or two in
> > > > > mid-March 2004. Am interested in going to:
> > > > > - Similans / Richelieu Rock
> > > > > - Hin Muang/Daeng
> > > > >
> > > > > Would like recommendations for solid, safe, comfortable liveaboard
> > > > > with knowledgeable staff who give people some flexibility in their
> > > > > diving and very environmentally aware.
> > > > >
> > > > > FYI -- Am experienced diver with lots of shore diving in Monterey
> > > > > Calif. as well as Caribbean deep/drifts and have both cave and
> nitrox
> > > > > certifications. But this will be first liveaboard...
> > > > >
> > > > > If you can recommend an operator, would appreciate some specifics
as
> > > > > to why and maybe a note on your own experience for context.
> > > > >
> > > > > many thanks in advance,
> > > > > Kate
> > > >
> > > > I have dived from only one liveaboard out of Phuket, but it was one
of
> > the
> > > > finest diving boats I have ever been on. Ocean Rover is a couple
years
> > old
> > > > and is as well or better fitted for liveaboard diving than any boat
I
> > have
> > > > been on over the past 25 years (in particular I think the Whale Deck
> is
> > a
> > > > great idea). The crew is superb. During the months of Nov. to May
they
> > > > service the Andaman Sea area so your Similians/Richelieu Rock
interest
> > > would
> > > > be served by that itinerary. To my knowledge early March would be
> better
> > > > than late March when the plankton increases. Early March is the end
of
> > the
> > > > NE Monsoon so the seas are quite calm. I dived this month once and
was
> > > > pretty happy with the conditions but still wanted calmer seas and
> > clearer
> > > > water. To that end I board Ocean Rover this coming Friday to do the
> > > Andaman
> > > > Sea itinerary in January. I guess the fact I have rebooked with
Ocean
> > > Rover
> > > > indicates my satisfaction with their crew, boat services and
> > > > professionalism.
> > > >
> > > > I have heard good things about Aqua One as well, but having never
> > boarded
> > > or
> > > > sailed her I can't really say anything from first hand experience.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>

"froggy" <hub666@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:7eef9eb8.0401150843.7d3c7311@posting.google.c om...

> Hi,
>
> I would recommend Fantasea in Phuket.
>
> My experience now dates back 6 or 7 years, in January, so things may
> have changed for better or worse.
>
> They operate a new boat which should be a significant improvement over
> their old one, provided they kept the cook.

This is now the Ocean Rover (but still Fantasea Divers). I and another
poster have had a couple exchanges over the quality of diving and boat the
last couple days. His trip was miserable, mine was splendid. I am in Bangkok
right now for my second OR trip and board the plane for Phuket and boat
tomorrow morning. My experience there and on the boat is very similar to the
remainder of your post.

> I was a novice diver (20+ dives only) at the time and found some of
> the dives challenging, which made it a very good learning experience.
> Actually they are OK and except for one dive the current was never
> that strong (you could always swim against it).
>
> The DM were here to guide you if you want/need but were not there to
> babysit you or play policemen. You can dive more or less as you please
> as long as you respect safety procedures.
>
> Mak Strickland was on board but, unless you are really into
> nudibranchs or underwater photography, I do not see how his being
> there or not should affect your decision (I may be wrong here, I do
> not know the current team).
>
> There was a strong emphasis on safety procedures, everyone is issued
> with a safety sausage and they keep a constant lookout from the first
> minute of the dive with a dinghy ready to pick you. Actually a lady
> decided to abort its dive after a few minutes due to the exceptionally
> strong current we experienced once, tried to get back to the boat
> underwater but was swept away, and was swiftly located and picked up.
>
> I found the pre-dive biefings particularly clear and comprehensive,
> compared to most other operators I have seen since then.
>
> With insight corals/reefs were not that great (compared to some Red
> Sea areas for instance) but remain much better than the view from my
> office window. Depending on season and luck, you may see quite a lot
> of pelagic life, notably sharks. Some diving operators offered a "see
> a whale shark or we reimburse you" policy. Those that did so for too
> long went bankrupt.
>
> Talking about environmental concerns, coral preservation was a top
> priority and this was repeated dive briefing after dive briefing. I
> recall that they do participate in regular coral monitoring studies
> etc. OTH they practice shark feeding (nurse sharks) which does not
> strike me as too bright an idea.
>
> The Thai crew members were exceptionally helpful and efficient. I mean
> it, really. And the cook was just great. I was living in Thailand at
> the time and his cooking was on par with that of many good Thai
> restaurants.
>
> I cannot recall which coast of Thailand is better in which season but
> you should check carefully before planning your trip.
>
> If you stay for a few days in Phuket, my advice would be to stay clear
> of the crowds in Patong, Karon etc and to try and find a relatively
> quiet place. Renting a motorbike or a car to be able to get away from
> the crowd may help provided you know how to drive one and remain
> careful (it takes some time getting used to driving on the left side,
> you may have some unexpected reactons in emergency situations). Or
> stay away from Phuket altogether.
>
> Hope this helps, and that you will enjoy your trip,