Mr. Fleming
I was just recently made aware of your Dive Buddy post. I have attached below my reply to Mr. Parker’s false assertions and accusations that he made about my business in response to your question. I thought that it was important that you and anyone else reading this also hear my side of the story directly, so here it is... Stay safe and have many fun scuba dives.
Thank you, Capt. Al Manica
UltraDive.com - 281-469-2846
" Mr. Parker
Unfortunately, your post was just recently brought to my attention, had I known sooner that you had issues with my dive charter service we could have resolved them a long time ago. Better yet, I don’t recall what trip you took part in but had you discussed these issues with me on that date, I assure you this matter would have been resolved before you ever stepped foot off of my boat. But I guess you are the type that would rather do an unwarranted hit and run piece about me and my business while sitting at your computer.
In any event, as you are probably aware, I am an experienced PADI Dive Master and a licensed Coast Guard Captain. I have been involved in the scuba diving charter business for over 20 years. During this time, I have provided dive charter services to hundreds if not thousands of satisfied customers and I have a spotless safety record which I attribute to my experience and my Creator. Safety is my first priority with customer satisfaction being a close second and I would never put financial gain above the safety of my customers as you so incorrectly asserted. I don’t know why you have decided to defame my business and can only assume that you got seasick during one of my trips and now you vengefully blame me for it. In any case, allow me to address your comments and accusations.
1st. Alleged boat photo misrepresentation: The one boat web-site photo that was posted at that time was only three years old and was not significantly different from the boats appearance then and now for that matter. No deception was intended nor should any have been perceived by you.
2nd. Alleged A/C misrepresentation ploy: There was a short period of time last year when I was not able to run the A/C while offshore. During that time, I was sure to NOT advertise that my boat had A/C. Therefore, no misleading ever took place as you claim and for the record the A/C has since been repaired.
3rd. Alleged whale shark misrepresentation: On my web-site I do have video of a whale shark encounter that I shot during a rig dive trip. However, I also clearly state that such encounters are rare and that if a whale shark encounter should take place it would be by happenstance only. The following text is copied form my web site which addresses whale shark encounters: “Please click on the photo or text above to view video of an encounter with a 35-foot whale shark that was taken during one of our rig dive trips. Although we can’t guarantee that we will meet up with one of these majestic creatures on any given trip, the few times when it does happen it is truly unforgettable.”
4th. Allegation: I collect reservation deposits as a means to commit people to a high seas dive trip. Response: There is nothing unusual about receiving a reservation deposit for any service oriented type business. It is a longtime established practice that is used by many businesses as a means to further qualify the sincerity of a reservation. In the event that a trip is canceled due to weather, the customer would be entitled to a refund or can put the deposit toward an alternate date. Making a reservation deposit to insure that an available space is held for that person is totally up to the discretion of my customers.
5th. Allegation; I run trips despite rough offshore conditions. Response: You mentioned that you would “not go offshore unless seas are 1 to 2-foot maximum”. If that is the case, you should plan on cancelling approximately 80% of your scheduled Texas GOM dive trips. A typical summer day on the Gulf would consist of 10 to 15 knot winds and 2 to 3 feet seas. To a properly trained open water diver, those conditions should not be an issue. If it is an issue with you, I can only assume that you are overly susceptible to seasickness.
In closing, I welcome honest and legitimate constructive criticisms both good and or bad. However, your false assertions do not meet any of those standards and in a legal context they would be considered libel.
Capt. Al Manica
UltraDive.com – 281-469-2846 "