How do I book a spot?
It depends on the trip. If it is an open boat, you simply call me to book a spot. Full payment is required by credit card when booking a spot. If a trip is listed under a groups name, you can call them.

The forecast is bad, are we still going?
As a rule dives are only cancelled at the dock, on the day of the trip. In VERY rare cases I will cancel the day before. If you do not hear from ME otherwise, once booked, the trip is on. See: Blow out policy

Will I get sea sick?
I can not answer that question for you, but basically there are two kinds of sailors. Those who ARE sick, and those who WILL be sick. It is a GOOD idea to take some kind of sea sickness medication along with you. Please be aware that many over the counter drugs are NOT to be taken while diving. Seasickness Site

What do I need to bring?
You will need all your dive gear. Make sure it is marked with your name, unmarked gear, becomes BOAT property, tanks, certification card, you will need a redundant system, or a pony bottle for all dives deeper than 90 Ft., lunch & snacks, drinks, ice for the boat cooler, a change of clothes, towel, any medications you require, (bring extra incase we are delayed), sun glasses, sun block, and pocket cash.

Will I need to sign anything?
Yes you will. On regular day trips 130Ft. or shallower there is a daily sign in rooster/waiver. It must be filled out & signed by EVERYONE on board BEFORE sailing. Deeper trips, require a special waiver that must be notarized. If you forget to bing this waiver with you, you can not participate in the trip. We also require a Diver Data Sheet and a sign in card from every passenger. These only need to be one once a season. You can view these waivers online at Waivers

What about bringing non-divers along?
We always welcome bubble watchers on board the John Jack. While there is usually no charge for a bubble watcher, it is at the discretion of the Captain. Please make sure the bubble watcher has everything they need for the days outing, except scuba gear.

What can’t I bring?
The John Jack enforces zero tolerance. No illegal drugs or drug parafinalia. Passengers found in violation of this, will be remanded to the custody of the Coast Guard. The John Jack does not allow firearms of any kind. If you are a law enforcement officer, please leave your weapon at home for the day. Portable GPS units, are not allowed on the John Jack with out prior written permission from the Captain. Those that are found, will be tested for water tightness, without the battery cover on. Please leave you personal cooler at the dock. We have several large boat coolers on board. Ice, would be nice.

What certification level do I need?
That depends on the dive. You need the proper level of certification for the dives you are booking, and the gasses you will be using. If you have a question, please call or e-mail me.

Do I have to dive with a buddy?
Some boats, buddy you up, and force you to dive with some one you may not know, or be comfortable with. We do not force you to dive with any one. But we strongly encourage you to dive with a buddy, and be a responsible buddy.

Can you provide me with a buddy?
The John Jack does not provide buddies, the liability is too great. But we do offer a guide service. You can, (by prior arrangement) dive with either a dive master or instructor.

Do you provide dive instruction?
No. The John Jack is not a teaching facility. But we can set you up with an instructor, or steer you to a dive shop that offers the instruction you want. On the other hand, the John Jack specializes in working with instructors and dive shops, to help insure your learning experience is a safe & fun one.

Can I sleep on the boat the night before?
Yes you can, but there are a few rules. You must contact me in advance, so I can leave the boat open for you. ABSOLUTELY no loading after 10 PM. marina rules. Also, it is unfair to those already on the boat.

Is there a phone on the boat?
Yes there is, it is for boat use only, not chatting with your loved ones, and dive buddies. If it rings, please answer it. The Phone # is (646) 226-9832. As you are aware, the bill will list all calls made.

Can I reserve a bunk?
The anser is NO. Bunks are on a first come, first served basis. On day trips, there is no guarantee you will have a bunk. on overnight trips, every passenger gets their own bunk. But remember your trip begins the morning of your trip, not the night before. Loading the night before is a courtesy.

Is there bedding on the bunks?
No. The bunks are pull-man style. You will need to provide a sleeping bag & pillow, for your own comfort.

I arrived early, can I save a bunk for my buddy?
No, you are entitled to your bunk only. You may of course, "give your bunk up" to you buddy when he comes.

Do you serve meals?
As a rule the John Jack does not serve meals. It is Occasionally offered on special trips. The John Jack does have coffee & ice water available in the galley.

Do you have cooking facilities?
The John Jack is equipped with a full galley You are welcome to use the galley, and utensils. Remember your "mommy" is not here to clean up after you, please clean up your own mess.

Is there 110V power on board?
There is 110V power at all times. If you want to charge your dive light, remove the battery from the light (remember NO dive gear in the cabin) and plug it in. Each bunk has two outlets please use these outlets. Do not charge lights on the table or counter. Any batteries found there, will assumed to be “gifts” for the boat.

Do you rent gear?
The John Jack does rent tanks [links]we do not rent suits, weight belts or lights.

Where do I put my stuff?
All your dive gear gets stored outside. Other than camera gear, there are NO exceptions. If you need to work on your gear, do it outside, on the back deck. Tanks get bungeeded to the rail. Please note sign reserving a spot for crew’s tanks. Your weight belts go in a milk crate on the rear of the boat. Please put your food either in the cooler upstairs or the fridge Please note, no large jugs of water or loose fruit in the fridge. It comes shooting out like a missile. You can put dry gear in the bunk area on the floor.

What kind of ladder do you have?
The John Jack has a custom made telephone pole type of ladder. It is designed to be climbed with your fins on. There is also a large swim platform and transom door.

How fast is the boat?
The John Jack can exceed 25 knots loaded, with over 350 miles of range.

Will we go to the destination listed?
While we will always try to go to the destination listed, The Captain reserves the right to change the destination for ANY reason

How many dives can I make ??
Most regular trips are configured for a two dive day. Once we get hooked in and diving I will give you our approximate departure time. Plan your dives accordingly. Keep in mind that we may only make one dive, depending on conditions. Multi day trips are a different story.

Can I catch lobsters or spearfish ?
We live to catch lobster. You will need a valid NYS. lobster license to catch lobster in NY. Since the John Jack travels to other states, you will need to check with local laws regrading permits, legal sizes, and bag limits. The John Jack strictly enforces ALL DEC. regulations.

The boat does allow spear-fishing as well. Again, in accordance with local regulations. We have late season night dives, specifically for blackfish. We often encounter large cod and pollack on the deeper offshore wrecks.