Skipper: Malcolm Goodchild

Location, location, location - the estate agent's mantra is also relevant to a diving operation. The village of Tarbert on Loch Fyne on the west coast of Scotland is hard to beat in this respect. The pubs are great and the people still tip their hats and say hello. It is a very pleasant place in which to relax.

Malcolm Goodchild set up shop here three years ago and has already amassed a group of regular customers who come back every year. I was lucky enough to dive with just such a group, from Hartlepool. Malcolm had sent me literature about the diving in the form of a leaflet and a CD-ROM - a nice touch, which had me itching to dive his sites.

Little Blue is a King Fisher 26, licensed to carry 12 divers. Externally, she is a clean and attractive boat, with a blue hull and red-and-white topside. This attention to detail is not surprising, as Malcolm was a boat-builder before he started up the dive operation.

On board he has installed a comfortable bench seat that runs along the boat's centre line, from behind the wheelhouse to just forward of the stern. It comfortably sat ten divers, although 12 would make it crowded, especially if twin-sets were involved. There is also good storage under the bench, but there was quite a lot of general gear stashed there already. A clear out could make that space available - and it really does need to be utilised, as space is limited on this small boat. The space issue is a sacrifice that has been made to install the excellent seating.

There is no toilet on board, so if you suffer from stage fright and fail to perform off the stern, carry out your ablutions before you sail! Directly opposite the pick-up point there are public toilets, so relief is immediate on your return. Most of the dive sites are a very short steam away and you can come back in at 'half time' for a break, if required. With most of the sites so close, a civilised 9.30am start is the norm.

The wheelhouse contains a sounder and GPS. Malcolm used these well to drop us onto two pinnacles for our scenic dives. Back at the surface after the dives, Malcolm steered in the boat expertly for the pick-up. The boat's ladder is adequate. There are non-slip grips on the rungs, but I found that the ladder could have done with an extra rung at the bottom, making it deeper in the water and easier for a diver to get onto. Once I was on, though, it was fine and that excellent bench is a welcome sight.

On the weekend of our trip, our choice of dives was limited due to a Force 8 southwesterly gale. However, we were able to dive two nice wrecks of Clyde Puffers [small steamboats designed for use on the Forth and Clyde canal]. The sheltered waters of Loch Fyne can guarantee diving every day of the year. Perhaps wisely, Malcolm did not wish to take any risks in these conditions and stayed quite close to East Loch Tarbert. In normal conditions, he is happy to steam wherever you want, but the boat is relatively slow with only a 6.5-knot cruising speed.

At the end of each diving day, once the cylinders are on the pier, you can depart and Malcolm will take care of charging the cylinders from his compressor, which is only a couple of minutes away. In the morning, they are all full and waiting for you. While I enjoyed the 9.30am start, it was clear that Malcolm had been busy well before that time. The set-up, in a picturesque location with excellent shelter but exciting diving, really does make for a pleasant diving trip.

Malcolm is originally from North Yorkshire and is himself a keen diver who gives excellent briefings on what you will see underwater. He also maintains the shot-lines on the wrecks so you will know exactly where you are starting your dive. He is a BSAC sports diver and holds an MCA Category Four skipper licence. Ultimately, he's a cheerful chap who will do his best to accommodate the varying wishes of his dive parties, focusing on wrecks, reefs, or whatever is required.

What we liked
Cheerful skipper, good benches, and excellent briefings in beautiful location

What we didn't like
No toilet, the boat is slow and a little cramped
Boat: King Fisher 26
Skipper: Malcolm Goodchild
Moored: Tarbert (Loch Fyne) 15 miles south of Lochgilphead
Engine: Ford 120hp
Head: none
Max passengers: 12
Optimum passengers: ten
Cruising Speed: six knots
Charter rate: £300 per day if ten divers, if fewer (four to six) £15 per head but dependent on distance travelled
Contact: 07812 572681 or 01880 820209
Email: enquiries@fyne-diving.co.uk
Website: http://www.fyne-diving.co.uk