Osprey Charters has been taking divers to Lake Erie's best kept secrets for over 14 years, and we've got no plans on changing. Being on the water is more than just a profession for us it's a passion that dates back to childhood. When you love something this much, you can't help but do it well.
Captain Jim started out in the early 90's with the 30' "Osprey", taking friends and fellow divers to his favorite wrecks sites. Word soon got out among the wreck diving community and the Osprey was quickly out grown. The search was on for a suitable replacement, which led him Little River, South Carolina. It was there he found the 47' "Southwind". Already in service as a dive boat, the Southwind had great possibilities, but needed a major overhaul. The deal was made and the real project had begun. Jim spent nearly a year working every chance he could, renovating and upgrading the Southwind. He did all the work himself, most of which was done in the harsh winter months. It was well worth the effort. When she was re-christened in 1995, she became and remains today the finest dive boat on Lake Erie.
In 2000, Jim had an idea and decided to try something new. Something big, a party boat suitable for large groups. No ordinary boat would do, so once again the search was on for a suitable vessel, which led him to Kennebunkport, Maine. It was there he found the 75' whale watch boat now known as the "Horizon". The City Of Dunkirk welcomed the Horizon with open arms, as she would be making the Dunkirk Pier her new permanent home. Offering scenic harbor front tours, sunset cruises and wreck diving, Horizon is the only vessel of her kind on Lake Erie.
Captain Jim Herbert holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 ton near coastal Master license. He has been diving since 1963 and is certified Dive Master, Nitrox, Tri-mix and Tri-mix Blender.
Captain Jim Herbert Jr. holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton Master license with Towing Endorsement. He has been diving since 1992, is certified through Advanced Nitrox / Decompression Procedures and Full Cave.
Captain Sam Genco holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100 Ton license. He has been diving since 1983. He is certified Advanced, Nitrox, Rescue Diver, Ice Rescue Diver and Ice Rescue Instructor.
