Complaint Review: River Services & Stephen Lyons

Talk about smiling in your face while turning the screws. I just found out that my life raft which was "certified" by River Services, was certified by a non-existent employee! This little oversight on Mr. Lyons part will cost me a little over $800 more than I already paid him and his company. When my captain questioned the rubber stamped certificate for my 4-man Viking life raft, I called Viking Life Rafts to inquire about my certificate. After a little investigation on their part, they pulled their ability to work on Viking life rafts immediately. This however, does not help me at the moment For me to be legal and above board, not to mention the safety of myself and crew, I've now have to take my life raft to Charleston to get a REAL certificate. The only consolation I have at this point is knowing that these ripoff artists can't do this to anyone else for now.

I don't know how long ago their only certified technician left, but if you have had anything certified by them, I would definitely check with your manufacturer to make sure River Services actually has the authority to work on your equipment. I know I will bypass Savannah/Thunderbolt companies on any further needs I may have for my boat. I can't afford to risk the lives of my crew for a buck, unlike Mr. Lyons, who apparently will risk anything to make a dollar. Guess it's not on his conscience that God forbid I need this raft and it doesn't perform as required. Oh well, he got his money. It's me that will have to live with his dishonesty.

Capt morgan
Bogart, Georgia
U.S.A.