Bill,
I guess I cant speak for anyone else, but when I say "Each diver is responsible for their own safety", it means;
A diver should not be diving with the thought that they are going to be babysat all the way and the DM/guide will do everything for them and will totally protect them, thus the diver has no responsibility for their own safety. I believe a diver should think in the first instance that as they have the vested interest in their own safety they should do as much as they can to ensure their own safety in every aspect that they can. Gear up to scratch, knowledge of gear and skills (as much as they can) up to scratch. Now recognizing shortcomings or inexperience is part of that too, so if a diver says I have never dived in a current and drift dive, they are actually being responsible for their safety as they are telling the DM of a risk that they need to be aware of. Thus the DM can take extra care with regard to that issue. Thats what I mean, and NOT that each diver is on their own.
Now what really irks me is the following type of diver. Having been told they must carry an SMB in a certain location due to currents etc, they buy one. When asked if they have used it at all they say no. When being asked if they would like to have some free training or help in using one so they get experience, their response is " I have no intent on ever using it, I only bought it because I had to". I think that attitude is stupid, selfish and not in the divers best interest in being responsible for their own safety. If that diver, got caught in a current she would have had no way of setting it off at depth safely, and would probably be lost. Would the family then blame the DM for not doing their job?
That particular diver is (to quote me) the diver from hell. We went on 3 trips with her and I do not dive with her and have no intent to ever again. She is irresponsible and selfish, and the first to winge about bad DM, not getting help, not getting her way when she wants a certain location and the rest of the group dont, and when the rest of the group are having fun.
When I dive, I dive with the thought in my head that I am diving alone, thus I must be able to save myself. That there are a number of divers with me doesnt matter. In this way I only take risks to a point where I can save myself and not depend on another diver. That they are there and can help is then a bonus. I figure that if I dive with the attitude that my buddy IS my backup so all is well, I am always making an assumption my buddy will always be in reach, always prepared and will always save me. I think I would then be assuming too much. Thus if I am of the mind set I am diving alone (in relation to my safety) I will dive more conservative, plan better, ensure I have sufficient backup gear, and be more set on thinking ahead of the game.
I guess I cant speak for anyone else, but when I say "Each diver is responsible for their own safety", it means;
A diver should not be diving with the thought that they are going to be babysat all the way and the DM/guide will do everything for them and will totally protect them, thus the diver has no responsibility for their own safety. I believe a diver should think in the first instance that as they have the vested interest in their own safety they should do as much as they can to ensure their own safety in every aspect that they can. Gear up to scratch, knowledge of gear and skills (as much as they can) up to scratch. Now recognizing shortcomings or inexperience is part of that too, so if a diver says I have never dived in a current and drift dive, they are actually being responsible for their safety as they are telling the DM of a risk that they need to be aware of. Thus the DM can take extra care with regard to that issue. Thats what I mean, and NOT that each diver is on their own.
Now what really irks me is the following type of diver. Having been told they must carry an SMB in a certain location due to currents etc, they buy one. When asked if they have used it at all they say no. When being asked if they would like to have some free training or help in using one so they get experience, their response is " I have no intent on ever using it, I only bought it because I had to". I think that attitude is stupid, selfish and not in the divers best interest in being responsible for their own safety. If that diver, got caught in a current she would have had no way of setting it off at depth safely, and would probably be lost. Would the family then blame the DM for not doing their job?
That particular diver is (to quote me) the diver from hell. We went on 3 trips with her and I do not dive with her and have no intent to ever again. She is irresponsible and selfish, and the first to winge about bad DM, not getting help, not getting her way when she wants a certain location and the rest of the group dont, and when the rest of the group are having fun.
When I dive, I dive with the thought in my head that I am diving alone, thus I must be able to save myself. That there are a number of divers with me doesnt matter. In this way I only take risks to a point where I can save myself and not depend on another diver. That they are there and can help is then a bonus. I figure that if I dive with the attitude that my buddy IS my backup so all is well, I am always making an assumption my buddy will always be in reach, always prepared and will always save me. I think I would then be assuming too much. Thus if I am of the mind set I am diving alone (in relation to my safety) I will dive more conservative, plan better, ensure I have sufficient backup gear, and be more set on thinking ahead of the game.