Giving Diving a Bad Name

[socaldiver]

When I first read the article yesterday I visualized 2 people who had been drinking and decided to take a dive. When the noncertified diver did not come up, the other guy who more than likely was intoxicated took off for home hopefully to give him enough time to "sober" up before contacting authorities. Sad to think that but my imaginative mind is very suspicious in that way.

Whatever happened it is sad and this man's family now has to grieve the loss, sad indeed.

And by the way, it is my understanding that another diver lost his life last Thursday at Casino Point while diving with his son. I have not seen or heard much details on it, only that he was around 57.

Please use common sense when diving and stay safe, any tragedy is one too many.

 

[ScubaBaby]

My heart goes out to this chaps family and friends...and unbelievably his buddy who is obviously carrying a lot of guilt for what has happened.

But one thing that is always failed to mention, is that death is added onto the death rate that occurs in diving....even though he was not a qualified diver and shouldnt have anything to do with the diving industry (esp. a night dive at 3am!)

The percentage of deaths in sport are released and athough diving is lower than a lot of other sports it still scares a lot of people and its when events like this happen that you realise how many of the deaths are actually by people who are qualified to the level of the diving they were doing at the time of their death.

It doesnt help that this mans actions will now be spread through newspapers and on tv as a reflection to the public as to how diving is sooo dangerous....even though he was under the influence of alcohol and not trained to be diving in the first place!

I know this all seems a tad harsh and heartless of the people that suffer after the persons death and I do feel for them...but this kind of thing DOES affect peoples perceptions of diving...and not for the better!

 

[Mario S Caner]

DocV, If you are interested in reading the digital for of the paper the URL is http://www.uniontribune.com (I didn't make it a link in case there's other problems with it). Yeppers these guys were obviously not the sharpest tools in the shed. I think scubakat nailed it, The other guy was obviously drinking too (and operating a motorized craft) and therefore had to sober up a bit before contacting the authorities. The surviving buddy should and most likely will be accountable for the accident.

Warhammer, That's a much better shop than the one we were talking about last night. What a relief. I was getting worried that you were going to have to deal with idiots all the time. hehe

Green Manelishi, Haven't seen you around in a while, glad to run into your wisdom once again. Don't be a stranger!

socaldiver, I'd be interested in hearing about the Catalina accident if you find anything out about it.

Joewr, Growing up around military divers, I'm one of the guilty ones as well. I've made up for it now though... I teach scuba, but continue my education as well.

 

[lildiver]

This is indeed a sad commentary. But the truth here is that drinking and doing anything else just don't mix. We all know that drinking not only impairs judgement and reflexs but causeses dehydration. Diving is a fun and safe sport as long as people are trained and certified and dive responsibily with in their own limits.
My heart felt sympathy goes out to the lost diver's loved ones.

~lildiver

 

[Warhammer]

My current LDS (well not really local but definately worth the drive) takes real good care of me. It's the kinda place where frequent customers can go in and feel at home. And like Tom Boodebt, they'll "leave the light on for ya".

 

[Butch103]

I still consider myself a new diver (only 30 dives in 2 years) and I cannot fathom what goes through peoples heads. It is my opinion that alcohol must form a cement casing around the thought process. 3am and not certified, it makes you wonder about his buddy. He should be banned from diving for life.

 

[BetterLateThannever]

Come on guys,

Doesn't anyone find this whole story a tad suspicious????

1.) Buddy waits in boat 90 minutes before returning to shore? What's that about? Did the guy have twin tanks or what?

2.) No communication equipment whatsoever?

3.) Had engine trouble getting back to shore?

4.) Drove home and parked his car before contacting the Coast Guard???????

5.) Uncertainty where his friend was lost hampered rescue efforts????

Give me a break....Where's Columbo when you need him? :livid:

I also offer condolences to the family of the lost (diver???)

 

[Kane(adian)]

I think that maybe the authorities should be suspicious. There should be some sort of accountability for the buddy. He took a non-diver diving, if a shop had sold, or rented equipment to him, would they not get their butt sued?

Smashed at 3am, not the ideal circumstances to learn anything, let alone measures that are dependent on coming back alive.

 

[Tavi]

But, I have been told by an Instructor/Shop Owner that in New York State anyone can buy scuba equipment. You need a C-Card to rent equipment.
I don't know what it's like in other states.

Better Late than Never,
I'm somewhat suspicious too. Did this guy have any reason to just disapear, and a good enough freind to help him so that no one would look for him?

Tavi

 

[Mario S Caner]

It's not the State that governs such issues. Anyone can buy any type of scuba equipment. You don't need to be certified to buy a regulator or a cylinder. You DO however need to be certified to have a cylinder filled or if you want to rent equipment. Now, having said all that... What's to stop Jow Shmoe from buying all his gear as well as a compressor for his boat? Nothing. There are NO laws for diving without a liscence. Only laws against intoxication in public and the operation of any type of vehicle.

The surviving idiot can be sued by the deceased idiots family. Humf! would you like to know how I really feel? :livid: