Dive boat accident involving Dive tech and Cathy Church boat

[caydiver]

In some ways it is nice that there was not a rush to judgement. However sadly no one will be made whole. It was an accident that could have been avoided but by whom? Hindsight is indeed a magical tool. I have certainly used it. Anyone else out there? The whole thing is just plain sad for all involved. For all those who loved some freedom and still had protection in your diving, Miss Church May have been one of your biggest advocates. For those who don’t understand why prices are high for boat dives, look into insurance coverage and see what you think. For wonderful dive ops like Divetech, look at what they face to repair their boat for an incident that was totally avoidable given the right circumstances. In another thread we are all freaking out about a 71 year old who is losing some insurance coverage diving. What does that say about a 73 year old captain on a commercial boat? I am 10 years behind. I know many captains that I would trust in the worst conditions, but who is to say when to plug it. When to take your right to pilot, dive or even drive your car away? I am not sure that there is any justice in this situation. It was truly unfortunate.

 

[Joneill]

In some ways it is nice that there was not a rush to judgement. However sadly no one will be made whole. It was an accident that could have been avoided but by whom?

Seriously??? It could have been EASILY avoided by Cathy Church!!!! You NEVER leave the helm of a running boat. NEVER! I’ve owned and operated boats for many years and that is basic safety 101 stuff.

From what has been stated her actions amounted to gross negligence! Thankfully, it ended with no physical injuries to others - it could have ended with many injuries and deaths. No sympathy from me in this situation.

 

[caydiver]

I am wondering if age played into her lack of judgement that is all. She certainly was at fault but her gross negligence seems out of place for someone who has so many hours on the water with seemingly no other such incidents. If age is a factor how will it affect all of us going forward? It is incredible that no one got hurt and I suppose that is the only upside. We all know the rules, just seems very odd that someone who also is well versed in the rules and who has seemingly followed them, lost the plot. It is scary for all of us getting up there in years.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

I am wondering if age played into her lack of judgement that is all. She certainly was at fault but her gross negligence seems out of place for someone who has so many hours on the water with seemingly no other such incidents. If age is a factor how will it affect all of us going forward? It is incredible that no one got hurt and I suppose that is the only upside. We all know the rules, just seems very odd that someone who also is well versed in the rules and who has seemingly followed them, lost the plot. It is scary for all of us getting up there in years.

Knowing the rules and following them are two different things.

This is along the lines of the first time someone gets charged with a DUI. What’s more likely...this is the first time she left the helm unattended while the boat was moving along or this was the first time she got “caught?”

It’s a big ocean. I think you’d be shocked to know how often people leave the boat motoring along while they depart the helm to do ‘x’.

 

[caydiver]

I like that better than thinking the gray cells were wearing out. I am still puzzled why if she was not alone someone else didn’t notice. If they were going diving there should have been a staff member to do surface watch. They should have noticed something was amiss.

 

[Bob DBF]

I am still puzzled why if she was not alone someone else didn’t notice. If they were going diving there should have been a staff member to do surface watch. They should have noticed something was amiss.

If one runs a loose ship, eventually something happens... This would be one place I wouldn't cringe for someone bringing up normalization of deviance.

Personally, I consider myself a lookout anytime I step aboard a boat, if my childhood on the water didn't teach me enough, the Chiefs in the Navy made it clear in my mind. If anyone wants to learn anything from this, anyone that was on that boat could have raised the alarm, if they considered themselves a lookout. This doesn't excuse the skipper, but could have averted the collision. As the Chief told one sailor that didn't get it, "It isn't like like your part of the ship won't sink with the rest". (I did delete the expletives)


A sad and unnecessary occourance.

Bob

 

[Doctorfish]

This whole event is surreal. No one at the helm, an experienced captain plowing into a moored vessel and then a 5 month delay in laying a charge. If I were an investigating police officer, I would have started with alcohol and drug testing followed by a full neurological exam.

There is a very large missing piece to this story. Maybe it will come out in the courts.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

This whole event is surreal. No one at the helm, an experienced captain plowing into a moored vessel and then a 5 month delay in laying a charge. If I were an investigating police officer, I would have started with alcohol and drug testing followed by a full neurological exam.

There is a very large missing piece to this story. Maybe it will come out in the courts.

As an investigator, that’s what you’d do...If you wanted a thorough investigation and all details to be made part of the public record.

If that isn’t what you want...you just do what they did.

 

[KathyV]

Is the DiveTec boat back in service yet?

 

[caydiver]

Divetech bought a new boat shortly before the incident. They may never be made whole. I have problems with this discussion. Firstly my background a long time ago was with a top tier NY-International law firm. Granted we did not have a marine partner. I have only met Miss Church at a handful of watersports meetings. She kept her mouth shut until she had something to say and honestly seemed on point especially from a diver point of view. I hadn’t never really dealt with her except Christmas presents (lens for the kid) and was very impressed with her knowledge and love for diving. That said I deal with Divetech every month. They are so awesome. They are competitors but if I had to send customers elsewhere I would send them there in the drop of a hat. There are ops that get all mentioned time and time again that have terrible reputations locally but who is to judge. You have a good experience and that’s all good. Most folks here are probably good divers. For all you Solo divers our there good bye to someone who actually supported them I am saying goodbye to a remarkable lady I barely one I knew but was the voice of reason in many meetings and who certainly fvcked up, but was noteworthy in our industry. I cannot help to feel sad for Divetech and for her and for everyone else who drinks the Koolaid. I resent comments like kangaroo court and up dates from someone who comes once a year during low season. This is my home, these are my colleagues and some deserve more respect than others, but shouldn’t there be common decency before all the negative commentary?