RadRob
Contributor
garyfotodiver:Good. Tell that to the Senior PADI instructor who took her to 70fsw on her third check-out dive. The depths you quoted are recommendations only, not Federal or State Law. There is risk in everything we do. Our job is to analyze said risk and determine whether it is acceptable or not. If I choose to take my daughter to the Sea Emperor wreck off Boca Inlet once or twice a year, that is my decision. Give me credit for some intelligence and that I have considered the risk involved.
Gary - I don't think anyone was questioning your intelligence. You are free to take your daughter wherever you want (until authorities think you are guilty of "child endangerment"). I would just think about the possibility that the certification agencies and the people who conduct research may know more than me. If they say they don't know how the depth affects a growing person, I might take heed the warning and not take my son below that. Not saying you have to abide by their "recommended" depths for yourself (I have gone well below the recommended depth myself, been diving for 10 years, in all conditions), but why chance affecting your daughter's well being and future at this point? Stunting growth of important organs, or the affects of pressure on their brains, ears, joints, etc... There will be plenty of time for her to do the deep stuff when her growth slows or stops. Until a conclusive research is done on younger divers to give you the "proof" you need, I would also have to agree with Biscuit. My child's body and well-being are the most important thing to me, as I am sure yours is to you, so it isn't something I would mess with.
And this isn't a personal bash on you, just my opinion.