DevonDiver
N/A
...we usually have a simple plan, such as dive down to around 30m until one of us reaches 100 bar. Then slowly make our way up to the top of the reef, swim around at around 15m until we hit 50 bar, and then up a 5m safety stop. The boat captain usually gives us an hour.
I know this sort of planning is quite common practice, but it isn't really "dive planning". More like "computer flying" - because you're reactive to your dive computer determined NDL as the dive progresses.
Possibly, as this was my first such trip, my expectations may have been a little high.
It's one of the problems with diving in unknown/mixed-ability groups. If a group cannot be split into experience levels and/or divers aren't proactive to communicate/negotiate their own parameters, then the divemaster can only provide a standardized "one-size-fits-all" profile/schedule.
In some regions/sites, dives have to be supervised, in-water, by a divemaster, due to local legislation etc. That reduces flexibility for experienced divers even further - as it means they have to stay with the group/DM from start-to-finish on the dive.
Only the divemaster and I had computers or any type of timing device. The others did not even have watches. So basically, we had to make sure they were above us at all times.
By rights, they shouldn't even have been diving. However, necessary scuba equipment is 'agency recommendation', not a rule-of-law (in most regions). I've seen similar practices throughout Asia - lots and lots of divers hitting the water with nothing more than a depth gauge - relying absolutely on the divemaster for all dive profile control. Infrequent 'Holiday Divers' rarely have their own computer or dive watch. Dive centers don't insist on rentals (I don't know why?).
Thus, it's become commonplace for the DM to take total responsibility for those matters/functions. Not an ideal state-of-affairs... and one in which the divemaster soon becomes very cynical over the 'skill' and 'experience' of the customers they guide. The end result is the creation of the 'underwater nanny'... a divemaster who does everything for their customer divers... and, as a result, treats them with kid gloves and hyper-conservative profiles.
But surely if you are diving at a totally unfamiliar sight, you can not really plan your own dives?
Why not? What information would you be missing, that'd prevent you from calculating an NDL and approx gas consumption in advance?
Most of the input has to come from the divemaster who is experienced at the dive sites.
As mentioned before, they should (as a DM responsibility) provide an outline dive briefing. Something along the lines of a dive site map, with depths, hazards, point-of-interest and, possibly, recommendations (route, place for ascent etc).
If acting in the (separate) role of a dive guide, then they will lead a 'tour' underwater, so that customers can benefit from their local knowledge and ability to locate and identify items of interest to the customers.
What you 'see' underwater isn't the product of your core dive plan.. you should have your profile, depth, bottom time etc pre-agreed (with your buddy and the divemaster) before the dive.
I don't plan on filing a complaint. I think in future I will ask all the questions I think relevant, upfront prior to booking the trip.
THAT is definitely the answer!
Small, high-quality dive operations offer suffer from a lack of recognition for the services they provide. Quite often, divers book a dive operation based upon price or convenience - failing to investigate exactly what they'll get for their money.
IMHO, a good dive operation will provide sufficient staff to ensure small groups of approx equal diving capability/experience/qualification. They won't provide foreshortened dive profiles either. That might cost a bit more money though...