Scuba
Contributor
I fully believe that every diver is responsible and accountable to himself and those near and dear him/her for his safety. Irrespective of social norms and taboos in existence at this time in the dive community, it is up to every diver to determine what risks he deems acceptable for himself. Where, when, and in which type of diving he is willing to take these risks is not for others to decide when it doesnt involve them. Barring significant evidence demonstrating that solo diving is a form of diving that can not be safely practiced by well trained and equipped divers, the arguments against it become justifiable only as a matter of personal choice. However, many do not present it as such. Instead, they present a general condemnation of solo diving, arguing that it contradicts a basic tenet of safe diving - that it is safer to dive with a buddy. Yet, this claim only holds true under specific circumstances and comparisons - and not universally across the general spectrum of diving. The unjustified stigma created by some leads to a climate where open discussion is obstructed. This actually hinders the creation of avenues that would otherwise become available in a climate of openness and acceptance. One view, even when paved with good intentions, obstructs dissemination of information, the learning process, and safe avenues in which to learn and practice. The other view tends to make available the information, courses, and community avenues necessary to increase safety. Demand for such will prosper to a greater extent without obstruction, not currently the case. With increased demand, the old barriers will be broken down. I think this is happening now.
New divers are taught to never dive beyond their abilities. To never enter an overhead environment or engage in mandatory decompression diving without a minimum of experience, proper training and equipment. They are told that once they gain experience in open water diving, there are courses available to safely train them to engage in cave, wreck, and deep diving. Yet, when it comes to solo, they are mostly told to never engage in it or it is simply not mentioned. Nonetheless, many totally unprepared recreational divers practice it.
I believe it would be an asset to the dive community, and specifically to the members of this forum, to have available a board category for the discussion of Solo Diving. Just like those so many others have, including cave and wreck diving. A sub category of technical diving for solo diving would be most appropriate. This would foster a climate for an open discussion of ideas for those who practice this type of diving. It would also offer a source, that would hopefully provide more balanced information, to those interested in this type of diving. An open discussion of the risks and rewards of solo diving, without the stigma, may likely result in increasing safety for this type of diving. It will warn some away from it. Inform others on how to safely approach it. And enhance the understanding and practices of those partaking in solo diving through information sharing.
There is always the fact that some will misuse and mis-apply information. As well the fact some will present a limited and biased perspective as though it were the whole. This takes place on every topic here. The more others are encouraged to openly present their points of view for critical review on a subject, the more comprehensive a specific and overall understanding of it becomes for most.
I see the creation of a Solo Diving discussion area as a net positive development.
What do you think and why?
New divers are taught to never dive beyond their abilities. To never enter an overhead environment or engage in mandatory decompression diving without a minimum of experience, proper training and equipment. They are told that once they gain experience in open water diving, there are courses available to safely train them to engage in cave, wreck, and deep diving. Yet, when it comes to solo, they are mostly told to never engage in it or it is simply not mentioned. Nonetheless, many totally unprepared recreational divers practice it.
I believe it would be an asset to the dive community, and specifically to the members of this forum, to have available a board category for the discussion of Solo Diving. Just like those so many others have, including cave and wreck diving. A sub category of technical diving for solo diving would be most appropriate. This would foster a climate for an open discussion of ideas for those who practice this type of diving. It would also offer a source, that would hopefully provide more balanced information, to those interested in this type of diving. An open discussion of the risks and rewards of solo diving, without the stigma, may likely result in increasing safety for this type of diving. It will warn some away from it. Inform others on how to safely approach it. And enhance the understanding and practices of those partaking in solo diving through information sharing.
There is always the fact that some will misuse and mis-apply information. As well the fact some will present a limited and biased perspective as though it were the whole. This takes place on every topic here. The more others are encouraged to openly present their points of view for critical review on a subject, the more comprehensive a specific and overall understanding of it becomes for most.
I see the creation of a Solo Diving discussion area as a net positive development.
What do you think and why?
