A lot of these are super situational
. Depending on the details of the issue and the people involved. Also, these sort of issues are exactly why the
"just culture" concept is being adopted in tech diving from the medical world. Basically, creating mutual respect and responsibility, fostering an environment where mistakes and potential issues can be discussed freely. Lots of good reading about it online.
Just Culture
* What would you do if your buddy started making fun of how much air you use?
Roll with it, pretty normal banter in my team. If it was some rando on a public boat I guess I'd brush it off, then tell them to eat a nice fillet of
Halichoeres bivittatus. If it was someone much better than me who I respect I might make a bunch of lame sad excuses and/or try to get their advice on improving.
* What would you do if another diver criticized your gear?
Depends how legit the criticism is. Notice something is wrong? Major thanks! Want to debate the size of pony bottle or tell me it's stupid to wear 4mm wet gloves in 38 degree water, fair game for debate, let's talk about it, maybe one of us will learn something. Stupid criticism of meaningless things (colors, d-ring count etc.) might not be so well received.
* What would you do if you saw something with another divers gear that you thought was unsafe?
I'd point it out. There's a responsibility to help the team, and no room for neglect in diving. Safety trumps awkwardness. Or maybe I wouldn't point it out, then I'd worry about that diver and regret it all day.
* What would you do if you overheard another diver on the boat bragging that they planned to do something they were cautioned against during the briefing?
That really depends. If it were only a risk to themself "I'm gonna dive this al80 to 150ft" or "I'm qualified, I'm going inside the forbidden wreck" probably nothing. If they're talking about messing with wildlife or acts that would harm others I might step in. Maaaaybe I'd discreetly mention it to the DM/captain and let them handle it, but I'm generally not a snitch. This one is super situational.
* What would you do if you were trying to change a setting on your dive computer and you and your buddy missed part of the DM pre-dive briefing on a boat dive?
This happens a lot. Ask the DM or a more attentive diver if it seemed important. Again safety > awkwardness. In a "just culture" environment there should be no shame in admitting a mistake, asking something, or saying something. That is the diving world we need to create, not the macho attitude of days past.