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I thought with PADI the depth ratings were as followed:
OW - 60ft
AOW - 100ft
Deep Diver Specialty - 130ft
Once you have your c card and he had one he can go to 100ft.
Certainly not the best DM in the world but I haven't heard anything that the DM did or didn't do that directly caused this man's death. Perhaps the lack of training by the man's instructor but not the DM. Was this preventable? Probably. We still don't know what caused the death (strong downcurrent, equipment failure, physiological, training) so until we do, we can't place blame.
I'm kinda curious how the guy dropped to 346' and then ended up floating at the surface though. Did the man have a designated buddy or did he consider the DM to be his buddy? Did the DM know this? Who was the last person to see him alive and what did they see?
I get the feeling that this will be another case where we never really find out exactly what happened.
These are telling comments. It sounds to me like your divemaster was not particularly competent. Nevertheless, even an inexperienced diver is, at least theoretically, able to dive independently in the conditions he was certified in. He should not be relying on a divemaster to "keep him safe." If you are "taking your chances" by renting tanks and diving independently, then you should not be diving.These people were inexperienced that is the key. We were counting on him to keep us safe. If he doesn't then what is the point of having a DM? You might as well just rent tanks yourself and take your chances. They are there for your safety as well as a guide.