Taking a non certified salty as a buddy

[Kaliber35]

There is a family member of mine that has grown up in SoFlo and has been diving since 15. He is now about 40. He goes all the time and has 100's of dives with no problems. I invited him to join me and he said that Id have to get his air as he isnt certified. He says he cant justify the expense. Honestly, I would trust him after talking scuba for an hour he seems as safe as I am. We discussed tables, deco, narc....it all. He really does know it all.

The question is: Would you take him?

Lets open all the legal/moral/standard/principle debates. Lets get all the principle people arguing with all the evilwormer types

 

[Thalassamania]

I'd dive with him a lot sooner than I'd dive with many "certified" divers.

 

[Cave Diver]

Lets get all the principle people arguing with all the evilwormer types

 

[HowardE]

Maybe he should find a different place to fill tanks?

If he was my friend, and I knew his experience was real (and not made up), but he never got a card (which does happen quite a bit in Florida) i'd dive with him.

 

[Kaliber35]

Me too. lol

 

[christo651]

Is this a one time dive or possibly a new dive buddy? A one timer I would only dive with him if he could provide his own air, I am not going to help someone circumvent a safety "rule". If this person is going to dive with me frequently then I might offer to help with the cost to get certified, in some barter type way. It would be even more important due to being a family member

 

[Sooners]

:nailbiter:

:blessing: in case it gets dirty

 

[Cave Diver]

Give him a gift certificate to LDS for lessons for birthday/ Christmas, whatever.

 

[Garrobo]

I dove with a newby who had only a couple dives after being certified. If I did that I surely would dive with you buddy. Tell him to buy a wild-assed paintball t-shirt and then take his tanks in for a fill.

 

[ptyx]

If his experience is real, go for it.

...but keep in mind it is hard to tell the difference between someone with real experience and a really good bull****ter until it's too late...