Help an OW diver out.

[Divingaddict]

I read a comment that an OW diver was the "most dangerous thing in the sea," and I have some questions.

1. Are OW divers really that bad? Why?

2. What advice do you have for an OW diver so as to avoid being a "danger?"

Obviously, I am an OW diver, however, I am already enrolled in my AOW class and I plan on continuing through the instructor levels.

 

[Straegen]

I would need to read the context of that statement. It is true a diver is usually his own worst enemy and most accidents are from mistakes or panic. That is what they could mean but diving is a relatively safe activity. The safety factor is increased by seeking quality instruction and continued practice of essential safety skills.

 

[fisheater]

That was a bit of hyperbole.

If you know what you know and - more importantly - know what you don't know, you'll be just fine.

My advice is that, in addition to your continuing education, you get involved with a local dive club, one that has regular local dives and where you can find mentors to "show you the ropes."

 

[Divingaddict]

I would need to read the context of that statement. It is true a diver is usually his own worst enemy and most accidents are from mistakes or panic. That is what they could mean but diving is a relatively safe activity. The safety factor is increased by seeking quality instruction and continued practice of essential safety skills.

The statement was given from a CD to a student completing the instructor course, and I believe it was referring to the unpredictability of the OW diver.

 

[lowviz]

............ - more importantly - know what you don't know, you'll be just fine..........

That's the whole problem. My worst diving moments were nearly all in AOW, -for that very reason.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Unfortunately most OW divers don't recognize that they may be a danger to themselves and others. Reason being that they did not get taught all the risks there are or the techniques to deal with those risks. They did not get rescue skills (sorry tired diver tow is not a rescue skill in my book unless accompanied by other skills as well) taught to them in the OW class and usually don;t get any in the AOW class. I teach rescue skills in OW by agency requirements. I developed a dive that is nothing but rescue skills for my AOW class and it is not optional.

As an OW diver and as an AOW diver I hope you know a few things.
1. What proper buddy skills and position is.
2. How to assist your buddy in the event of a problem.
3. How properly weight yourself and get in trim without the guidance of an instructor.
4. How to control your buoyancy and trim and perform the basic skills neutral, horizontal, and in midwater.
5. How to plan a dive without the input of an instructor and when to start that planning.
6. That even on guided dives you need to have your own plan with your buddy so that if the guide does something you are not comfortable with you can abort the dive and return to the boat or shore.
7. That unless you specifically hire a DM or guide for the purpose their job IS NOT to keep you safe. That is entirely your responsibility.
8. That you can call a dive at any time and once you do it's over.


These are all things you should know as well as a number of others and is one of the big reasons I wrote my book. Too many divers are not getting this as well as other critical info and I wanted to do something about that.

 

[seaducer]

I read the line a little differently. Most people who think about the dangers one can face diving generally start with sharks and other creatures.

Statistically the majority of diving fatalities are caused by human error, not dangerous marine life.

 

[rhwestfall]

Unfortunately most OW divers don't recognize that they may be a danger to themselves and others. Reason being that they did not get taught all the risks there are or the techniques to deal with those risks. They did not get rescue skills (sorry tired diver tow is not a rescue skill in my book unless accompanied by other skills as well) taught to them in the OW class and usually don;t get any in the AOW class. I teach rescue skills in OW by agency requirements. I developed a dive that is nothing but rescue skills for my AOW class and it is not optional.

As an OW diver and as an AOW diver I hope you know a few things.
1. What proper buddy skills and position is.
2. How to assist your buddy in the event of a problem.
3. How properly weight yourself and get in trim without the guidance of an instructor.
4. How to control your buoyancy and trim and perform the basic skills neutral, horizontal, and in midwater.
5. How to plan a dive without the input of an instructor and when to start that planning.
6. That even on guided dives you need to have your own plan with your buddy so that if the guide does something you are not comfortable with you can abort the dive and return to the boat or shore.
7. That unless you specifically hire a DM or guide for the purpose their job IS NOT to keep you safe. That is entirely your responsibility.
8. That you can call a dive at any time and once you do it's over.

aow
These are all things you should know as well as a number of others and is one of the big reasons I wrote my book. Too many divers are not getting this as well as other critical info and I wanted to do something about that.

Thanks Jim! This is the perfect example of the "watered down" certification that is taking place through some agencies now. OW/AOW is purely marketing BS. Teach scuba the way it should be! It should be about education for safety, NOT $$$$ or time.

P.S. - I am currently reading your book - yep, whish you were my dive buddy! I think the early portions (I just finished the "choosing a shop" section) should be read by more than "new divers" as you describe your book. This should be read by all in the sport.

 

[RTee]

That was a bit of hyperbole.

If you know what you know and - more importantly - know what you don't know, you'll be just fine.

My advice is that, in addition to your continuing education, you get involved with a local dive club, one that has regular local dives and where you can find mentors to "show you the ropes."

...and dive within those limits

 

[Rich Keller]

I read a comment that an OW diver was the "most dangerous thing in the sea," and I have some questions.

1. Are OW divers really that bad? Why?

2. What advice do you have for an OW diver so as to avoid being a "danger?"

Obviously, I am an OW diver, however, I am already enrolled in my AOW class and I plan on continuing through the instructor levels.

The simple answer as far as I am concerned is more hours in the water. The only sport certification I have is OW and I went into commercial diving from there so I do not know what is taught in the rest of the sport courses after that but I have meet lots of divers who have taken one course after another and end up with some sort of advanced rating with very few hours in the water and it shows. I am sure there are things you can pick up from more training but they will be of little use if you are not comfortable with your gear and in the water. I would much rather dive with an OW diver that has logged a thousand hours then an AOW diver with fifty hours or less.