How should I prepare for the possibility of being left behind?

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Reports coming here on Scubaboard now and then..

Some equipment that can be good is
SMB
Whistle
Light
Mirror
Other noise signaling device

But mainly, a good dive plan that is communicated to the captain, using guides whenever it is new waters and being generally careful and dont dive in conditions you cannot master like streamy conditions etc.
 
The original thread seems to have been deleted. What happened?
 
:idk: litigation avoidance?
 

Nah, this doesnt happen often, pretty much why its the number 1 thread around this week. Be assured it can happen on any boat regardless of how safety minded the boat is, mistakes can be made and often in our activity it becomes traumatic. As martinskarin posted prepare yourself to take care of yourself in the unlikely event this happens to you.

As for the operation in discussion here, they are probably one of the safest around and relying on a system they have used successfully for decades, a mistake was made and fortunately turned out the recipients of that mistake came home safely. If you are a diver of RJ's you will most likely see a different approach to accountability of divers from here forward. Make no mistake, it is never acceptable to return to the dock with less bodies that you took out, its a numbers game in the end, the more you cattle the more likely someone will fall off the cart.
 
If the boat has a lot of people on it- then it would never hurt to ask another diver to make sure you are on the boat before they leave the site and you do the same for them. I think 30 people on a boat is too many- not just because this happened but because it makes the dive site too crowded- so generally I recommend a boat with no more than 18 divers on it.

Also, I recommend in additon to what has already been mentioned that you carry a strobe light with you- not just a light. I don't know what an SMB is- but if it is a sausage- you should always carry one anyway. In this case, I think it was helpful.

That said, this is a rare occurence. I am wondering why no one who works for the boat noticed their stuff was still on board after everyone else got off. Everyone at least has sandals, shorts, sunglasses etc and when the boat still has unclaimed stuff on it at the dock- that should have, IMHO. also raised a concern.
 
Private pilots constantly practice and prepare for an engine out landing. It doesn't happen very often but knowing what to do IF the engine stops makes pilots safer. If you are diving from a boat, whether a private or commercial one, and are not prepared to survive if the worst happens, then you are not really prepared to be diving from a boat.
 
The best preparation against being left behind is for everyone to notice you're not back on board. So...

Be *really* memorable on the dive boat.

Tell awful jokes.

Forget to wear a swim suit under your civvies so you have to suit up in your whitey-tighties.

Sign the release form 'Jack Cousteau', then complain loudly when they make you change it. Now that'll be your "boat nickname" and you're no longer anonymous.

Brag about your Doria dives. Then hook up your BC with the tank on backwards.



The boat'll never leave you behind, they'll just wish they had.
 
Many of the left-behind accidents that I've read about occur with one diver (unlike this current story). If you stick with your buddy and follow your dive plan, then you should likely be fine. As well, making sure that at least one other buddy pair knows about you two is recommended, and you can maybe stick in a group of two buddy pairs.

I carry a whistle, light, and an inflatable tube, though many carry more safety gear.
 

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