Qnape
Contributor
Yes, they are technically responsible for their own actions. HOWEVER, as they went out with a "guide", or Dive Master/Instructor of some form in a location that they were not familiar with AND as part of a PAID package; the leads are responsible for ALL their divers and to in force the rules/regulations to make sure everyone is safe and comes back home alive.
Nothing "technical" about it. Scott, if you have not already done so, you may want to read this sticky.
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/ne...ering-diving/283566-who-responsible-what.html
You will find that the role of DMs / leads / guides or whatever will vary tremendously from region to region, while the person truly responsible is always the diver. Ultimately it matters not to whom blame is assigned if harm comes to the two young divers in this video or to any diver. The diver(s) and their family pay the price, and only the diver truly has the ability to ensure it does not happen by getting trained for the dives they perform, and applying that training in the field.