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You cite 30 OOAs as an indication of low training standards. Can you tell us which agency teaches them not to frequently check their SPGs? Steve Berman, one of the most experienced divers in the country, OOAd. Was that an OW training standards issue? I find that odd because...

But Mike, it's a VIOLATION, not a low standard. How are we gonna make any gains if we can't even identify the argument. If the agency didn't care, there would be no apparatus for action.

How is this a training issue? Can you show me in the PADI manual where it teaches exceeding safe depthes, diving beyond your experience, and penetrating overhead environments without the proper training and equipment? Which chapter is that, exactly? Here's a flash for ya...

I get my numbers from DEMA, PADI and DAN. DEMA is the marketing agency that you once said was totally unaware of it's market. But for anyone who can see the bigger picture, it doesn't matter. You can plug in any numbers you choose, and the problem simply doesn't exist. You...

Keeping in mind that your "whopping" 30% OOAs you refer to is roughly 30 divers, out of millions of divers doing millions of dives, I fail to see what indicates a system wide problem. It's like saying that since we had -one- plane crash last year, we should re-evaluate the principle of...

Any numbers you choose bring the same conclusion. Only a MINUTE fraction of divers are injured or killed every year, lending no creedence to your theory that there's a systemwide failure endemic to lower standards. Speaking of pulling information out of thin air and posting it on the...

That's a stretch. The death rate is lower now than when these confidence building skills were employed. Thinking that you can teach someone not to panic in 8 (or whatever) pool and confined water sessions is also pretty nifty. Statistics show that 65% of diver deaths occur -after-...

I'd be an instructor in a minute if it paid anything. I dive with classes maybe fifty times a year, to keep my bill down at the shop. I just don't see the damage you apparently do. Statistics don't come close to baring out your argument. I mentioned once before that maybe it's your...

Based on what, "Blue Space"? You and "Jepuskar", flame kings of the moderated board... <snicker> Have you seen your picture, Dilbert? You need to butch up, dude.

You're still missing my point. Hundereds of thousands of divers are certified every year. Of the hundred that die every year, around 35 of them have been diving less than a year. And only a few of them die in an OW class. What "serious flaws" in the system are you indicating...

How many divers died in 1970? About 100. 1980? About 100. '90? about 100. Anyone wanna take a stab at 2000? I think that skill levels today are more a reflection on society in general, like divorce and crime rates. Spousal pressure is a biggie. I tell...

Go play in the street, little boy.

I dive with him all the time. Nice of you to assess his abilities with a keyboard. Hope your skills are as good as his. This isn't the first time you've banned him, or the fifth, and it won't be the last. With your attitude, I can see why (when you're a nice guy, nice things...

I'm completely speechless at your presumtions. "Completely and hopelessly flawed"? First, diving is an obnoxiously safe endevor, especially compared with other high risk sports like rock climbing and sky diving. Secondly, diving accidents and injuries have been in a steady per...

I usually don't dive with a buddy. Can you rent them? Seriously, you have to dive your dive, and let them dive theirs. You did what you feel you should have, good work. But they're grown-ups too, old enough to know the consequences.

I drove from East Tennessee to New York City to dive under the Marine Parkway bridge for about 40 minutes. Then I drove home. On a bet, someone else's. I was lending moral support.

I post my name, phone number and address all the time, and -dare- people to come and get me. If anyone sends me an abusive e-mail, I retaliate, and escalate. That aside, I can see why some would wish to remain anonymous, but they should understand that it takes longer for them to build...