Almost died today--Any captains out there???

[trigfunctions]

I know afternoon storms come up really fast but when I go out with my buddies this type of thing never happens, and we always keep an eye out on the radar to see what is coming. We would never leave out divers down there. When I go out on a charter I leave that responibility to the captain which I guess I shouldnt.

Based on your observations of the weather conditions at the time of the second dive, did you think it was safe to dive? Obviously you did, because you dove. What could the captain have seen that you didn't?

 

[ONESPEED]

Why not? You can always unclip if they do something really stupid.

I don't like it, when bad stuff starts happening unclipping can be easier said then done.

 

[ONESPEED]

And you're assuming it's clipped on both ends, tethering is really, really bad advice, especially for new divers in a potential panic situation.

 

[waterwarrior]

Location was Palm Beach County on a drift dive if that helps, we were on a ledge in like 65-75feet of water I don't want to mention the dive shop or charter because they are generally a very ligetimate place that I would like to go again, just wish the captain would keep a better eye on the weather next time.

 

[DandyDon]

Mine has hand loops and either diver can turn lose easily. Each to his own, but I want to make sure I stay with my buddy.

 

[SEMO Scuba]

Blueanchor,
I can understand as a fairly new diver myself that it was a scarey experience for you. I can understand you feel that the captain was negligent. I can understand those things but I don't agree with them.

Many of the folks that have posted replies have hundreds of dives from years of diving. Sometimes they can be a bit brutal. But they are right. It is usually a new diver pushing their comfort level that causes their own problems. You pushed your comfort level by starting a dive with surface conditions that you weren't comfortable with. The viz at depth was less than you expected which increase your level of discomfort. Your discomfort caused panic, and your panic resulted in calling the dive. Panic put you and your buddy alone at the surface.

The main thing that I think you did wrong was in calling the dive without alerting the dive master. Had you alerted the dive master he/she might have helped calm you down and you may have been able to finish the dive without incident. If he/she could not help you gain your composure they may have called the dive and had the whole group surface.

I don't mean to pile on but you need to take a step back and look at your self. Consider taking low viz / night dive class and/or other classes to further your knowledge and skills. Perhaps you would benefit from getting more dives in inland waters or shore dives before you hop back in the open ocean from a dive boat. Your own confidence in your ability will help you to manage your discomfort. Managing discomfort will relieve your panic. Panic can get you or another in serious trouble.

 

[ONESPEED]

Mine has hand loops and either diver can turn lose easily. Each to his own, but I want to make sure I stay with my buddy.

Perhaps, but you are recommending something without stating that, you pictured one with a clip on one end and a loop on another, I could easily see a newbie securing the loop on one end and clipping the other. When giving that kind of advice you really need to be careful.

 

[JeffG]

Mine has hand loops and either diver can turn lose easily. Each to his own, but I want to make sure I stay with my buddy.

Thats a buddy line, not a Jon line.

 

[svs]

Thank you waterwarrior for clarification. I guess next time it will help to stay near the float/dive flag. In this case if for any reason you'll find surface scarier then the bottom you can always drop back.

 

[DandyDon]

<-----< Corrected.

A nice guy who posted here for years made it for me when I asked where to get a Jon line. I stand corrected.