Arrogance and Annoyance

[InkDiver]

Today, while logging some cave dives, one of my buddies was approached by a guy who claimed to be a "dive master" and was looking for a buddy for some cavern dives. Buddy asked if he was cavern or cave certified and the guy said no, he was a dive master and that was enough. He said that overhead training was just another way for the agencies to make money. Buddy told him he really should have overhead training before he does the caverns, and also that park rules indicate that no lights can be carried by anyone unless they have cavern/cave cert. "DM" says just carry my light in for me. Buddy said, no way and got far away from the guy.

Now, let's assume that this guy was a DM. What an arrogant idiot. What in his DM training made him think he was qualified for overhead environments? Accident Analysis shows that those without overhead training that venture into overhead environments have a VERY high risk of not coming out in the same state as they went in (alive). I could see an OW diver who might not be aware of the risks thinking it was ok, but this guy was supposedly a "professional".

Personally, I don't give a rat's behind if he goes in there an doesn't come out alive. Stupid can't be fixed. However, his death would only serve to put access to the caverns and caves at risk for those who do have the training to exit safely.

If the guy wasn't a DM, we then he is double stupid, and like I said, stupid can't be fixed.

Anyhow, just really annoyed me.

To end on a positive note: if you are interested in learning more about diving overhead environments please check out:

Cave Diving Section of the National Speleological Society

National Association For Cave Diving

Global Underwater Explorers | Global Underwater Explorers

 

[fisherdvm]

Ignorant, stupid, or naive. I wouldn't call it arrogance. You could have had a nice talk with him about your equipment, details about your training, and things that prepared you for such a dive. Then perhaps explain to him why techniques and additional training might be good for anyone who ventured in such overhead environment.

I guess diving is somewhat of a risky sport, and some folks underestimates the risk of activities which seem safe in their estimate. Perhaps he might have done some of the cavern dives in Mexico, and have had some experience. But just doesn't want to pay for more training? And perhaps he does have such experience, but never got formally credentialed?

 

[Diver Dennis]

Aaaahhhh yes. I have run into a few of these types myself. Not only DMs but some Instructors who have maybe 50 dives, I'm not sure of the instructor requirements and think they know it all. No real experience but hey, they have the card...


His comment about being a DM so he is cave qualified is very telling.

 

[texdiveguy]

InkDiver..... I would try not to let it get under your skin and bother you to much....these types are just out there!

Your buddy did what was right and that is the important thing.

We all just need to be aware of those whom wish to dive with us....we have to ensure our safety first off, and then give wise comment to them in hopes to educate and prevent a bad situation.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

You meet all kinds at dive sites. Make for amuzing Surface Intervals.

Was the Guy's name Darwin?

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

his death would only serve to put access to the caverns and caves at risk for those who do have the training to exit safely.

Exactly right.

I have been calling "Cave Country" the Place where High Tech Meets Low Life, this incident certainly supports that idea.

 

[novicediver]

A little off topic but not much, are any of the FL springs open to recreational divers? I have no interest in going into any caves or caverns at this point but I do want to dive in some clear freshwater just for the sake of diving.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

A little off topic but not much, are any of the FL springs open to recreational divers? I have no interest in going into any caves or caverns at this point but I do want to dive in some clear freshwater just for the sake of diving.

There are several open to OW divers: Morrison, Vortex, Ginnie, Devil's Den, Blue Grotto are the ones that come to mind. There are more.

 

[InkDiver]

Also Manatee Springs, Blue Springs in Orange City, Alexander Springs, Troy Springs, and others

 

[Rick Inman]

Personally, I don't give a rat's behind if he goes in there an doesn't come out alive.

That's too bad.

Arrogance...

Um hum.....