Can I dive with a buddy who isn't certified?

[themagni]

Dad,

No, I can't take you diving.

I want to dive with you. I think we'll have a good time. I asked a lot of people about what to do, since you haven't had the time to get certified. Everyone, from experts to beginners, all said that it was way too dangerous. I wouldn't take you skydiving or motorcycling without training.

I've got the skills to take care of just myself now, and even then, I will rely heavily on my buddy. If you don't know how to share air or how to read hand signs, then you can't help me and I could die. If I forget to tell you something important, then you could die.

Diving is only safe when you follow the procedures. If you deviate from the norm, then there's a good chance that we're both going to die. If you want to dive with me, you'll have to find the time - like I did - to take the classes.

Besides, if you don't have the time to take the classes, you don't have the time to dive. A 30 minute dive will take about 3 hours of pre and post dive preparation and cleanup.

 

[tc]

There are some very short classes out there, online courses are available from SDI and maybe others where he could do the classroom portions when he has the time and then complete the pool and open water work with a qualified instructor.

It's not hard to do and does not take a lot of time, why risk the potentially deadly consequences?

 

[In10se]

I wouldn't do it. It's not a matter of a passport or special license, but a matter of life and death. Without the proper training and support during the first moments he will be in the water he may very well die there. IF he survives, and you have an issue he cannot help you with and you die ... how will that impact him? Can you imagine the horror of being there while your child dies and not being able to stop it?

At dive number 21 I had some water in my mask that went down my nasal passage into my throat causing me to have a serious coughing spasm lasting about 15 or 20 seconds. Even at dive number 21 it was still an intimidating experience, and I cannot imagine that experience on my first dive. You, as my dive buddy, would have been no help to me since it was the involuntary muscles of my respiratory system taking control. Really, as a new diver you would probably have lacked the experience to even know HOW to handle a drowning buddy, and coughing water in and out at 40' of depth = a drowning buddy. Now imagine your dad is seeing you have this same trauma and ask yourself what he would naturally think to do? Bolt to the surface with you both ...

Look for a discovery dive session in your area if you have to go diving ... or go find the best sunset view in your area and enjoy a tasty picnic. Take a few pictures with dad in front of the sunset so you can share the moment with his great grandkids long after he's passed.

Just my II sense.

What ever you decide to do with dad, I hope the moment is a special and memorable occasion

 

[kkgodiving]

There are no scuba police. Use your best judgment and make a decision that you can live with if something goes wrong.

I could give you my opinion on this, but it's not my safety that's at risk, so my opinion really isn't worth much. Do you feel OK relying on an uncertified diver as your dive buddy?

I second this. There is no scuba police and your are your best/worst enemy uw.

 

[Splitlip]

Normally I would say know everybody's limitations and let your conscience be your guide. There are no scuba police. But you are too new yourself to take on an uncertified diver. DO NOT even consider it.

You as a new diver IMO, really need to be diving with somebody more experienced for 25 dives or so. Not trying to take a less experienced diver in the water, let alone one with no training.

You know, the fact that you asked the question tells me you know the answer.

 

[Missdirected]

Thats just crazy

wow...why even ask unless you like to get beat up???

1) as already asked... Are you that good (or that...), that you don't need a reliable dive buddy?
2) you want to risk your Dad's life and pain if anything even small happened?

Why not get him involved in a Intro. type class and join him? Then the liability is on the instructor, not you... and you both can enjoy that bonding time with less stress?

Dive safe and enjoy!!!!!

If you can live with what could happen, do as you wish. As it was stated as above, there is no scuba police... But I think it is in your best interest to think long and hard about it, obviously you doubt yourself because you posted a question to ask others. IMHO I would never do it.

-Tony

and my opinion is that its crazy

holy crap!

deep breath

Darwin comes to mind

have him get more insurance---that'll make one of you happy......

People, :w-t-f:?

Some of these responses I could respect, in the advanced diver section that is. Attacking a newbie that has asked for your advice/thoughts/perspective? How incredibly rude. Clearly he felt uncomfortable, for some reason, as some of you noted, but instead of relating/encouraging this person that came to you and helping him understand his doubts, you the members of SB chose to surpass the opportunity to teach and instead tear him apart!?!?!?!?!??!? Why? :sad: This is bad form, IMO. Be for real, none of us started out perfect, if you did please let me know, I will post a thread in your honor.

Seriously, try remembering this is a new diver/dive buddy and your "job" is to help him, not run him off. Lead by example. Share your insight. Help him to become a knowledgeable and safe diver. Not one that is terrified to post on SB because of the bs he might receive and not one that quits because he can't trust his peers here on SB.

In the end, I'm just asking you to think how you would feel, if say you were on to your next level, and people attacked you for the questions you might have. Do you really think that is going to help you grow as a diver? Wouldn't you like to feel free to post the "silliest" questions?

One thing I found most thought provoking while reading this thread, is most that attacked, are pretty new divers themselves.... If this is the example SB has shown you, my sincere apologies. We should, as a whole, strive to do better.

 

[Hoyden]

Your local dive shop should offer some type of discover scuba experience. This is generally only a couple of hours and would give your dad a chance to try out scuba safely and under professional supervision. If he does this and likes it, I am sure that he can find a class that will fit his schedule. He could do the course work on-line at his convenience and then if he can't find pool and open water sessions that work for him, he could always do private lessons. Where there is a will, there is a way. If by any chance you are local to the DC area, PM me and I'll do a discover scuba class for him at no charge.

Jackie

 

[Slugrusher]

Well, when you get to Mexico or wherever you are planning. Keep in mind, if they rent him all the equipment without so much as a class. I'd turn and run. What do you think their safety policies are? Rescue? Will there be one?

A friend of mine talks about a trip to Cozumel, 28 years ago. He went through the short resort course (I'd at least recommended this for your father). The boat left him at the reef about 1 mile from shore. He was picked up by a passing catamaran booze cruise. He sliced the BC and sent all the gear to the bottom in response.

 

[NadMat]

I will add something a bit different. There is no problem diving with an uncertified diver, as long as they are experienced, knowledgeable and safe. Some people trained before 'certifications' and have been diving without a 'c-card' for decades. A c card (especially some of OW weekend courses) does not tell you that this person is experienced, knowledgeable or safe, just that at one point they took a class and didn't fail.

That said, It does not sound like your dad has any previous training or experience, and I recommend that you either get him certified or stick with a discover scuba type of dive with an experienced DM or instructor at y'alls side to allow him to try out diving before certification. Have fun and be safe!

 

[ReefHound]

I'll focus on another point. Is your dad pushing you to take him diving or are you trying to convince your dad to go diving with you? It's hard to believe he doesn't have the time for an OW course, especially a private one. Few people are that busy. Most often when someone "doesn't have the time" it means it's just not a big interest or priority in their life. So my philosophy is that if you don't have the time to do something right then you don't have the time to do it at all.