Cayman Brac: Snorkeler and diver die in separate incidents

[Charlie99]

This is very unfortunate and very bizarre to have 2 incidents happen so closely together like this. There were 2 deaths very close together in Provo back awhile ago. Why do these seemingly random incidents get bunched up together like this?...very strange.

It might simply be that 2 deaths close together are newsworthy. The random, isolated, single death doesn't always get reported.

 

[MauiScubaSteve]

Got to really wonder what the scuba diver's disability was and did he have a private DM? I know a guy in Dallas who lost foot, went to the Caymans and hired one - did fine I hear.

The full time shore guide/instructor with the operator I work for has a prosthetic lower leg (well actually 3; dress, disk golf and diving). Prior to joining us nearly 2 years ago he was doing the turn and burn resort instructor/guide thing, after leaving his job at PADI HQ. He is our "any condition" Black Rock night guide nearly 90% of the time, which is no small hike to and fro the truck.

 

[DandyDon]

Sounds great Hale. The guy I referenced spent too many years as an alcoholic diabetic and we're kinda surprised he's still alive, but he's taking a little better care now.

 

[sweir]

Maybe it is time that divers have to have periodic physicals to maintain their certifications - every 10 years? I use my computer's nitrox standard when I dive on air. Maybe those of us approaching 60 could have a dial back feature on our computers, cutting bottom time by 5 percent per decade.

 

[Pliny]

I use my computer's nitrox standard when I dive on air..

Backward, no? More N2 from air than Nitrox means your computer underestimatesvyour nitrogen load therefore overestimates your RBT.

 

[DandyDon]

I use my computer's nitrox standard when I dive on air..

Backward, no? More N2 from air than Nitrox means your computer underestimatesvyour nitrogen load therefore overestimates your RBT.

Yeah, I think he got that backwards. Some dive Nitrox with computer set on Air.

I prefer to set my computer correctly, then make sure my slow ascents and stops get me back into the green zone before final ascent.

 

[ROMO DIVER]

Continuing certification physicals would be problematic for a number of reasons. Besides the simple logistics of keeping up with so many certified divers the medical aspects would be difficult. The screening criteria would have to be very extensive and expensive (which insurance would not cover) and involve such things as EKG's, treadmill stress tests and doppler studies since most of the problems are due to some type of vascular insufficiency secondary to blockage. Pulmonary insufficiency would have to be tested for with Pulmonary Function Tests which are also expensive. Neither of these would be easy to catch on a routine physical exam.

Nice idea but virtually impossible.

 

[DandyDon]

Yeah, I wonder how long I'll be fit to dive as I get on in years, but I try to be reasonable and honest. If I die diving, DAN will ship me home for free and my daughter has my letter. I'd rather die living than not bother with life.