CDS Board Unanimously Approves Cave Diver Supervisor Program

[Jim Lapenta]

I think one thing that may help is that it is a free service. Is there the possibility of someone's ego coming into play? Possibly but the fact that no money is supposed to change hands will keep some quick buck entities from sticking their greedy palms out.

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[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Is there the possibility of someone's ego coming into play?

Will you explain your question?

 

[Jim Lapenta]

Hypothethical scenario where a mentor takes on more than they can handle. Unlikely here. Better chance of a shop/agency trying to make quick buck by offering program as a paid workshop/guided tour type deal. But publicizing it extensively reduces the chances of that.

We have seen more than a few scenarios where an untrained diver inflated their skills and knowledge. One is still missing. Imagine a new cavern diver impatient to move up running into him in a bar. Starts talking about this program. We'll call mr bigshot, oh Bob. Bob says yeah I am one of the mentors for that. Really? Can you take me to xyz? Sure. What time do you want to meet?

Just another reason to clearly state what the program is, who is qualified, and how to get in touch with them. Nothing more than good risk management. I have seen too many butt heads do too much stupid stuff, that I try to imagine worst case scenario and then do whatever possible to head it off.

So no real question. Just something to watch out for as you implement this program which I think is great.
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[Capt Jim Wyatt]

Hypothethical scenario

Good points. We have a plan to prevent this from happening. The supervisor will be issued a c-card from the NSS-CDS stating s/he is a cave supervisor. This card expires annually.

The supervisor will be required to actually look at the person's c-card to make sure the level of certification.

The deal will be: You show me yours & I'll show you mine. (C-Card that is)

 

[TSandM]

This sounds wonderful -- but you do say that the mentor will be insured. Is the person doing the mentoring paying for his insurance to do this free activity, or is somebody else buying it? I know my DM insurance isn't cheap.

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

This sounds wonderful -- but you do say that the mentor will be insured. Is the person doing the mentoring paying for his insurance to do this free activity, or is somebody else buying it? I know my DM insurance isn't cheap.

The Supervisor buys his/her own insurance. Compared to your malpractice insurance it is dirt cheap. My instructor liability insurance is $600/year. I suspect this DM insurance will be in the $350/year range.

 

[syntaxerrorsix]

The Supervisor buys his/her own insurance. Compared to your malpractice insurance it is dirt cheap. My instructor liability insurance is $600/year. I suspect this DM insurance will be in the $350/year range.

I believe the intent of the questions was, "Why would I feel the need to carry DM insurance if I can't recoup the cost by charging for my services."

I could be wrong..

 

[Capt Jim Wyatt]

I believe the intent of the questions was, "Why would I feel the need to carry DM insurance if I can't recoup the cost by charging for my services."

I could be wrong..

Many people donate their time and money to worthwhile causes with no expectation of recouping the cost. It is these people that will participate in the program.

 

[chrpai]

I guess I was lost during the transition from "cool free mentoring program" to "know your paid guide is certified"...

I'm not a cave diver. I do mentor recreational divers. Call me selfish but I don't want to spend $$$ to become a DM and then $$$ annually for insurance... while I don't ever expect anything but personal enjoyment out of these dives, I don't want it to cost me anything either.

Assuming there are those who would, is there an insurance carrier lined up to underwrite for this program?

 

[JamesK]

I guess I was lost during the transition from "cool free mentoring program" to "know your paid guide is certified"...

I'm not a cave diver. I do mentor recreational divers. Call me selfish but I don't want to spend $$$ to become a DM and then $$$ annually for insurance... while I don't ever expect anything but personal enjoyment out of these dives, I don't want it to cost me anything either.

Assuming there are those who would, is there an insurance carrier lined up to underwrite for this program?

Well, with all do respect, some folks are not that selfish. Also, the cave diving community is MUCH smaller then the OW community. It can be hard as a new cavern or intro diver to find an experienced buddy who is willing to dive at that level. Most buddies are found by posing on CDF , hey I need a buddy. That can be a very scary task. Who are you diving with!? I dive with lots of Intro divers. I do so because I know how it is to be an intro diver and not be able to find anyone to dive with.

I do not see this as a guide program as much as I see it a mentoring program. I see it as help for those people who want to get to the next level in cave diving and want to do so safely and with a competent buddy that can help teach them the standards they will be expected to dive to at that next level. The people who want a guide to take them on a double stage scooter dive to the Hinkle are not the ones who are going to need this program. The ones who are new and not local and not able to dive a few weekends a month like some of us are and want to work on running a reel, or gear configuration are the ones this will help!

I am 100% behind this program. I myself am going to try to be one of the first to be tested out. It is not about the money to me. It is about helping those who want to seek it in a safe manner.