So I'm managing to walk OK at the moment which is encouraging. In terms of surgery - I would strongly like to regain full strength, but will see how I go with stability etc in a couple of months. My surgeon did advise that surgery was optional, and given that downhill skiing, tennis, squash etc are not on my must-do list that living without the acl might be a course of action, given the lengthy rehab time after surgery. In addition to the usual transplants, he has also done a large number of LARS reconstructions, which apparently has a much better recovery time, etc, etc.
Anyway, Doubler:
Questions?
What happens if a current kicks up during the dive?
What happens if a down current sweeps you over a reef?
What happens if the seas kick up while you are under? Large surf and the ladder is jumping out of the sea?
What if something happens to your buddy and she requires towing back to the boat!
You are putting both you and your buddy at risk. You said you have insurance use it and cancel the trip. The PI will be there next year. It ain't worth it IMHO.
Firstly, I REALLY appreciate the questions and being challenged on this. Thank you!
I've already discussed with her my own reservations around my ability to assist my buddy should we have problems, and I insist on having a third diver present. The plan already is to pay for a private guide on all dives, even shore/house reef type ones, and to make sure that guide understands that I'm expecting them to keep close and be ready for a rescue if either of us has issues. Not ideal, but an additional margin of safety. In terms of those specific scenarios, please understand that this is purely a thought experiment. I will really need to see how I go in the water to be better able to answer these. If it turns out I don't feel confident, well, honestly I'd rather be sitting on a beach watching my wife dive than sitting at home watching television. I can live with that. I can also live with sitting out more dives than I make, diving only when conditions and forecasts are benign, etc. However your point, of course, is that the best laid plans can go to hell, etc, and you're right. So, assuming I'm competent with a strong flutter kick from the hip (a straight line movement that the ACL should not greatly impact, but which I would consider a non-negotiable in terms of basic fitness to dive):
If the current can't be managed, I'd do what I would if caught in a current that I thought posed a risk at any other time. I'd thumb the dive, shoot a DSMB, and ascend normally with a stop.
Erk. But, I guess ditto to the above. Inflate, kick away from the wall (or crawl sideways along it or whatever). Get out of the current, re-establish buoyancy, calculate if new stops are needed if unplanned depths were hit, check how gas management is looking, and ascend super conservatively, extending stops where possible.
This one alarms me. I can see problems here. But with typical banka construction (these are terrible boats in big seas anyway - not like a RIB or larger dive boat - the sort of seas you are describing here they really, really try to avoid. I saw one take damage in about a 1.5m swell) I would try to hand my gear up on a rise, grab on to the ladder with both hands and at the least my good foot on a rise, and use moments when I was in the water to try to move up a rung and cling on when heaved out of the water. Crew would usually assist all exists even in calm conditions anyway, holding the tank valve etc. But I confess this is not a pleasant scenario as I'm seeing bits breaking off the boat too.
Again, if I can't manage a straight-leg kick with decent power I don't think I have much business being in the water anyway. Assisting my buddy back onto the boat, or pulling an unconscious buddy up onto dry land on a shore dive or whatever would really depend on how well I heal as to my abilities. Also, third safety diver/guide. Posing a risk to my buddy is something I take VERY seriously, and it's right you should mention it.
So those were interesting thought experiments. I guess I am encouraged by the mobility I am already gaining, but will really have to see how I go in the water before I have any idea how limited my diving is likely to be in two weeks.
I will definitely sit out dives if it looks like conditions will be choppy, and the local crews do seem to be well able to judge if wind is likely to pick up, etc, during the day. Mobility just on the boat itself is a real concern for me in that situation anyway. I don't want to be on a terribly unsteady deck full stop.
