Disturbing trend in diving?

[Nemrod]

Don't be surprised if any generation of peoples ask the very same question about the younger generation

I often find it is the older divers who are "James, we just are not into the details " as I was told. They were my age or more, heck I was the junior diver among that crew. Well, it is not an exclusive club for any age.

 

[Pressurehead]

Somebody will do everything for you.

That's right Eric.
You know how it is today, you get one of these:
Sad but true.

 

[MB NZ]

OK, so everything is cool?
No worries or concerns?
Nobody needs to know anything about depth or time or how to use a computer or you don't even need a computer or a depth gauge or a timing device (silly me, if they don't even have a computer or much less know how to use it, what good would a depth gauge and timing device do?!)
Somebody will do everything for you.
Got it.
Thanks.

It's cool if you want it to be. Luckily it's not your CNS, lungs, inner ear, joints or life, so don't worry.

 

[Celt]

They don’t want to become divers, they want to see the sights on holidays. You can do it in a day trip with a guide and money.

 

[Scubagermany]

I have never been to Cozumel so I cannot say what happens there.
I do my diving mostly in the mediterranean and the red sea where I have never noticed such behaviour.
If I remember my dives I cannot remember EVER seeing anyone without a dive computer. Of course with 20+ people on a day boat I cannot say for sure.
As my significant other does not dive I alway get insta buddies and every one of them used a computer.

Since I have been certified for only 3 years I can tell you that I was taught how to use a table but the instructor told us that hardly anyone does that anymore and that it is normal and best to use a computer. I did a CMAS course though, not PADI or SSI.

In the VDST literature about diving the recommendation today is not to dive without a dive computer unless you cannot help it because it just broke down.

 

[Khoujo1]

I fully agree with the OP’s position on this. My wife, a very conscientious diver, went with family on a dive where this exact event happened. The guide said “just stay above me”; two of our family (newish to diving) went down without computers. My wife spent the entire dive watching and worrying because our computerless family would lose track of the guide and wound up 10-15 feet below him. I suppose that’s on them, but can see how getting mesmerized by your surroundings could lead to this inattention.

Regardless, given this is activity that relies on what amounts to LIFE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT being cavalier about any aspect of it is foolish and irresponsible. Nobody should be allowed to go down without a computer, SPG, octopus, etc.

 

[Centrals]

Nothing new whatsoever. Seen it many times.
Diver fault and the operator as well.
Really surprised not that many divers suffered the consequences.

 

[tr3a]

I have not observed what you are describing in all my travels, most divers are competent, some more than others.
These are all trips to much more distant locations. Cannot really judge Carribean diving, but of the times we have been there ( including czm ) most divers were adequate.

 

[34109411]

So, lately I've seen some things posted that have me raising my eyebrows a bit.
There have been a few stories posted about people relying completely on the divemasters or guides for their bottom times, NDL status, basic dive profiles. This seems to be in Mexico from what I gather but it might include some other locations.
The trend seems to be that these divers in question don't have computers or depth gauges/any kind of timing device and rely 100% on the divemasters to take care of them and keep them safe.
Is this a thing?

ahhh it s been going forever ! welcome to reality ! i lived in cancun, playa del carmen and cozumel from 2005 to 2008 you will have been shock my friend !

 

[arew+4]

OK, so everything is cool?
No worries or concerns?
Nobody needs to know anything about depth or time or how to use a computer or you don't even need a computer or a depth gauge or a timing device (silly me, if they don't even have a computer or much less know how to use it, what good would a depth gauge and timing device do?!)
Somebody will do everything for you.
Got it.
Thanks.

Very first dive was a resort course on St Thomas in 1990, the instructor was very good, the dive was beach dive, loop around the little aquarium. Did two more boat dives with the shop the next day. Came home and got certified. Knowing what I learned in certification, I probably would not have done the second two dives for sure. You don't know what you don't know until you learn it. Also you don't know what you like to you try it. I think there are many dives in many locations that are well suited for DSD dives, and other locations where this is a very bad idea.

There are lots of old guys on this board who learned to dive with their dad's or uncle's gear, a watch and depth gauge and 60-60 for tables.