Diver to diver etiquette

[Prostar]

We are, for the most part, a self regulating industry. When something like that comes up there a re a couple of things that could/should be done.
1. Talk to the DM and have him/her have a chat with the offender.
2. Put on your Deputy EZ 2000 hat and be the SCUBA cop. That is if you are comfortable having the chat yourself.
3. Point out the situation to a more experienced diver and ask them to watch on the next dive. They might feel more comfortable in the SCUBA cop role.

 

[Rick Inman]

Let me just come at this from another point of view (just to show another side)

...grabbed on the reef at every opportunity...

I wonder if he was having issues and needed some friendly help with his technique.

...came up with a very low amount of pressure in his tank (to the point of damage to the cylinder ...

Well, unless the tank was empty (14.7psi still in the tank) and the regulator was submerged... In other words, if there was even 50psi there would be no damage to the tank.

...and used a couple other techniques that bugged me, but were not really hurting anybody or anything.

If the techniques were not hurting anybody or anything, why should it bug you? What makes it even your business? If you felt you had something to help this diver, then you might offer, assuming you are a helpful fellow.

...I did not say anything to the diver directly...

But you did say something to others behind his back without even having the courtesy to approach him directly.

Mostly, if I have something to say to someone that might help him or her, I prefer to say it directly. I haven't always been perfect at this, but I would wish I could work toward that end. I prefer to dive a kit configuration and technique that has gotten me ridicule on vacations, along with snickers behind my back, etc (drysuit in warm water, frog kick, etc). If you have something to say about my diving, say it to my face. In fact, if you do it politely, we might both learn something.

Oh, and BTW, you might fill out your profile so that we can all see from what experience you judge. Interesting first post.

 

[vladimir]

came up with a very low amout of pressure in his tank (to the point of damage to the cylinder and making the crew upset)

How did low pressure damage the cylinder? If he breathed it down to zero at depth I suppose some saltwater might enter the valve, but if there was any air pressure at all left, I don't see how the valve stops excluding water. Even if water gets in, it hasn't damaged the tank until corrosion sets in, right? I can understand the crew being upset that he didn't have a safety margin and I can understand them being a little annoyed that they have to do a visual inspection on an empty tank, but I doubt he damaged the tank.

 

[RikRaeder]

I have a favorite technique for dealing with big shot talkers. If you think they:re deserving...stoke their egos a bit. Ask friendly questions designed to highlight their short comings/hypocrisy. In this example I would have widened my eyes and asked things like;
Geeze, is buoyancy control very important on wrecks? How important is air management while wreck diving? What do you think about those stroke divers who are always grabbing on marine life and kicking stuff?
Something like that. The trick is to keep a straight face, and not to overdo it. If the person really is a blowhard knownothing, they:ll usually take the bait and give you plenty of line to wrap them up in. If you encourage them, they:ll usually become progressively worse until even they finally figure it out. Of course, they probably won:t be buying you drinks after the dive, but some of the other divers might
Note, I advocate this approach for big mouths who have it coming, not for humble divers having skills problems. Of course, it:s a totally different story when I*M the egocentric blowhard.

I like the advice to challenge them to a buoyancy contest. Nice in theory but I:m not sure how praticable.

I think I:ve read some posts here about peoples: reactions to others messing with their gear. I think that could get out of hand really quickly.

 

[Deep-6]

My point is this, we are divers. We, are all we got down there. We are all supposed to look out for eachother down there. We should never create a situation where another diver is endangered or sent spiraling up to the surface in a panic. We should take that same sense of responsibility for eachother to the surface. Fish eater, you were right on the mark, my criticism was very restrained, even though I thought the advice given was horrible, I didn't feel the need to light the guy up.

 

[W8less]

People still dump their car ashtrays in parking lots and toss full baby diapers out onto roadways and I've never been able to understand that. Character/grace/courtesy are not prerequisites for being certified. There seems to be ONE of those guys/gals on every boat, in every class. Correcting another adults behavior is always dicey. Education is probably the most civilized route and money always talks the loudest. I'd turn it over to the Captain or DM and remind them that no one wants to pay good money to cruise a vandalized reef.

I also agree with the general sentiment on NEVER endangering another diver. I think attorneys would call that action assault. I wouldn't want to be planning my next dive vacation in 2015 from behind bars!!!!!

 

[Riger]

On a (very) recent trip to the Red Sea, our buddy trio witnessed a guy taking pictures of his girlfriend/partner at about 10m/30' on the coral. We were at the safety stop and watching this as he would grab the coral to get stable, go into a small hole in the coral to get a "framed" picture of her on the other side, but bashing the coral with his tank and fins all the while.

My first reaction was to go and slap the person there and then, however my more experienced buddy (who was an Instructor and DM in a previous life), told my wife and I to wait at 5m and watch (out for) him, he slowly descended in front of the photographer, and made (in the most relaxed manner) the following sequence of signs...

OK?/OK exchange
Hands Praying (Please)
Finger to head (Think)
Point to Coral
Point to Offender (you)
Fist to Hand a few times
Point to Cylinder and Fins and Hands
Point to Coral
Do the "NO!" wave with single Finger
Praying Hands (Please)
Point to Coral
Crying sign with fisted hands over eyes
Praying Hands.
OK?/OK exchange

The guys reaction was total apologetic and he moved away from the coral and took his partner/buddy with him.

I was impressed and the first thing I told him on the surface was that was totally not what I would have done. I am glad I saw that, because that is the way I feel it should be handled underwater.

By the same measure, topside discussion should have followed the same path using words instead, but in a soft caring and non-accusatory style in a two on one chat.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to cut a hose or rip off a mask, I think most of us feel that way, but when you stop and think about it, that poses a huge risk for us too, and I certainly cannot mitigate the risk of being locked up and away from my family.

Best Regards

Richard

 

[Deep-6]

Jupiter, you're cool dude. I don't disagree with you 1 single micro-iota. As a Paramedic, I've also carried my fair share of dead bodies due to another persons stupidity. But theres always something to be said about using tact. It has something to do with attracting more bees with honey, and in this instance, I feel we would all be better served if I reduced my chances of being ignored by being tactful. I sincerely hope that 300 Bars will re-evaluate his tactics for the safety of any of us who could end up on a dive charter with him. Moreover, I hope anyone who read that "tidbit" has the sense to realize the dangers associated with screwing with a fellow divers equipment.

 

[The Chairman]

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A ScubaBoard Staff Message...

A Failure to Communicate

Dear divers, no one on ScubaBoard or it's staff condones tampering with a diver's air or buoyancy for ANY reason: even in jest.

My apologies for any confusion this might have caused and I would suggest that we return back to the topic at hand, as stated in the OP. Thanks.

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[dumpsterDiver]

Can you mess with their gloves? Boss?