Diving in a line of pairs

[Anthony Appleyard]

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/crocodile

I once read about a large group of novice divers diving in a line-ahead of pairs (sometimes this formation is called a "crocodile", see this link). How often do divers adopt this formation, and in what circumstances?

 

[Steve_C]

If I see it, I swim the other direction. I don't do groups of more than 4 on fun dives. My preference is 2 or 3.

If we do have a foursome, we split into two buddy pairs. We may have a lead pair if say one diver is more familiar with the area but it is understood, that your primary concern is your buddy and if there is separation you stay with the buddy.

Personally I feel that if you have 6-8 students that it would be better to have another DM running tail gunner.

 

[TMHeimer]

I trailed 2 pairs on the "mini dive". One in back lost a fin and it took a while for the front pair to turn around. A good teaching experience. I only participated in a "line" once myself in Panama and the guy in front (it was a threesome in front of us 2 with one guy behind 2). The one guy f%$#ed up big time causing separation, with the DM (in the lead) having to corral him, leaving us in the back separated. So I'm not a fan.

 

[Centexbear]

I trailed 2 pairs on the "mini dive". One in back lost a fin and it took a while for the front pair to turn around. A good teaching experience. I only participated in a "line" once myself in Panama and the guy in front (it was a threesome in front of us 2 with one guy behind 2). The one guy f%$#ed up big time causing separation, with the DM (in the lead) having to corral him, leaving us in the back separated. So I'm not a fan.

I was in one in Turks & Caicos. When we returned to the shop at lunch I promptly cancelled my afternoon and the following next 2 days of dives.

 

[Michael Guerrero]

The more divers involved the worse it will be.

 

[Scott]

Go to most resort locations where a guide is provided and you'll see a croc.

 

[Michael Guerrero]

Go to most resort locations where a guide is provided and you'll see a croc.

I can't imagine why I would ever want to do that. No offense, just saying...

 

[Anthony Appleyard]

When I dived in the Red Sea with a large group, we swam in an irregular swarm, but the water visibility was very good and we could all see each other easily.

 

[They call me Tater]

We use it when with already certified divers but stress the pairs. Vis is usually poor and the first pair navigate. The others watch fins. We also periodically wait for group. Would never take that many students. It is a pain to lead it but it is the best way to keep an eye on divers you can't see. They are on their own except for the navigation....

 

[oszillodrom]

Go to most resort locations where a guide is provided and you'll see a croc.

The resort I was working at had max. 4 divers per DM, average was 2-3.