Do Dive Propulsion Vehicles Ruin The Experience?

[Thalassamania]

The problem is popularity and knuckleheads. Off road vehicles, jet skis and snowmobiles were no problem when there were just a few of them out there and when they tended to be used by responsible, reasonable people. But today they are major problems both in terms of environmental damage and disturbance of other site users who are undertaking quieter pastimes. I expect the same thing will happen with DPVs and no certification or training program will do anything to bring reasonable behavior to those users who lack a social conscience and think that they have the right to do whatever they want.

 

[lamont]

I'd say food for thought. Having some sort of training, or mentoring isn't a bad idea.

And I've paid for a scooter workshop course. Do we really need training agencies to get involved though?

 

[cool_hardware52]

And I've paid for a scooter workshop course. Do we really need training agencies to get involved though?

Not in my opinion, but training and mentoring are worthwhile.

You can't legislate good manners.

Tobin

 

[Mr.X]

And I've paid for a scooter workshop course. Do we really need training agencies to get involved though?

Thal and Tobin make some valid points. Overall, it comes to common sense and manners. My feeling is that pointing people towards some form of training is always a good thought. My thought is there would be some reciprocity...? However, hard to maintain when manf. sell them like hotcakes to bozoz. However, there is relief as toy scooters can be easily outswum

As per training agencies...GUE, WKPP, seasoned cave instructors often teach terrific scooter courses. I cannot comment on the others and you have a valid point as I would doubt PADI has something stellar in it's curriculum.

X

 

[DocWong]

Scootering has added a whole new dimension to diving for me and I'm totally hooked. Of course it's not for everyone and there are various applications and they can certainly get you into plenty of trouble.

That said, with good training and common sense it's totally awesome! I've been exploring Pt Lobos and our many other dive sites in the Monterey-Carmel area. Most times we just travel and see lots of cool topography and explore using our underwater topo maps. Other times we just scooter a bit and then swim about enjoying the macro life.

The difference is comparable to hiking vrs riding a motorcycle or driving. Both can be pretty nice!

So does it "ruin" my experience diving...yea, everytime I dive with buddies and have to do a long swim to the site, I'm hating life, wishing I had my scooter. It's tempting to just tow my buddies out, but I resist that temptation.

I just got a larger body and battery so I can extend my range and look forward to getting a bit further out!

I've got a Gavin and after having it dialed in, I absolutely love it! Got to dive the X-Scooter last weekend and had a blast! Of course we don't have the problem of too many divers at a particular area as the Monterey area is pretty big with a whole lot of dive sites. Navigating is so much easier on a scooter for me too.