First Dive Computer **Advice needed

[Davide Pusceddu]

Information is always good. If a diver decides to blindly follow the computer despite other more pressing factors, they might want to think about a different hobby.

I really like your responsible approach to scuba although, in recreational dives, we cannot be too demanding with divers, especially with those tourists that barely dive 10 times in a year. I'm sure you've also experienced paid/ssi advanced divers that cannot even put together their own gear and pay more attention to their cameras than anything else. It's the job of DMs and instructors to ensure that even these people have a safe dive.

 

[dmaziuk]

I think it's more of a philosophical divide between the libertarian individualism and the nanny-state-ism with its loving care for "even these people".

 

[tursiops]

Talking about recreational dives a computer is not a priority. It's not even mandatory.

Depends on the dive operator. Some mandate computers, period, and will even loan you one if needed.
Overstaying your NDL time (and possible DCS) is far more serious than most navigational or buoyancy issues.

 

[Belzelbub]

I really like your responsible approach to scuba although, in recreational dives, we cannot be too demanding with divers, especially with those tourists that barely dive 10 times in a year.

I understand where you are coming from, but have to disagree. If divers with full certifications cannot put together their gear, or do some basic things, we should be asking why. We should not be figuring out ways to reduce requirements for these divers. This would be the case where a charter operator does a first checkout dive for first time customers.

Divers should not be getting certifications without knowing the basics. And if they have a dive trip coming up, and are feeling a bit rusty, they should be self aware enough to take care of it.

My first OW course was so poor that I got the card, but was definitely not qualified to dive. Even though I was only 15, I recognized that and took steps to correct it. Ultimately took a 2nd OW course a few years later.

I'm sure you've also experienced paid/ssi advanced divers that cannot even put together their own gear and pay more attention to their cameras than anything else. It's the job of DMs and instructors to ensure that even these people have a safe dive.

Maybe it is, but it shouldn’t be. If a DM has to babysit a diver on a group dive, then they may not be giving appropriate service to the other divers in the group. If the DM realizes early on that one in the group is clearly out of their element, they may be forced to modify dive plans to keep this one diver safe. That’s not fair to the rest of the divers.

I dive mostly off of my own boat. If I bring a new diver out, and they can’t handle themselves, there is a possibility that will be their last invite. It will really depend on their attitude. If they are open to learning and make some changes, they may get another shot. If they are not, then that’s probably the last time.