How do you ascend?

[rigdiver]

I was directing this at everyone who has mentioned being a DM or diving with a DM. What I am asking is it common for a DM to essentially corral divers, keep an eye on their gas, and determine when to thumb a dive for a particular diver or group of divers.

Again, I have never been with a DM in the water, so I don't know if this is SOP.

Once they are in the water, they are then a GUIDE.

 

[eric229]

I was directing this at everyone who has mentioned being a DM or diving with a DM. What I am asking is it common for a DM to essentially corral divers, keep an eye on their gas, and determine when to thumb a dive for a particular diver or group of divers.

Again, I have never been with a DM in the water, so I don't know if this is SOP.

Most of the resort areas I dive at follow this pattern for deep or drift dives. The easier dives they usually just make sure everyone has a buddy and tell you to be back on the boat in at least 45 mins with 500 psi in your tank.

 

[gangrel441]

I think I'll try that, should I inflate my BC too??

Hell yeah! That's what it's there for, isn't it?

 

[bigmak]

So do you hold on to something at the bottom while your filling your BC and get a rapid start when you let go or do you just fill it and start a slow asccent?

 

[Cacia]

But for those who choose a guided tour dive with me, it now becomes my responsibility to make sure they have safe, enjoyable dive.

yes, and many dives in unknown places, especially drifts where local knowledge factors in, DM's planning becomes important.

there is just no way a diver the first time to Pelelui could really coordinate all the planning of a dive unless they have their own boat, their own group.

Tides and currents, areas with downdrafts, might all factor in to where a DM opts to guide the group, even once in the water and the dive is underway.

I observe how they make their decisions, and reserve the option to not follow, but find they know best how to plan for optimal pick-up.

I usually ascend with a hand over my head, sometimes wayward divers or canoes appear out of nowhere.

 

[timle]

Is this really how the world dives? I've never had a DM in the water, so I am really curious...

I've wondered about this myself. I've never dove as a group following a DM and turning when the first person in a gaggle reaching turn pressure. I'm curious about why people dive this way? Is it so they don't have to worry about navigation? Don't trust themselves?

I like to dive with my wife and do what we want to do. We have similar SACs so it works out well. Don't mean to hijack but I'd love to hear why people prefer to dive in a group.

As far as ascending try to stay horizontal and vent to keep my ascent rate down and safety stop around 18ft. I would say I probably fin down a bit to get the initial rise going then just try to stay just over neutral. This is what I try to do at least - sometimes a get overzealous with the dump and have to fin a bit.

 

[Cacia]

but I'd love to hear why people prefer to dive in a group.

well, when I want to be in a group, it's becuse I have no knowledge of what the currents usually do in a certain place like walls dropping to over a thousand feet or tide eddies ripping over a shoal where the boat might not be able to pick me up.

Or, the guide knows where the shark action or spawning activity is most likely to be seen. he may have a plan for where we best be able to hook in to observe and photograph.

also, sometimes being in a group is the safest for the captain to pick up on drifts, versus "popcorn divers". Overhead boat traffic can be a factor here at some sites, even canoes and outriggers.

I usually prefer to be alone, but there are certain dives I don't consider doing on my own.

 

[fisherdvm]

I've never dove as a group following a DM and turning when the first person in a gaggle reaching turn pressure. I'm curious about why people dive this way? Is it so they don't have to worry about navigation? Don't trust themselves?

It all has to do with current, surface hazard, and liability. In areas where boats are not allowed to anchor or moor, they are in constant motion. Boats don't pay attention to one or two individuals' bubble trail, but to the main group. To safely ascend, groups have to stay together. To disobey the DM's dive plan, you are also disobeying the contract you signed before the dive. I would rather surface with the group with 1000 psi, rather than surfacing alone, and risk getting hit by my own boat.

 

[PerroneFord]

To disobey the DM's dive plan, you are also disobeying the contract you signed before the dive.

So, you are saying that I would be signing a contract to dive the DM's plan? Is there an option to dive without the courtesy of the DM?

I would rather surface with the group with 1000 psi, rather than surfacing alone, and risk getting hit by my own boat.

So, putting up a surface marker buoy or liftbag isn't common in your area? If I was surfacing away from the group, I'd be shooting a bag from depth to let the boat know where I was.

 

[timle]

To disobey the DM's dive plan, you are also disobeying the contract you signed before the dive.

Since when did I sign a contract to stay with a DM and group? Please don't assume what I do and don't do. The question was simply why people liked to dive in groups.