How many people won't dive with a new diver?

[DEEPLOU]

I keep on wondering about doing solo dives like that, but I know I don't have the experience and as I get the experience I tend to be attracted to the idea less and less.

There's a lot of ways you can think of that an accident in a buddy dive can turn into a fatality in a solo dive. The obvious would be going in without your valve turned on; an alternative would be with your valve only a 1/4 turn on so that it works at the surface but quits at any kind of depth. Forget to connect your inflator and things get more fun.

I know I don't have the experience to prevent or prepare for these kinds of problems, so I stay away from solo diving.

Your tank should be mounted so that you can reach back and turn that valve on (or off) if the need arises.
As to the non connected inflator hose, Although not taught as a skill you should be able to reach back and grab it (like in regulator recovery) and then connect it while underwater.

 

[DEEPLOU]

Diving with a newbe depends on the situation for me.
If it is planned to take a newbe out I have no problem as I enjoy helping others improve their skills, and can even help me improve my skills.
But if I am paying customer on a dive boat expecting to do a respectful dive, I don't like some boat captain saying I gotta buddy with this Hoover that gets about 5 min @ 60 ft before he is out of air. I am not paying good money to do a "non dive" due to someone elses shortcommings.

 

[miketsp]

an alternative would be with your valve only a 1/4 turn on so that it works at the surface but quits at any kind of depth.

Tip: Get into the habit of looking at your SPG while testing your reg just before jumping in. The needle should not dip at all even during a sharp deep breath.

 

[MikeFerrara]

After reading some of the posts in this thread I thought I'd add a comment.

I've spent enough time teaching that it's a given that I like diving with new divers. I do it though in an environment that I view as somewhat controled.

As a rule I don't dive unknown waters with unknown buddies whether they are new divers or not. There are exceptions such as a site that I have reason to believe is easy enough or a buddy who I know by reputation. Just pairing up with some one I meet on a dive boat though?...I'd rather not.

The best way to get good dive buddies is to help make them. To me that means meeting and diving with them and then planning a trip.

 

[Michael Schlink]

I am always willing, and usually do dive, with someone I don't know anything about. I don't take them on "trust me dives". I will usually have them watch and listen to me run the dive plan for the dive and let them learn about what should happen befor a dive. I take them under my wing, so to speak. Most of the palces I do this though are familiar places and I do like to find out the experience or lack thereof of the diver so I know how to proceed. Anybody here that thinks they are an "experienced" diver should jump at every chance you have to help the "newbies". I also don't care for the "here's your buddy" for the next two dives plan, but what's a single travelling diver going to do? It's a shame we can't have a better "rating" system so we all could easily consider each others diving experience AND capabilities. I would think the only reasons someone wouldn't want to "buddy up" with someone they don't know is if they would screw up the dive some how and turn it into a rescue scenario, or shorten becasue of air consumption. If you ever meet me on a dive boat somewhere and your "stuck" with a buddy you don't want, let me have 'em. ---but if your fighting with your S.O. that day, that doesn't count!

 

[Upwelling]

I am new myself (33 dives) but I would actually like to go with someone newer than me because it would give me a chance to practice my navigation and plan the dive myself. I find that when I go with more experienced people I don't always get the chance to do that.

 

[MB104]

I have no problem diving with new divers. In fact, I have made some very good friends as a result of diving with someone "new". As long as you talk everything out before going in the water, including the dive plan, what you expect from them, what they expect from you, specific hand signs you might use, and so on, you should have no problems. If you are at all concerned, tell this new diver that you will evaluate them as a diver when you first get in the water, and if you feel uncomfortable with them, the dive is over.

Remember, we were all new once.

Of course, there are always exceptions....

 

[ShakaZulu]

Depends how deep??? Prefer more experieced or at least my level.

Usually I do a shallow dive (less than 40ft) with a new diver and we practise some skills at the safety. Progress from there........

 

[garyfotodiver]

Often I take newly certified divers when I am on a boat. I find they can make better buddies than some divers who only DIMW (do it MY way).

 

[jkennedy]

New divers are the future of the sport. Old divers smell!!!!! JacK the caymaniac