Hungover Diver

[SteveDiver]

I went diving on a charter in Oahu where one of the divers stated that he was drinking the night before the early dive. It was apparent that he was hungover he had the shakes real bad and was sweating profusely. Others thought that he was very nervous. I asked him if he was nervous and he stated no that he was partying last night. It turns out that he is an AOW with many dives under his belt. My question is: Should the DM have let him dive? When/if the dive should be called off by someone else. Since he signed a "waiver" is it not the concern of the dive charter operator? Just wondering... he looked bad....

 

[Sylvain]

The only thing I can say is that if I would of been in your place or the other persons fins and the divemaster would of told me that he was going to be my buddy for that dive I would of said "NO I AM NOT DIVING WITH HIM" and I would of cancelled my dive!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[msandler]

Probably worse to dive with a cold (at least physiologically speaking). Dehydration would be the greatest concern (and presence of mind of course). Should the DM let him dive? I would have to witness the situation and site before commenting. Gut reaction; doubtful.

 

[DandyDon]

Some operators are reputable enough to not let him dive, but they are the exception.

You could have taken a stab at it: "Buddy, you are too dehydrated and screwed up to be safe on a dive. I wouldn't dive with you; you are a threat to yourself and others around you. Skip it!" He might have listened.

Sadly, it happens a lot. Just don't get hurt when they do.

 

[msandler]

btw, no contract will release an operator from blatant ignorance (criminal negligence).

 

[SteveDiver]

He was not my dive buddy. If he was I would have cancelled my dive or found someone else. I should of said something but felt it was not my place as I was not running the show. Being a part time Life Flight medic I recognize symptoms fairly quickly. I did mention it to the Dive Master and Instructor that was with us. They really showed no concern just stating that he was partying the night before. I tend to think that they were more concerned with making money then sending him away.

 

[DandyDon]

I tend to think that they were more concerned with making money then sending him away.

Bingo!! :angry:

 

[pete340]

You could have taken a stab at it: "Buddy, you are too dehydrated and screwed up to be safe on a dive. I wouldn't dive with you; you are a threat to yourself and others around you. Skip it!" He might have listened.

And he might have decided he had to prove you wrong, even if he had been considering skipping it. I think a less in-your-face approach would be better: "Buddy, you look awful. If I felt like that I wouldn't dive. Are you sure you want to do this?"

 

[DandyDon]

And he might have decided he had to prove you wrong, even if he had been considering skipping it. I think a less in-your-face approach would be better: "Buddy, you look awful. If I felt like that I wouldn't dive. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Yeah, you're probably right. Too many Clint Eastwood movies in my younger years. :smilies23

 

[pete340]

Yeah, you're probably right. Too many Clint Eastwood movies in my younger years.

A common ailment. But if the milder approach didn't work it would be worth trying something more aggressive.