I do not agree with, "Dive and Let Dive."

[Gandalf-the-Diver]

So I'm not capable of diving solo properly unless someone else specifically trains me for it? The (for profit) agencies are the only ones who can dictate what is necessary?
I will agree that someone solo diving in an unsafe manner reflects poorly on the community... But my possession of a piece of plastic does not dictate my skills (or lack there if).
Just playing devil's advocate.
Respectfully,

James

The piece of plastic is for insurance purposes. Primarily for charter operators or operators leading drop in dives. If a diver is certified to dive solo, they can go off diving, within their dive certification. Quarry dive sites, would also want divers to dive within their certification. One can carry redundant gear and practice using it, long before getting "trained" how to use the gear, efectively being a self reliant buddy. I have packed redundant gear from my 1st dives, and practised using it. Did not get my SDI Solo till around 170 dives; at which time, I had being diving for 11 months. So still a new diver. I got the cert, so I could dive with my buddies during my LDS drop in dives, but come up solo when my air consumption dictated.

 

[Soloist]

Most of the issue is kicking the crap out of the bottom (not D&LD) vs. getting in the water looking like an accident waiting to happen (depends, diplomacy is good).

Here is a nice visual for your assertion. This incident took place recently in Bonaire at 60ft in perfect dive conditions. My wife and I were leisurely observing a couple of seahorses when suddenly a massive sandstorm erupted all around us. We looked up to discover numerous “divers” landing directly on top of us. We quickly got the hell out of there, but I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. So I took video! Obviously it’s at 2X speed, but it doesn’t look any better in real-time. The whereabouts of the seahorses was apparently well known, so sadly we had a similar experience at the exact spot two days earlier.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

How much $ was the charter, how many tanks (do they supply or is it BYO), what depths?
Bottom composition?
How hard is it for out of staters to get a fishing license?
Looks like something I’d like to get in on.

It's NJ wreck diving. I'll have to write a trip report as it really is a good time. The charter was the Dina Dee and is perfect for anyone just starting out. His prices have gone up, but only because of the rising cost of fuel. It is $135 pp, up from $120 last year. I'm not sure how he calculates the fuel surcharge but it must be at cost because it was only $8 pp (which I know a lot are just slapping $25 on).

Bring all your own gear, tanks, guns, etc. License is with the boat.. just a limit pp. Lobster is 6 of a certain size, 10 seabass (I think), not sure on the monkfish. I haven't had to buy any type of license, and I haven't heard of anyone else (not at all like FL).

Bottom is wrecks and then all sand.. lots and lots of sand. Viz was 15' or so, but sometimes 30-40. Temp was cold yesterday. 48f, but it should be warmer.. maybe last weeks rain? Supposed to be in the mid 50's.

@Eric Sedletzky I'd be happy to go with you whenever, but I'm nobody special, nor all the heavily experienced. Good time though!

Edit: depth was 80', but I've been 60' or 110' doing the same thing.. they all look a lot alike.

 

[lowviz]

I haven't had to buy any type of license, and I haven't heard of anyone else

Get a shellfish license and you can bring back loads of wonderful mussels on a slow hunting day. Save the old green slip from year to year, your number doesn't change and it makes a renew really simple...

 

[BoltSnap]

@rob.mwpropane

Is the Venture III with Paul & Ruth Hepler still in business?

 

[rob.mwpropane]

@rob.mwpropane

Is the Venture III with Paul & Ruth Hepler still in business?

Yes, actually just got an email to jump on there Wed, but I have that thing called work to do.. not sure of the owners, have never been on that boat, but I hear all good things.

 

[James79]

The piece of plastic is for insurance purposes. Primarily for charter operators or operators leading drop in dives. If a diver is certified to dive solo, they can go off diving, within their dive certification. Quarry dive sites, would also want divers to dive within their certification. One can carry redundant gear and practice using it, long before getting "trained" how to use the gear, efectively being a self reliant buddy. I have packed redundant gear from my 1st dives, and practised using it. Did not get my SDI Solo till around 170 dives; at which time, I had being diving for 11 months. So still a new diver. I got the cert, so I could dive with my buddies during my LDS drop in dives, but come up solo when my air consumption dictated.

I get insurance requirements and such with dive ops, but this thread was in regards to dive and let dive.... I don't have said piece of plastic, but I do dive solo (shore diving, where legal, within conservative limits with proper equipment). My response that was quoted was in regards to some rando thinking they have a place to tell me what I can and can't do ( in my above listed conditions). Who gets to decide? In the cases you listed (boat dives, paid quarry, etc.) the boat/quarry/dive op gets to set the requirements... Their bat and ball, their rules. Public, benign site.... Dive and let dive.
Respectfully,

James

 

[BoltSnap]

Yes, actually just got an email to jump on there Wed, but I have that thing called work to do.. not sure of the owners, have never been on that boat, but I hear all good things.

That was our regular boat when I owned my dive center in Rockland county NY. They were the nicest and most knowledgeable couple, bouncy boat however

 

[Gandalf-the-Diver]

Here is a nice visual for your assertion. This incident took place recently in Bonaire at 60ft in perfect dive conditions. My wife and I were leisurely observing a couple of seahorses when suddenly a massive sandstorm erupted all around us. We looked up to discover numerous “divers” landing directly on top of us. We quickly got the hell out of there, but I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. So I took video! Obviously it’s at 2X speed, but it doesn’t look any better in real-time. The whereabouts of the seahorses was apparently well known, so sadly we had a similar experience at the exact spot two days earlier.

View attachment 725587

Looks like a lot of divers who could use a Peak Performance Bouyancy course or a Fundies course.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

Get a shellfish license and you can bring back loads of wonderful mussels on a slow hunting day. Save the old green slip from year to year, your number doesn't change and it makes a renew really simple...

I was under the impression you could take as many mussels as you want? I haven't been told I need a license, but I'm not an expert by any means. I've been given mussels to take home, they're really good. Huge.

Do I really need a license? They are tasty.



I go for oysters too... limit is 100 on Sat from 8-12. That's a little colder but also a great time! That's in Maryland on the bay though. Have to be a MD resident.



Come to think about it, been into eating these guys lately too.. this was from Friday. I didn't realize how much I enjoy shellfish and crustaceans!



Sorry..... way OT.