If you dive alone, you die alone ...

[sunnyboy]

Just thinking out loud, but wouldn't a valid instructor's cert qualify as a solo cert as well? :-D

 

[Wookie]

No more than it counts for any other card....

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Just thinking out loud, but wouldn't a valid instructor's cert qualify as a solo cert as well? :-D

No ... nothing about instructor training qualifies you to plan or execute a solo dive ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Kharon]

No it's a pun or a joke to make the point the only reason a cert is needed is to dive from some charters where the capt. wants to see a solo cert. When a diver is alone there is nobody to ask for a cert. therefore a cert is not needed.

Sorry. Missed the humor. Guess I'm too grumpy these days. Got to stop watching the news.

 

[tilikum]

Solo diving is an old discussion that is retreaded every so often across the spectrum of internet forums. It's like the mask on forehead discussion. If you let it, the thread could go for hundreds of pages.

 

[sunnyboy]

No ... nothing about instructor training qualifies you to plan or execute a solo dive ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

No, but most training dives are solo dives for the instructor - isn't that the conclusion many have made in other posts and other threads? ;-)

 

[markmud]

No, but most training dives are solo dives for the instructor - isn't that the conclusion many have made in other posts and other threads? ;-)

Hi Sunnyboy,

I would think that an instructor who is qualified to teach Solo should be able to dive solo by flashing his/her instructor card. I guess the industry thinks differently.

Also, with all of the training that instructors have, I would think it logical to allow them to make the decision. They know the risks and mitigation factors. Let personal responsibility take over at the level of training.

My thoughts only, no legal basis for my comments.

markm

 

[sunnyboy]

Geez, nevermind. It was meant as a tongue-in-cheek nod to all the posts in other threads about how you are basically alone when you teach OW. It had NOTHING to do with actual solo certs.

 

[markmud]

Not to drag the subject too far off, but that defense didn't work so well for Kyaa. Or a great number of other socal dive boats. Neither in a civil case nor in front of the ALJ. I'm going to try the model with my next boat. We shall see how it works for me.

Hi Wookie,

Here is a quote from the Coast Guard about Kyaa Heller surrendering her master's license to the Coast Guard:

“There is no excuse for departing a dive site without confirming all passengers are on board and accounted for,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Menefee, senior investigating officer, Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach.

“Passenger vessel operators must take the role and responsibility of Master seriously, as the safety of their passengers is in their hands. The responsibility of a Master cannot be delegated,” Menefee said.

How is this case germane to the topic I described above?

She was not guilty of operating a water taxi service, Kyaa was accused of negligently abandoning a passenger.

Am I wrong? The only other lawsuits regarding this issue I found (quick search, not exhaustive) created the theory that the dive operator should not interfere with buddy choices.

Example of water taxi theory (negative example): While on your boat, you assign me a muppet and he hurts me, you are liable for your decision.

Thoughts?

I know we are off topic; however, there is a nexus to the evolution of this discussion.

markm

 

[Midwesterndvr]

After reading this I don't think I want to have anything to do with dive boat operators. As divers we willingly engage in this activity with its risk factors having someone else (that I'm paying) tell me how to engage in a recreational activity doesn't sound like my idea of a good time.