Firstly I'd like to apologise for not reading all 7 pages of posts (I got halfway).
I'm a holiday diver, I don't own any of my own kit (apart from a mask and computer). Most of the diving I've done has been guided diving. I'd like to defend myself and my choice to mostly do guided dives. I dive once or twice annually when I go on holiday (and will do a review if necessary). I am happy to be shown a dive site and have things of interest pointed out. (I'm told, in many places, local law says you should have a local DM with you) I do take responsibility for myself and my (and my buddies) safety. I am a relatively inexperienced diver and although I am constantly trying to improve my skills, as a holiday diver, the only option I have is guided diving.
I am lucky enough to have been in the Philippines recently and was astonished watching different groups diving - how differently the different groups interacted and followed the guide.
Hey ScottishScuba,
I think your diving choices are great! If you enjoy the holiday diver profile, keep doing it.
Lately, my wife and I have been holiday divers. Work and other issues have dictated this type of diving. We enjoy the heck out of it.
I have dived the cold water of the Pacific, and the warm waters of the Gulf, Atlantic, Caribbean, North Pacific, Eastern Pacific, and South Pacific. Following a guide around has its advantages and its disadvantages as the OP eluded to and I agree with his conclusions.
I have learned many skills from dive staff and also from insta-buddies on unguided trips. Guides have helped me with buoyancy and with a congestion issue I have. One DM taught me how to rig my pony bottle perfectly--IMHO.
Mainly, what I have learned, is that whether diving with a certified pro or an insta-buddy, learn to take care of yourself.
Have redundant gear, learn proper gas management, and be prepared to multi task when things go wrong.
I have seen instructors and DMs do stupid things underwater and I have been deserted by insta-buddies. I have dived with people who could not navigate (unguided diving off California); however, they got back to the boat just fine. Their technique was very simple and foolproof! Some of them did not have compasses.
I am enrolled in an upcoming PADI self-reliant/solo course. I hope to increase my ability to "take care of myself" while underwater.
To conclude:
I enjoy non-guided dives the best. Sometimes those dives have been solo dives (either solo by choice or by SOB diver). Controlling the pace of the dive and poking around in every nook and cranny has its advantages! I love all of it!
I need to do more unguided dives in tropical waters. My skills as a diver have been enhanced the most by solo and unguided diving.
The OP is a good diver because he knows when to say no--in his case saying no to overhead environments. He knows his limitations. I don't do overhead because I have not been trained to do it, either formally or informally. No thanks.
markm