Lessons to be learned-Death in Palau

[MuscLA]

Yes, this practice has risks, but it's also the only way to get in the middle of the action at the best Palau dive sites. I think the problem isn't the inherent danger of the practice, but poor briefings by the DMs, including NOT telling the group the risks, the potential problems, and what to do if you DO have a problem.

I guess how 'dangerous' it is depends on the level of risk you want to take. People bungee jump, hang glide and skydive....all of which carry signficant risk. Personally I'd rather enjoy a dive at Blue Corner in current, hooked in, than jump off a building with some cords attached to my ankles.

But maybe that's just me....

 

[Braunbehrens]

Yes, diving is all about risk management. Being hooked onto a stationary object in current is too much risk, IMO.

People do all kinds of dangerous things. I'd much rather do a dive I feel comfortable with. There are many cool dive sites out there, few require reef hooking.

BTW, one thing this thread has taught me is that before you go on a dive vacation you should enquire as to how specifically the diving is done. Even if like me, you are comfortable doing deep technical dives in cold murky water, you might still encounter situations where the dives are done in a way that you don't feel comfortable with. Even if a bunch of newly certified people are doing them.

 

[Debbraey]

MikeFerrara once bubbled...
IMO, Most divers are only being taught to breath under water. Fortunaltely it's enough to keep MOST alive but it isn't diving. IMO, of course.
No money in training so, on the whole, it isn't any good. Training only exists to sell equipment the less it costs to provide the better. The shorter it is the more students that can be pumped through and the more equipment you sell.
My prediction is that it will get worse before it gets better. All the market pressures are to provide faster cheaper training not better.

This story was dreadful and I feel for those who experienced it...I only hope and pray we all are not as misfortunate..Though, it does go to prove always dive within your means!!! If you were properly trained through naui or ssi you should be able to stay calm enough to abort...(so truth be know we don't know the entire story to blame it on training!! The dive master is greatly at fault AND do we forget why we have dive buddies?? Notice she had problems herself) I agree this sport is very commercial even with the information you are provide to home study...NOthing in life is free...I scuba dive much cheaper than sky dive and both sports have the life/death risks with knowledge. If you value your life you'll always seek information to learn and practice for safety or should I say for LIFE!!
Are you a dive instructor?? Something really concerns me about the tone of your postings!! I have sat back and read for a long time and have read many different postings directly by you that is all the same tone..You sound very bitter..If this is the way you feel TEACH and do it at a lesser cost!! Trust me you can make one hell of a living in that feild in the right position (short for have enough $ to begin with)...We are suppose to encourage safe diving and frequent diving, but if I valued your opinion I am affraid I would rethink looking into diving if were here just reading things and come a crossed the majority of your postings.. :huh:
I am only curious what your experiences were if you aren't from some dive shop?! (they must be dreadful)
I don't mean to affend I am just stating an opinion...remember I am only one person so who knows my opinion may be worth nothing.....
Have a Great day!!! May the days bring sun shine into your days...: :walking:

 

[bwerb]

Debbraey once bubbled...


Are you a dive instructor?? Something really concerns me about the tone of your postings!! I have sat back and read for a long time and have read many different postings directly by you that is all the same tone..You sound very bitter..If this is the way you feel TEACH and do it at a lesser cost!! Trust me you can make one hell of a living in that feild in the right position (short for have enough $ to begin with

Well...I'd say you haven't quite read enough of Mike's posts...all your questions are answered within.

 

[Debbraey]

bwerb once bubbled...


Well...I'd say you haven't quite read enough of Mike's posts...all your questions are answered within.

I've read..I know...hopefully he will just stop being so bitter...it's a shame he dosen't take the "if you cann't beat them join them" kind of attitude...Honestly that was a snap judgement there is other information on this story that tells you enough about this story from every veiw that makes you say "who would had let them dive that dive and still take the liability mushless let them or her out of site(dive master's)?"...Makes you really rethink that liveaboard and their judgement and medical emergency ability...
And deffinately question the ability of the diver..What a shame we cannot all afford private lessons, though if we want something bad enough we can always make it happen!!
Just my opinion a few 100 $ is worth learning to properly keep myself safe!!!!!(ALIVE!!!)
Just wanted to clarify
have a great eve

Thanks for clearing up the misunderstanding bwerb....but the bitterness is just very over powering and the wrong or maybe right person will read most of his posting such as this one and be really turned off of diving...That is really a shame...If they train well and within there ability with the proper and proper working equipment their dives are enjoyable..

 

[Debbraey]

by the way mike has postings every where in every forum so I am sure I have yet to read all of his postings....I have far to much to get done in a day to find and read them all!!! HEHE

 

[detroit diver]

Debbraey once bubbled...


I've read..I know...hopefully he will just stop being so bitter...it's a shame he dosen't take the "if you cann't beat them join them" kind of attitude..................

Debbray,

Let us hope that more people don't take the "if you can't beat them, join them" attitude. That's one of the problems with this industry.

Mike is one of the few who understands quality from quantity. He see's garbage dive techniques almost daily. Why would you want him to just shut up about it? What issues would that solve?

 

[Beach Bum k10]

cid90 once bubbled...
Lesson learned i/m/h/o : All divers should be prepared for self rescue. You can not depend on anyone else to save you. [/B]

 

[Beach Bum k10]

cid90 once bubbled...
Lesson learned i/m/h/o : All divers should be prepared for self rescue. You can not depend on anyone else to save you. [/B]

Absolutely, SELF RELIANCE will save your own life. In addition, it will be a good to dive within our skill level.

 

[zeN||]

Can't say anything about the level of expertise required on this site, but the victim could have suffered any number of medical emergencies, she was found unconscious, so until an autopsy makes a determination the cause of death (if it is conclusive) is speculative Z