Lessons to be learned-Death in Palau

[Thalassamania]

I don't think that your analogy holds water, morally, ethically or legally. Change the passenger to a three year old and your closer to the facts.

 

[Thalassamania]

4) Cutting devices were not mentioned or required, yet were definitely a major piece of safety equipment here ...

I suspect that sufficient liability flows from this omission alone to obtain a significant judgement.

 

[Cacia]

I am not speaking about the OP. I am refering to divers who think they can do every dive offered, anywhere, if they pay the money. I just think that is often a fatal mistake.

I think you have to not trust anyone to lead you on safe dive. I have been on these dives many times over the past two years, and four trips there. This last trip, there were some divers who did not look like they could should be diving over 40 ft....and yet they were very determined to do these dives. If divers don't understand that you cannot hook-in in a riipping current that will make your reg free-flow...then they have missed a few steps along the way. The first time I went, I passed Pelelui a couple times because the of the stormy conditions and fear that they might not be able to find me on the pick-up. It was pretty clear in my mind why I was choosing not to do the dive. Divers have to get to a place where they are willing not to do dives beyond their capabilities. Other divers did the dive...that was fine. The operator driving you there in a boat is providing you the opportunity to drift that wall, not a guarantee that you will be safe.

As far as getting a judgement, I am pretty sure after speaking with a lawyer in the gym at the PPR, that these situations in countries like Palau don't see any time in American courts. Am I wrong? Please someone correct me, if I am wrong. I can't imagine getting a big judgement from a Paluan operator, in Micronesia.

 

[Ilikeair]

Catherine,

Thanks for your response.

There are a few basic points I was trying to make in my post that I think could be helpful to the environment and the diving community.

1. I believe that the Palau Aggressor II, an operation that markets itself as a PADI 5 star operation, is not operating safely. It is certainly not promoting the safety procedures that PADI teaches. I agree diver safety and preparation is ultimately the responsibility of the diver, however, I also believe that dive professionals should lead by example and if they are going to market themselves as a PADI 5 Star operation, they should make some effort to teach and encourage (or at least say something when they witness unsafe behavior like inexperienced divers diving alone in poor viz)the PADI safety procedures. If experienced divers choose not to follow them, that is OK, understandable at times, their choice and certainly not the fault of the operator.

2. I also belive that the Palau Aggressor II is showing a disregard for the environment.

3. I also know with certainty that the reef hook procedure is bringing divers into contact with the reefs in Palau and they are being destroyed.

4. The diving in Palau can be extremely challenging and divers must be prepared.

And, that is it.

As far as me being a malcontent as in "not content" you are right as far as Palau goes. Not only am I not content with the situation I am absolutely angry that the reefs are being damaged by divers every single day. And yes, it angers me that the Palau Aggressor II contributes to this damage through the direct and indirect behavior of its staff. After witnessing the reef hook process and doing it myself, it is clear that some locations simply should not be dive sites if they cannot be destroyed. Every dive site in Palau that requires a reef hook is one of those.

As far as your comment that "A buddy or even your Mommy cannot save you from certain things" that is true. But it seems to me that I have learned a few things my Buddy could assist me with while diving, so I think I'll keep diving with mine.

Lastly, for the sake of other divers (some with minimal experience) and the environment, I believe that all divers should do everything in their power to hold dive operators to a high standard.

 

[Cacia]

yes, understood.

I am hoping that someone will hear my point.

You will not change the number of operators out there that have unsafe practices.

If a diver believes that the operators will keep them safe, the have a high chance of getting in WAY over their heads. It does not matter what is morally right or wrong, it only matters what IS, because you cannot change them. And legally, ...I said, I could be wrong..but I think I would not count on a judgement, if you dive Peleliu and you die.

My comment about "mommy" is that I increasing see divers who really expect to be kept safe doing dives that just cannot be considered safe. Look, you have some uneducated island guy driving you way out to converging currents for a thrill ride. You don't know him. You have no idea how high he is on beetle nut. Somedays, I am not sure he has had enough food to eat, judging from what happens when i bring them food. Their lives are very very difficult and different. They don't give a damn about the coral, because they might not have health care for their kids.

Five-star PADI "something" does not mean anything. That is reality. It means they have paid for a sticker, basically. If you are placing faith on these things, then I am trying to help. I certainly don't mean to force my opinion on anyone.

I care about the reefs and do what I can.

So many people travel and then they want the standards to be like the ones at home. You can work to change the way they are but I don't think we should make dives assuming that the Coast Guard will be picking us up.

 

[Ilikeair]

I, for one, disagree with every point in your most recent post.

 

[Cacia]

well, it is not personal.

I love diving Palau and plan to go back. You might enjoy getting involved with Reefcheck, they even have a branch in Palau which is based at the aquarium.

The land based operators may have more connection to the community. I would expect the liveaboard operators based in other countries to have less stake in the local marine environment.

I like Sam's tours very much.

 

[Jcsgt]

I think it's up to each individual diver to research the area they plan to dive, to include dive conditions, safety history of operators, dive sites and general travel considerations. When I run across info on a place I think I would like to dive, the very first thing I do is to try to determine if it's a place I would even be qualified to dive.

Take Galapagos, for instance. That is a place where I would absolutely love to dive, for many reasons. However, through my research, I know that due to strong currents and other dangerous aspects of the sites I want to dive, I know I'm not ready. That doesn't mean it's out of the question, it just means I need to build up my training and experience before making that endeavor.

In the end, we're all responsible for ourselves, regardless of the dive. As Catherine said, we're not always going to have a DM right there at our sides, making sure we're safe.

 

[PhotoTJ]

(snip!)...I am refering to divers who think they can do every dive offered, anywhere, if they pay the money...

To paraphrase Dirty Harry: "A Diver's got to know his/her limitations."

A lot of people are complacent, or just not honest with themselves when it comes to what they can do or not do.

 

[Cacia]

ha ha, Did Dirty Harry say that? See?...I will believe anything, so I have to be extra careful where I go.

Galapagos, a good example Chantal. I am sure certain dives are more treacherous than others. I have read some pretty intimidating accounts of some dives there.

You know, I am the first person to scoff off a lot of extra gear, but when you see Kevrumbo putting together the survival pack for Pelelui dives with a mini raft and hydration packs, it should at least tell you something. Even if you opt not to take all that...know that some very capable divers think it is prudent.
Mike V. has stated that often he passes on diving out there. Now, he lived there and dives professionally. If he passes and the guy from middle America with 40 dives jumps right in without hesitation...that should get on your radar.

If a great diver passes, always get them to explain how they made the decision...that teaches me a lot.