So, do yall think recreational divers should even be taken to this dive site? While I understand I am responsible for my own safety, I still think the DM has a responsibility to stay within recreational limits. That being said, for those of you who know Devils Throat, do you consider it to be within recreational limits? Is it really considered just a swim through even though a. There is no real exit for long stretches b. There is no light at all in places c. It is an overhead environment at 130 feet d. There are places where two divers could not fit side by side?
I'm not familiar with the dive site and I can appreciate your concerns. It appears to me that the DM took your group outside your training (and comfort) zone.
Below are the PADI standards for depth or total distance (for penetrating dives).
- Open Water Diver, 60 feet max depth, no overhead penetration
- Advance Open Water, 100 feet max depth, no overhead penetration
- Deep Diver Specialty Rating, 130 feet max depth, no overhead penetration
- Cavern Diver Specialty Rating, 130 feet Max Distance from the surface (vertical and horizontal distance included). Penetration only allowed within the light zone of a cave. Light Zone is a part of the cave from which natural light illuminating from the Entrance is visible AT ALL TIMES. Cavern diving is different from Cave diving. Cave diving is a dive conducted beyond the light zone of a cave and is in the realm of technical diving.
Only a teaching status PADI Specialty Instructor for Deep Diver or Cavern Diver can train and certify a student for the Deep Diver or Cavern Diver Specialty. Not all Open Water Instructors are Specialty Instructors for a specific specialty like Deep or Cavern.
Additionally, the standards require that you dive with at least one visual and audio signaling device (flashlight, SMB, whistle, mirror, etc.)
While I'm sure it's fun and exciting, the dive, since it is outside scope of the divers training, should not have been allowed by the DM/Shop. That it happened, it should have been aborted by the DM when he first noticed that you turned the dive. Apparently he continued the dive with the other divers while you were "missing". On your part, you kept your cool, that's great. It would have been better, however, to signal the DM that you're turning the dive but you indicated that your DM was so much further ahead and out of reach. Also, separation procedures (1 min search and surface) should have been followed by you and the DM, other divers.