eelnoraa
Contributor
I went diving with an internet group on Sat. Overall, it was fun and uneventful. But now when I think about everything that happened, things were not too safe. Here was what happened in 1st dive:
First, there were some equipment issue. I rented things with a different shop than my usual one. There was no computer, just pressure/depth/compass console. I thought fine, I just use my watch as timer. Watch failed at about 30ft (those casio g-shock "200m" watch, unreliable). The compass was stuck but this part was my fault because I didn't fully check out the equipment myself.
All the above would probably not too big of a problem if my buddy would back me up or if viz were great. But viz was like 5-10ft. I paired with a "certified for 2 month" diver who either doesn't really care or over confident.
First, neither of us had computers. I wanted to take quick look at the table and to know approximately how long we should be under. He didn't think it was necessary because he thought we would run out of air before hitting NDL. I quickly glanced at the talbe and decided my limit is 50ft, and max bottom time.
Then, he didn't think buddy check was necessary. when I said "let's do buddy check", he simple said "you setup look OK". I insisted to check for air, alternative, releases and weight belts.
As soon as we descented, he started swimming, fast, using both arms and legs. I had to try my best to keep up and follow. Once a while, he would look back and wait for me, but in 5ft viz, he was out of my sight a few times. I had no compass and no timer, I was very nervous the whole time. We also lacked navigation skill. He led the wrong way and he realized it about 15 minutes into it . We ascented and check out out position, we were almost opposite of where we intended to go. We then descented again headed to our target location.
The rest of the dive was the same. He swam fast, I followed. At no time, I was looking around for sea lifes because if I were to take my eye off him for 30 seconds, he would be out of sight. The good thing was he led the right way this time and got us safely back to shore.
On the 2nd dive, I asked the organizer for a change buddy. The new boddy was a very experienced diver, we did buddy check, talk about where we would dive. I told him I have no timer or compass. We adjusted the dive plan. I felt much safer with this diver. But on this dive, the viz dropped to <2ft. We ended the dive early.
Now, I know I was responsible for equipment failure. I need to get myself a reliable timer/computer and compass. But what about buddies? what would you do if you realized your buddy's diving pratice after getting into water? Or am I being too paranoid about everything that happened?
First, there were some equipment issue. I rented things with a different shop than my usual one. There was no computer, just pressure/depth/compass console. I thought fine, I just use my watch as timer. Watch failed at about 30ft (those casio g-shock "200m" watch, unreliable). The compass was stuck but this part was my fault because I didn't fully check out the equipment myself.
All the above would probably not too big of a problem if my buddy would back me up or if viz were great. But viz was like 5-10ft. I paired with a "certified for 2 month" diver who either doesn't really care or over confident.
First, neither of us had computers. I wanted to take quick look at the table and to know approximately how long we should be under. He didn't think it was necessary because he thought we would run out of air before hitting NDL. I quickly glanced at the talbe and decided my limit is 50ft, and max bottom time.
Then, he didn't think buddy check was necessary. when I said "let's do buddy check", he simple said "you setup look OK". I insisted to check for air, alternative, releases and weight belts.
As soon as we descented, he started swimming, fast, using both arms and legs. I had to try my best to keep up and follow. Once a while, he would look back and wait for me, but in 5ft viz, he was out of my sight a few times. I had no compass and no timer, I was very nervous the whole time. We also lacked navigation skill. He led the wrong way and he realized it about 15 minutes into it . We ascented and check out out position, we were almost opposite of where we intended to go. We then descented again headed to our target location.
The rest of the dive was the same. He swam fast, I followed. At no time, I was looking around for sea lifes because if I were to take my eye off him for 30 seconds, he would be out of sight. The good thing was he led the right way this time and got us safely back to shore.
On the 2nd dive, I asked the organizer for a change buddy. The new boddy was a very experienced diver, we did buddy check, talk about where we would dive. I told him I have no timer or compass. We adjusted the dive plan. I felt much safer with this diver. But on this dive, the viz dropped to <2ft. We ended the dive early.
Now, I know I was responsible for equipment failure. I need to get myself a reliable timer/computer and compass. But what about buddies? what would you do if you realized your buddy's diving pratice after getting into water? Or am I being too paranoid about everything that happened?
