new law in Cayman ?

[scubapro50]

This past June I made 14 dives with Don Foster's Shop in Grand Cayman. I was using my Scubapro Mk10 and didn't have an octo attached. The divemaster on the boat started to lecture me on not having an octo on my rig. He stated that it would soon become a law in Grand Cayman that all divers would have to have a octopus if the wanted to dive in Cayman waters. I told him I never heard of that and I and my wife were both experience divers with over 500 logged dives without any serious problems. We have our equipment maintained yearly and have never had a major equipment malfuction while on a dive. He went on to say PADI no longer requires teaching buddy breathing because it was too difficulate and again stressed that was one of the reasons I needed an octo. I explained I did own an AIR2 but prefered not to dive with it using this jacket .... the AIR2 was hooked up to a vest that I seldom use these days. He didn't think hightly of AIR2's either.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

The Cayman Island Watersports Association helps set the guidelines for dive operations. Little is written into the "law" there. Standard practice is to require an alternate air source. Whether an operator wishes to require that as an octo, an Air2, or as a completely redundant pony bottle is an issue for the operator to decide.

I have refused to permit guests to dive without some sort of alternate air source. I would expect all Cayman dive operators to act in a similar manner. An operation that permitted you to dive without an AAS would be going against the overwhelming industry practice and open themselves to liability in the event an incident occurred.

 

[Mako Mark]

Early this year the Mexican Government rehashed an out of date law that specifically covers diving, it states that while learning to dive the students must learn how to use an AAS, but doesnt yet specifically direct certified divers to use one.

Here is the file, (sorry I only have it in Spanish)

 

[wscdive]

Most dive operations i have dove with require an octo. I personally would not dive without one and as an instructor would not lead a diver who didnt have one. I know i can buddy breath with my buddy, but what about the unkown diver who grabs your reg at depth? can you control him or her? Its much easier to go to your octo, take them to the surface and then "discuss" the incident. (ive never had to share air with a buddy, but ive brought several divers I had never met up)

 

[Northeastwrecks]

I've got an easier solution that doesn't even need a law. If a buddy showed up without a functioning backup, I'd call the dive. No discussion, no debate and it would be the last time that they dove with me or anyone in my group.

 

[tedwhiteva]

This past June I made 14 dives with Don Foster's Shop in Grand Cayman. I was using my Scubapro Mk10 and didn't have an octo attached. The divemaster on the boat started to lecture me on not having an octo on my rig. He stated that it would soon become a law in Grand Cayman that all divers would have to have a octopus if the wanted to dive in Cayman waters. I told him I never heard of that and I and my wife were both experience divers with over 500 logged dives without any serious problems. We have our equipment maintained yearly and have never had a major equipment malfuction while on a dive. He went on to say PADI no longer requires teaching buddy breathing because it was too difficulate and again stressed that was one of the reasons I needed an octo. I explained I did own an AIR2 but prefered not to dive with it using this jacket .... the AIR2 was hooked up to a vest that I seldom use these days. He didn't think hightly of AIR2's either.

Not meaning to trash you, but... I guess your photo caption of Mr. Bridges says it all. Think for a minute -have you ever NEEDED your seat belt? If not, why wear it? Because it might save your life some day. Think of an OCTO the same way.

 

[DementialFaith]

An aqualung lpo costs less than $70, and you can get one a lot cheaper if second-handed. I'm sure a little bit of yellow on you won't destroy your color texture.

No idea about the law, but seriously, if you don't have an alternative air source, any of the divers I know who's below the age of 60 would dive w/ you.

 

[Knavey]

500 dives without an alternate air supply?

Would be a little worried about making #501.

Wow...a bit braver than I.

 

[oodie]

I told him I never heard of that and I and my wife were both experience divers with over 500 logged dives without any serious problems. We have our equipment maintained yearly and have never had a major equipment malfuction while on a dive.

I'm sorry, but I have to point out some of the poor logic you have used in your justification. Do you know what the probability of an air-supply failure is? Do you know how that probability changes with your well-maintained equipment? The probability of a non-buddybreather needing access to your air?

Unless you know the answer to these questions (I know I don't) I don't see how you can justify not needing a second regulator. The fact that you have made 500 successful dives also seems irrelevant.

 

[archman]

Do you know what the probability of an air-supply failure is?

Well, in scubapro50's case, it's no greater than 500 to 1!

Unless you know the answer to these questions (I know I don't) I don't see how you can justify not needing a second regulator. The fact that you have made 500 successful dives also seems irrelevant.

He's supplying hard data... in this case a set comprising 500 tests. Hardly irrelevant. That's a very robust statistical set of discrete (in this case with only two value options) measurements. And apparently a very good piece of equipment.

Nevertheless, the present times are pushing octo's. If you need it for diving in certain places now, best to get the thing. A lot of folks hate snorkels too, but some boats/places make you wear them, or at least keep it on your person.