Jason, it sunds like you had a pretty hariy dive. From your description you actually dove the Canyons and 2nd Canyon on the ebb tide. The Canyons has a max depth of about 100ft, the second canyon is at 90ft (in fact the Fishbowl is a deeper site - 130ft to the edge of the bowl and 148ft feet inside).
Two things happen on the ebb tide - the current starts to rip as it passes by escarceo point - a down current can be formed over the deep fishbowl - this is what dragged you down.
In the summer months we get much stronger currents in PG due to the larger tides. The dive centers have an agreement to only take a max of two divers per DM through the Canyons on a strong ebb tide. In previous years people have got bent from ascending too quickly after the down current and one diver was lost.
The blame for the dive should be put squarely at the DMs feet. Lack of judgement can kill people. He should have the experience of local conditions to know when to call the dive. Even an experienced diver when faced with a strong down current can over-react - extreme anxiety sets in and they inflate the BCD and end up with an uncontrolled ascent. They may get bent - if their air holds out to the surface.
True about the signal sausage as well. All divers should carry one, as well as a whistle. They can be tucked in a pocket and brought out when needed.
