Put your signature where your mouth is...

[Cave Diver]

I've seen comments in numerous threads here, as well as other boards about the lack of information and incident reports that come to light after cave diving accidents.

So in a rather off the beaten path way of thinking, what if we as individuals started carrying a document authorizing the release of info in the event of an accident? A lot of us say we want it discussed, but what are we doing to ensure that?

If we printed out an information release form and did a grassroots effort to turn it in to the Sheriff or Rangers at places like JB or Peacock or Ginnie, or kept a copy in our vehicle or wetnotes would it make a difference?

Knowing such a release was on file might stop some people from being dumbasses and if it didnt, maybe it would facilitate getting information after an accident.

If nothing else, it could specify the type of info to be released to public, including gas mixture, tank size, pressure, etc. and help fill in the holes

 

[ianr33]

Not sure a Sheriff is really interested in a Dive Plan.

How about posting all that info on Facebook BEFORE every dive !

 

[Cave Diver]

Not sure a Sheriff is really interested in a Dive Plan.

How about posting all that info on Facebook BEFORE every dive !

It's not so much a dive plan, as it is authorization to release information in the event of an accident. You could post a dive plan on FB, but the stuff we're usually interested in is what was the mix, depth, gas remaining, po2, etc. from analyzing the gear.

The Sheriff may not have interest in it, but by having a written authorization to release info then there's no reason to keep it under wraps.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

I like it ... perhaps I'll do that when I go to Marianna in May.

Given how little I've dived in caves, I'm probably a good candidate for "dumbass" anyway ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[fdog]

I'm not a cave diver, but I have an agreement with my team for complete disclosure if I die.

This changes how I dive not one whit. It does give me hope that some good would come from me expiring, though.

In a similar vein, I read voraciously when something reasonabaly authoritative is published about a technical diving incident. Not being goulish - just want to keep it from happening to me.


All the best, James

 

[TSandM]

I would hope that Peter would know that I would want everything released . . . but having a document stating it is not a bad idea. I think I'll put one together, and have it with my personal things at the dive site (as such things would be gone through in the event of an accident, anyway). I don't know if law enforcement or whoever would get involved with a recovery would respect it, though.

I remember reading the incredibly painful and beautifully detailed account Dave Swift wrote of Denton Byers' death, from which I don't think much of anything was learned, except that there may be risks of holding onto a bouncing anchor line on deco. But I thought it was wonderful of Dave to honor his buddy's request that such an account be written and published.

 

[FireInMyBones]

I have been thinking of putting something like this as an addendum in my will ever since I read the thread: "If I Die While Diving"...or something like that anyway.

 

[diverdoug1]

I already have such a clause in my will, as well as have discussed it with my spouse.

 

[denisegg]

In an investigation, I doubt local law officials would abide by such a document. And would your buddies and or family have access to this information in a timely manner? How long is it held during an investigation?
In the case of Ag, a statement was issued which was very helpful, but we were still left with alot of unanswered questions.

 

[Cave Diver]

I would hope that Peter would know that I would want everything released . . . but having a document stating it is not a bad idea.

Not knowing your specific situation, but speaking in generalizations it would take the pressure off of a S/O to have a document if they released info that your family didn't want public.

In an investigation, I doubt local law officials would abide by such a document. And would your buddies and or family have access to this information in a timely manner? How long is it held during an investigation?

I don't know that it would *force* them to give out info, but they might be more forthcoming if there was a document from the victim allowing for it. Basic info could be released immediately such as tank pressures, gas analysis, etc. May have to wait on coroner reports on medical conditions and such.

I dunno, just kind of spitballing an idea. If enough people were to get on board with it, it might help change the way things are currently done in this regard.