bushfilm47
Guest
Hi there,
Okay, I haven't posted much here before, so I know I'm on thin ice, but I've got my nomex suit and stainless steel cup on, so here goes.
First, I was somewhat shocked to discover that computers are required in some places in order to dive. I don't want to be some old fart who maintains "I've been diving for 123 years and I don't need no stinking computer", but I will say that I been diving for a very long time, made lots of dives and never used a computer. And I never had any kind of problem. I know technology is great but wonder at the same time if this isn't just a move to force people to spend more money at the dive shop.
I know safety should be the primary concern of all divers, but I feel I must say that this is a dangerous sport, no matter what. I agree that some dive operations are safer than others but I think a diver's safety is that diver's responsibility, not someone else's.
When I started diving, no one had bc's or octopus regulators, much less computers. We learned to buddy breathe, learned the dive tables, were made aware of the dangers, and we went out to dive. I guess I am of the old school that says "hey, its your life, you may live it like you want." I understand the need for supervision, but I really don't need someone whose been diving for three years, no matter how many computers he/she has strapped on, telling me how I can or can't dive.
As far as log books go, how can you be sure that it isn't all a fantasy, forged names, etc. Again, I don't want to sound like Methusala, but I have made far more dives than I could write down, even in a very large logbook! So I don't bother with one.
I know all the cliches about " old, bold divers", but feel that its up to the diver to take responsibility, not the dive boat operator. In the good old days (save your remarks!), the dive boat was there to get you to the reef, then it was up to you to take care of the rest. I also know that diving is probably safer today than way back when, but I wonder at what cost.
I guess this, in some ways, mirrors society - do we want the government "protecting" us from ourselves, or do we take responsibility for our own lives?
If I'm bringing up a discussion that's already been covered, then I apologize in advance. I'd just like to know what you think. Thanks!
And just FYI, I do agree that Mexico can be a dangerous place to dive, having experienced my share of close calls, thanks to a poor dive operation.
Okay, I haven't posted much here before, so I know I'm on thin ice, but I've got my nomex suit and stainless steel cup on, so here goes.
First, I was somewhat shocked to discover that computers are required in some places in order to dive. I don't want to be some old fart who maintains "I've been diving for 123 years and I don't need no stinking computer", but I will say that I been diving for a very long time, made lots of dives and never used a computer. And I never had any kind of problem. I know technology is great but wonder at the same time if this isn't just a move to force people to spend more money at the dive shop.
I know safety should be the primary concern of all divers, but I feel I must say that this is a dangerous sport, no matter what. I agree that some dive operations are safer than others but I think a diver's safety is that diver's responsibility, not someone else's.
When I started diving, no one had bc's or octopus regulators, much less computers. We learned to buddy breathe, learned the dive tables, were made aware of the dangers, and we went out to dive. I guess I am of the old school that says "hey, its your life, you may live it like you want." I understand the need for supervision, but I really don't need someone whose been diving for three years, no matter how many computers he/she has strapped on, telling me how I can or can't dive.
As far as log books go, how can you be sure that it isn't all a fantasy, forged names, etc. Again, I don't want to sound like Methusala, but I have made far more dives than I could write down, even in a very large logbook! So I don't bother with one.
I know all the cliches about " old, bold divers", but feel that its up to the diver to take responsibility, not the dive boat operator. In the good old days (save your remarks!), the dive boat was there to get you to the reef, then it was up to you to take care of the rest. I also know that diving is probably safer today than way back when, but I wonder at what cost.
I guess this, in some ways, mirrors society - do we want the government "protecting" us from ourselves, or do we take responsibility for our own lives?
If I'm bringing up a discussion that's already been covered, then I apologize in advance. I'd just like to know what you think. Thanks!
And just FYI, I do agree that Mexico can be a dangerous place to dive, having experienced my share of close calls, thanks to a poor dive operation.