San Diego Dive Fatality 9-29-09

[DandyDon]

The have a name for the guy geared up and ready to assist you... a dive buddy.

And only saw buddies required on 1 of 3 charters. Yeah, still the way to dive, and I wonder where this diver's buddy was - but as mentioned already here, separation happens, buddies fail, etc. The boat-pick buddy I drew on the 1 charter there was a hopeless case.

 

[GrumpyOldGuy]

My point Don was if you want someone geared up and ready to assist, you need to have a dive buddy. Relying of DM's is a false sense of security. Either youi buddy dive or solo - there is nothing inbetween for me. I also don't except excuses from my buddy nor myself.

PS. I love to dive solo on SoCal dive boats.

 

[Ayisha]

I don't think that anyone is denying that the best assistance is a reliable, proficient buddy. In fact, self-reliance is very important as well in helping yourself and being able to help a buddy in need.

The subject of the DM's role in the victim's death came up and someone asked why the DM did not dive down after the victim. A couple of us mentioned that the DM's are not in full gear, implying that they would not be able to dive down and bring the victim up. We have talked about the false sense of security that DM's provide on this thread and other threads.

I'm not sure that we really know what happened to the victim's buddy in this situation and why he/she could not assist. It is another reminder about buddy awareness, responsibility and working together as a team.

 

[mdb]

I would rather solo dive almost always. No "team" members no "buddy" just up to you.

I've made many a dive in that same spot. Kelp can/will tie you up on your tank valves and gear.
Drop weights, get buoyant, move on. Thinking that someone will come to your aid is not, in many cases, this one included, not going to happen. Be self sufficient.

 

[ItsBruce]

If true, this DM-who-may-not-have-actually-been-a-DM is going to be spending some serious quality time with lawyers in the immediate future. Good Samaritan laws may limit exposure... but wow, that's going to be fun to work out. (Not.)

Finally something that I REALLY know about ...

California's Good Samaritan Laws will do nothing for the "DM" in this situation.

 

[ScubaDiverGirlTeppy]

Hi Everyone,
I live near and dive that area a lot. There is a extensive Kelp Forest off that area.
If someone has little or no experience diving in a Kelp Forest such as off Point Loma. It can becomes easy to get lost, and ones ability to reach the surface in minimized by the kelp forming a canopy at the surface.
I do not know who the diver that died was, but it is so terrible and sad that this diver may have panicked after being separated and then tangled in the kelp, removed the scuba gear, in hopes of freedom and access to the surface, but never accomplished this surface goal.
Hugs & happy Diving,
Scuba Diver Girl

 

[ScubaDiverGirlTeppy]

I won't dive with them anymore since my last experience with them about a year ago, nor will many friends and dive buddies who used to frequent the boat when it was under other management.

For what that's worth.

In your shoes, I'd look to purchase a spot on another boat, but that's your call.

I had some bad experiences, too.

I love diving with Lois Ann Charters. I spend most of my time finding out people's experience on the way to the site to be determine if I should be first or last in the water.

 

[CompuDude]

Finally something that I REALLY know about ...

California's Good Samaritan Laws will do nothing for the "DM" in this situation.

I thought that may be the case. (Thus the "may")

A bad situation for all concerned, no doubt.

 

[DandyDon]

Finally something that I REALLY know about ...

California's Good Samaritan Laws will do nothing for the "DM" in this situation.

Whether actually a DM or not, if lawyers & courts are employed to try to establish liability - I would expect the Operator to first in line there. The boats are not required to have a licensed DM onboard, right - but the alleged DM here was working under the Operator's umbrella of authority and responsibility.

I'd hate to be on the jury tho, as I'd want to keep divers responsibility in play. I don't get selected for juries tho. They must know about the one I hung decades ago, or me before I calmed down.

 

[gcbryan]

Most DM's don't have deep pockets. I don't think they are going to get sued.

I suspect everyone would be safer if it were illegal to have a DM on board. Then everyone would know that they alone were responsible and perhaps some would choose not to dive.