Solo diving

[eric gundrum]

LeadTurn_SD, I agree with your comments. It seems that DMT's accident was largely under his control. I can imagine he was getting all upset with himself for getting lost on one of his last DMT dive and he just worked himself into a panic. Or maybe there was some other cause. We cannot really know unless he tells us.

What struck me about the incident is that here is a guy near the completion of his training to be a DM. With all that training, I'd think he should know well how to handle himself -- at least in conditions similar to where he was trained. Obviously he didn't. For me this reiterates that higher-level cert cards don't always correspond to adequate training or experience. Also, one really needs to be carefully aware of one's one skills and limitations.

I'm getting a big message to slow down, enjoy the diving and not rush the training. Before my recent readings on SB I was in a hurry to get to DM because I thought that training would give me more confidence and experience. Now I have come to realize that I just need to focus more on getting the most out of my dives, including doing some safety drill reviews with my buddy.

I'll still pursue my AOW next month, because I'm pretty certain I am ready for that. (I've been studying and practicing AOW skills for more than a year.) And I may go for Rescue sometime later this year, I think, but I won't rush it. My getting to DM can wait awhile. If I want more continuing ed and the group activities, I'll just go for some specialty certs. And I think I won't be solo diving for a good long time yet, if ever. (I really like the social aspects of diving, but the solitude of diving alone is appealing, too.)

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

..... What struck me about the incident is that here is a guy near the completion of his training to be a DM. With all that training, I'd think he should know well how to handle himself -- at least in conditions similar to where he was trained. Obviously he didn't. For me this reiterates that higher-level cert cards don't always correspond to adequate training or experience. Also, one really needs to be carefully aware of one's one skills and limitations.

Hi Eric,

The fact that the diver was apparently in DM training is what surprised me too... but I guess I should not be that surprised since there often seems to be a push to get brand new divers to to go "from zero to hero" much too quickly. Dive for awhile, then decide if you want to pursue a professional certification.

Good luck and have fun with AOW and Rescue.

I generally prefer buddy diving to solo diving, but there are times when the solitude and low-stress of going solo are great. Just take your time, ask lots of questions, and you'll know if and when you are ready to solo.

Best wishes.