drbill:
It appears....the victim appeared to be in "less than optimal" health. However, it also made me revisit a few certification related issues. Etc.
Dr. Bill
Dr. Bill are you a member of Congress? You should be. I think you hit something here. We must regulate people especially divers who are irresponsible, out of shape and incapable of making any rational decisions. If Corporate Amerca has the Sarbanes-Oxley act to protect the world against the corrupt CEO's, why not the diving world. Therefore, I suggest that we contact Senators: Boxer, Inouye, Graham, Byrd, Reid and Obama to sponsor a bill regulating the dive industry (use their initials as the name of the bill). A new agency will be created ... the Department of Diveland Security. All your points will clearly form the fundamentals of the laws and regulations except for the following changes:
1. Physical Fitness - Why stop at 400 yards, I think that 1000 would be more appropriate, with full gear but no fins. No masks or snorkel too. This will make sure anyone who puts on weight will be able to handle it.
2. Inspections - Why three years between re-certification. We have to get our cars inspected every year.... why not our diving skills. Besides, annual fees are much better.
3. Gear - Same as 2 but clearly every year. Each LDS will perform gear maintenance and check-up. A stamp will be attached to the upper corner of a diver's face mask to indicate that all gear has been checked out. Color coded to enable law enforcement agencies to spot violators.
4. Overall Health - a monthly doctor's certification must be provided as proof to eliminate divers who have cardio problems (heart attacks) and lung issues (smoking, etc.). While we're at it, all divers must have be able to see clearly (reading guages is vital so is finding your dive buddy ... hate to have divers buddy up to a shark) underwater. LDS should have an eye chart behind the counter to check on eyesight. If one fails, a perscription mask is necessary.
WHILE WE'RE AT IT, there are other areas which need to controled by stiffer laws and regulations:
A. Driver Licenses - anyone over the age of 60 has to go through driver's ed and past a driving test.
B. Cyclers - If you haven't been on a bicycle in more than 4 years, you have to get a local police department to verify that you can still ride AND understand that you are subject to vehicle not pedestrian laws. No more of these "it's like riding a bicycle" ... BS.
C. Golfers - If your handicap increases by 10, you have to get re-certified by a golf pro. This will be prevent anyone from getting killed by stray balls.
D. Skiers - Must be able to demonstrate BASIC ski moves (snowplow, gettin on/off ski lift, turns, stop). This certification will be required every five years.
There are other areas which need more rigid enforcement (alchol consumption, dog walking, motor boating, etc.) but I leave it up to other people to suggest that...
The bottom line is that I am against over-regulation and your suggestion (though fair and logical) is an attempt to regulate human behavior. Do you honestly think that regulations that you proposed will not be broken and divers will not die?
One of the many rules I abide by in diving is a simple one "Know your limitations..." I don't know how you regulate personal accountability. If you attempt to do so, diving will only be availabe to the "young studs in their 20's".
However, you do raise an interesting point about dive instructors/operators/or dive shops. Perhaps regulation of individuals or businesses that have a direct impact on a diver is valid. I'm not familiar with the requirements here but I suspect there are some already in place.
