What Defines a "Tech" Diver

[Lorenzoid]

That's how language works. If we all made up our own definitions for all our words, we would just be babbling at each other with no understanding, like Humpty Dumpty in the section I quoted.

True, but it’s not much fun here to discuss what Wikipedia believes other people believe the term means. To me, the more interesting discussion is what we here on SB believe. There’s a line between just making stuff up and sharing our sincere thoughts on a definition.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

Time to modify Wikipedia!

 

[L13]

True, but it’s not much fun here to discuss what Wikipedia believes other people believe the term means. To me, the more interesting discussion is what we here on SB believe. There’s a line between just making stuff up and sharing our sincere thoughts on a definition.

The point isn't what Wiki's definition is, Wiki doesn't have just one definition. Wiki recognizes the multitude of definitions and exposes the common denominator that makes the term useful.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

Amen

Now shall we lock this thread forever more?

Actually, Scubaboard already has a "Self Lock" option. It's called......"stop reading and responding to a thread that you don't like anymore". It's fully available to both Recreational and Technical Divers without the use of any specialized equipment and it's FREE!

 

[Lorenzoid]

Being pedantic, especially with a personal definition, reduces the usefulness in a conversation ….

Maybe the post that made the quip about Justice Stewart’s refusal to define pornography had it right. We can’t define “tech diving” but we know it when we see it.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Wiki recognizes the multitude of definitions and exposes the common denominator that makes the term useful.

Are you going to attempt to put the “common denominator” into a single sentence? Or is the common denominator only something that can exist in our individual heads as an idea? That’s the challenge to pedants like me. And as I said in a few posts now, I don’t think it can be done. But I have been enjoying reading members’ attempts. Good fun.

 

[L13]

Maybe the post that made the quip about Justice Stewart’s refusal to define pornography had it right. We can’t define “tech diving” but we know it when we see it.

Especially for things that exist on a continuum, precise and concise definitions of regions of the continuum are almost impossible and people will always argue the borders. Often arguing the borders is an intentional distraction from talking about the real issue. Despite this, separating continuums into regions is useful.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Often arguing the borders is an intentional distraction from talking about the real issue.

I completely agree. Here on SB and out in the real world we all understand each other’s conversations about tech diving. I agree that in those contexts it would be a “distraction.” But when someone starts a thread asking what we believe it means, it’s not a distraction—it’s part of the topic of the thread. (Just my own opinion of the topic—not speaking as a moderator here.)

 

[boulderjohn]

Are you going to attempt to put the “common denominator” into a single sentence? Or is the common denominator only something that can exist in our individual heads as an idea? That’s the challenge to pedants like me. And as I said in a few posts now, I don’t think it can be done. But I have been enjoying reading members’ attempts. Good fun.

Common denominators--I am doing this without a lot of thought because I don't see a need to be precise.

Technical Dive: A technical dive exceeds the common limits of recreational or sport diving by imposing a ceiling preventing direct access to the surface, either a "hard" ceiling (overhead environment) or a "soft ceiling" (decompression obligation).​

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Technical Diver: A diver who has the training, experience, and equipment needed to execute a technical dive safely.​

Someone who is not properly trained for technical diving can do a technical dive, but doing so does not make that person a technical diver, and it is not advised. A solo diver is someone who dives alone--such a diver may also be a technical diver.

 

[L13]

Are you going to attempt to put the “common denominator” into a single sentence? Or is the common denominator only something that can exist in our individual heads as an idea? That’s the challenge to pedants like me. And as I said in a few posts now, I don’t think it can be done. But I have been enjoying reading members’ attempts. Good fun.

No. Because no 2 people are going to see the exact same single sentence as representing the common denominator. And yet the term can still be useful as long as you recognize that fact. Being a pedant is fine, as long as you recognize it and focus on communicating rather than winning the pedantic argument (unless communicating isn't your objective).

Furthermore the true pedant argues for the "authoritative" definition, not the personally definition. In this case there is no one authority (which is why Wiki lists a bunch of definitions, each from a different authority).