What makes a master diver?

[Walter]

Actually, it is relevent. You check on divers because they might need help. With Ana, it's not an issue, leave her alone, she won't need your help. As for avoiding her ire, it's quite simple, treat her with respect, she'll treat you with respect. Do not treat her like she doesn't know what she's doing.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

Now, if you have something useful to post with reference to the "stay away from me" attitude expressed by Ana and the duty of care inherent in being a DM, and how to reconcile the two so that the DM doesn't ever catch Ana's (or other divers with that attitude) ire while being a responsible fellow human being and DM, please do offer it.

As with any diver ... regardless of experience level ... it's truly simple.

You talk to them.

Set expectations before the dive.

Some people like being watched over. Others truly despise it.

If you're working on a boat, then part of your job is getting to know the expectations of your customers.

You're there to provide a service, not to assume that you have to babysit everyone ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[IXΘYΣ]

You check on divers because they might need help. With Ana, it's not an issue,

I'm sure Sheck would agree.
--
Even I have been around long enough to know better than to think anyone is without the possibility of an "issue." (been to a few funerals for those, too, and not just diving)
I still want to know how far away I have to stay to be considered outside the "personal space" bubble. I mean, I fully understand the escape into being on my own underwater, and not bothered by others. But it doesn't upset me if someone occasionally watches me, or swims close by for a second. Is this ok? Or are you one who gets upset if someone else is even in your ocean (however big that is)?
Let Ana answer, please.
--
PS My (or any other diver's) ability to help is not diminished by the rating, experience or competence of another diver who might need that help.

 

[IXΘYΣ]

As with any diver ... regardless of experience level ... it's truly simple.

You talk to them.

Set expectations before the dive.

Some people like being watched over. Others truly despise it.

If you're working on a boat, then part of your job is getting to know the expectations of your customers.

You're there to provide a service, not to assume that you have to babysit everyone ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Well put. Thank you. That's really all I'm attempting to do here... to engage one diver who has expressed a desire to keep her "personal space" in a dialog that clarifies what her "personal space" might be. It's information for the back pocket that might be useful some day.

 

[JeffG]

I'm sure Sheck would agree.
--
Even I have been around long enough to know better than to think anyone is without the possibility of an "issue."

Who is checking you then?

 

[IXΘYΣ]

Who is checking you then?

We usually have two in the water at once, but sometimes, I have to admit, I do dive truly solo, and were I to have an "issue" like a heart attack I'd just be dead. But if you were to show up while I'm solo and just sort of tag along, it would not bother me. I suppose my "personal space" bubble is pretty small.
I reckon that if another diver came along and screwed up a photo I'd be a wee bit peeved, and downright grumpy if they did it again...

 

[Walter]

Let Ana answer, please.

ROTFLMAO!!!!! As if I could stop her.

 

[Ana]

Just out of curiosity, how big is this "personal space" bubble you push/drag along with you under water? Do you brief your fellow divers on how far away from you they must stay?
When in "DM" mode I'll frequently shadow a buddy team for a few moments, even 'accidentally' swim close across someone's path while surreptitiously peeking at their gas supply or computer. Is that "invading?" Will you get ticked? More importantly, will your family forbid a lawsuit in the event that you screw up and die while the DM/crew keeps your personal space intact?

I don't brief anyone, I don't pay for a spot in a dive boat to do briefings. I ask in advance about the boat routine. I only want a few things from a dive boat: a properly maintain boat, a captain that can navigate it, a full O2 bottle, drinking water and a ladder. If I can't take care of my gear without anyone overtouching it or if it is required to have a person "shadow" me, I will not use that boat. Otherwise we get along great.

How big is my personal space 'bubble' underwater?, as big as my personal space "air" topside.
I understand the need for closeness onboard when there are X amount of divers with their gear, all trying to get gear up at the same time in an often reduced deck space. Bump into me or my stuff by accident as many times as you have to if the seas are rough, but do not "fix" anything of mine. If seas are calm and there is plenty of space I hope to be as far away from everyone that I can't hear them if they talk at normal volume.
Underwater I should be able to change directions on all 3 axes within a second without having anyone bump into me. Once again how far should that be, depends on current and actual location. I will not go into a reduced space when someone else is already there, I expect to be given the same courtesy. I'll make a point to stay away from people so if anyone goes out of their way to get close I consider it an unwelcome personal invasion.
Will I be in trouble one day, I'm sure I will. So far I've survived all of my oh $h!t moments, maybe one day I'll run out of luck. I don't know, maybe my destiny is to die of butt cancer, one way or other I'll get to the end, I just soon do it with out a DM "shadowing" me.

I don't have a problem, signing all the waivers you want, and yes my family is aware of that.

I have probably left something unsaid but I'll be happy to come back to this later today with more time.

 

[Sideband]

Now, if you have something useful to post with reference to the "stay away from me" attitude expressed by Ana and the duty of care inherent in being a DM, and how to reconcile the two so that the DM doesn't ever catch Ana's (or other divers with that attitude) ire while being a responsible fellow human being and DM, please do offer it.

Unless I hired you to lead me in a dive and told you I need supervision, you have NO DM's duty of care to me. Stay away.

 

[IXΘYΣ]

I'll make a point to stay away from people so if anyone goes out of their way to get close I consider it an unwelcome personal invasion.

Hmmm.... ok... everything else you say seems reasonable... but this... how to put it... just don't get curious as to what it is you're finding so interesting "away from people" and come to investigate?
I'm pretty good at finding interesting stuff when I'm in "customer" mode. Some folks know that - and tend to show up from time to time. I don't consider that an "unwelcome personal intrusion," however, but more an "opportunity to share." I suppose it's a perspective thing - everybody to their own kick.