Everyone has raised very thoughtful and thought provoking issues. From reading the posts, however, I think I should clear up a few things.
This was not a "hens & chicks" type operation. We did 20 dives in 5 days, and the DM only went in the water twice on our two drift dives. Absolutely no supervised tours like the resort operations. The captain was in twice to take some "souvenir videos"...he was solo and definitely not supervising. They told us up front we were personally responsible, but offered any help (like in-water supervision) if requested. A buddy was required on entry, but what you did after that was up to you. I ended up solo on most of my dives when my buddy ran out of air first. Frankly, we agreed this was the kind of operation we all expected and wanted.
We also pretty well agreed that the DM had done her job in describing the dive. Perhaps a bit more emphasis could have been placed on certain procedures, but the facts were definitely covered and and I'm not sure any more emphasis would have been heard. Also, the DM had probably done this dive at least 50 times over two years without incident or detecting any significant downcurrents. I also feel that the DM was really not "leading" the dive, but rather tending to the float so we could regroup for ascent and she could supervise the pickup after the dive. This could not be delegated to a paying customer. Remember, they also had a DM in a dingy for early ascents.
I did not mention it, but there were 24 divers on the boat. Seven decided not to make the dive, generally because they felt it was more than they might be able to handle. About 12 of the 17 divers who did go were all from the same dive club and had some knowledge of each others diving skills.
Rick and Warhammer seem to express most of the feelings I heard on the boat about the incident, as well as Turnerjd's comments about the DM's and instructor who participated, and Iguana Don hits it right on the head. There's plenty of blame to go around on everyone's part and personal responsibility is the key.
Us "professionals" in the group didn't think straight. I guess we were on vacation, thinking about ourselves and our own skills, trusting the cruise operation for their experience with the dive, and just not exercising good judgement. Anyone could have spoken up, anyone could have suggested certain divers might not be ready, anyone could have questioned the group size...but we didn't.
The other divers could have elected to sit out the dive like seven folks did, but they didn't. Again, people get into a trusting cattle herd mind set and it's "dive...dive...dive". If they can do it, I can do it...actually "we can do it".
The cruise crew could have made the dive in smaller groups. At that depth it was only a 20 minute dive. They could have made 2 or 3 drops and still made a second morning dive elsewhere as normally scheduled...but they didn't. I strongly believe this will be done in the future, judging from some conversations I overheard.
I'd also like to complement the crew on their emergency management procedures. To my observation they we flawless. When the victims surfaced and were picked up by the dingy, the captain contacted another dive boat in the area and arranged for pickup of the divers still down. He immediately left for the nearest helicopter pad and arranged for evacuation while in route. The victims' gear went with them to the chamber after computer data was logged, I understand. Our gear was retained on the pickup boat, and only given back when all computer data had been logged. Anyone who exceeded 130' was given a medical review by the captain. Two folks were given oxygen as a precaution based on their max depth recorded. The captain also filed a number of reports with the coast guard, medical people, and his own management team. Everyone on the dive was asked the next day to write up a page or so relating the facts of their own experiences on the dive.
I feel Iguana Don says it all with "sounds like we can point the finger at lots of people here". That's why I don't feel it's appropriate to name the cruise operation. I know this, I'll never take any dive for granted again! I also belive I'll be less trusting of others, more forthright in expressing my opinions before a dive, and hope like h&ll I'll never again stop thinking like a DM just because I'm not specifically charged with the responsibility of leading a group.
IMHO, I learned there's a lot of ways to be a buddy besides holding hands under water, and that's as much a part of personal resposibility as taking care of yourself.
