Posted by Gerry Smith on September 21, 2000 at 14:44:58:
In Reply to: Re: Defining Buddy/Solo posted by MHK on September 21, 2000 at 10:12:39:
Nothing tortured about Ken's definitions. Presumably a solo diver (intentional) has considered his choice and made adjustments to minimize additional risk. High quality, well maintained gear, high level of training and experience, and redundant UBA are examples that come to mind.
This diver differs from the unintentionally separated buddy team in that he is much less likely to be in a problem situation in the first place, and if murphy does catch up with him, he can probably save himself. This is the difference that makes Ken's definitions meaningful.
There is even a third significant variation. That's the intentionally solo diver who takes no precautions against the increased risk. We can call that one the "solo diver with the IQ of a turnip."
GS