Posted by AADIVER on November 19, 2000 at 23:12:49:
In Reply to: Not ready/qualified/trained/etc. to make a dive posted by Ken Kurtis on November 19, 2000 at 21:46:29:
Touchy situation requiring a great deal of tact and diplomacy. Our beloved sport still suffers from the macho syndrome, plus the fact that many novices simply don't realize that a particular dive is beyond their limitations and they could get into serious trouble. One of the responsibilities of employed DM's is to evaluate the abilities of both divers in each buddy team. I would spell out the potential hazards of the dive and pray the waiver and my insurance covers my butt and the boat should they go ahead and dive against my advice. But these boat waivers really don't have any teeth. Legally, none of us can sign away our right to initiate litigation. Winning or losing a suit is a whole 'nother issue. What else to do?