Posted by Ken Kurtis on February 13, 2001 at 12:37:35:
In Reply to: Re: Tegner's DDRC Final Report (long) posted by shark-92107 on February 13, 2001 at 11:39:59:
This is NOT an attempt to rekindle the merits-of-solo-diving debate.
For the record, IMHO, this was a solo dive from the time she and Eric agreed to seperate, and then continued as a totally solo dive when she surfaced (and could have aborted) and chose to go back down.
But it's also important to really read ALL the words in the findings:
"Secondly, the buddy system could have been followed which dictates when one member of the team cannot continue the dive, both surface together. Had a buddy been present, the decedent would have had additional air, buoyancy, and rescue services available. It is by no means certain, however, that a buddy would have changed the outcome of this event."
It's worth repeating the last line:
"It is by no means certain, however, that a buddy would have changed the outcome of this event."
Solo doesn't always kill you and a buddy doesn't always save you. Regardless of how you dive, make good choices. Dive smart and dive safely.
Ken Kurtis
NAUI Instr. #5936
Co-owner, Reef Seekers Dive Co.
Beverly Hills, Ca.