Posted by Kevin on March 22, 2001 at 14:48:22:
Equipment, Training and Experience. Add to that Attitude and Knowledge for those of you that hold technical certs.
Thats the basic recipe for being safe in the water. It really doens't matter if you are exploring the Triple Crown wreck at 270 FSW or feeding the fish in the park at 27 FSW, thats what you need to be safe.
I have noticed a tremendous amount of discussion about equipment ( weighting and cylinder choices and wings and long hoses and which gas is best ). And that is a good thing, a really good thing.
But I don't see that many posts asking about the role of training, or lack of training, in diver incidents, accidents and deaths.
When I teach at Casino Point, I am truly shocked at what I see. Not just the students but the instructors as well. What the heck is going on here ?
The recent post " true story " by mdfixitman reminded me of so similiar incidents on boats and beaches where I can just see how a complete lack of proper training can result directly in injury or death.
Think about it. Study any diver death and the first thing you say is " What was that person thinking " or " Jeeez, everyone knows you don't ( insert the specific flavor of the stupidity here )."
And before I go let me say the average diver on this board ( despite the flame wars and battles and arguments ) is on this board to learn and share, and that very very good. I wish there were more people on this board sharing ideas.
What do you think ??
Kevin