Posted by Captian Tim on August 14, 2001 at 22:28:43:
In Reply to: it all depends if the boat captains give it any merit posted by CalAbDiver on August 14, 2001 at 13:35:42:
"so far, they let anybody dive solo"
I must and do take offence at this. First off, on what legal grounds do I have to stop someone from diving alone? If a person is a certified diver, they are a certified diver. How they dive, and what diving they prefer, is their choice. It could be DIR, GUE, Padi, Naui, NASDS. I have seen divers that should not be in the water. I have stopped two divers from going on trips. When we, meaning the DM's and I see divers that could be a problem we talk about it, and try to make sure that, that diver has a good time, but still gets to go diving. Recently, I was asked to provide an escort diver (DM) for a couple of divers. They had a great time.
"They let anybody dive solo" is just not true. We really try to see if the person is comfortable doing this, and if they are, they are more than welcome to dive alone.
I am though, concerned to see an agency give out a "solo" card. This could open up all kinds of legal stuff that the industry just does not need. MHK is right on this one (did I say that?) 2 dives to make a person a "solo" diver is a joke. I would think closer to hundreds of dives would merit this.
Tim