Posted by Ken Kurtis on January 06, 2002 at 20:05:13:
In Reply to: Re: A true tragedy. So preventable posted by John on January 06, 2002 at 15:28:10:
I agree with Jonh whole-heartedly.
You always should do your dive to the lowest common demonimator. Although I have no problem with QUALIFIED divers doing solo dives, there is no way in hell that you can argue that a brand new diver is qualified to solo - even for moment, like with an ascent - and by choosing NOT to ascend with his buddy, the new diver was put into a solo position, and with tragic results.
While there's no guarantee that the end result wouldn't have been the same, I can't help but believe that this guy would still be alive today (especially leaving the bottom with 800psi) if his buddy had gone up with him.
I'd be curious to know the certificiation level and experience level of the surviving buddy.
Ken Kurtis
NAUI Instr. #5936
Co-owner, Reef Seekers Dive Co.
Beverly Hills, CA