Posted by Ed on October 28, 2002 at 10:30:39:
In Reply to: Re: Another boat owner's two cents worth of sense. posted by Chuck Tribolet on October 25, 2002 at 19:17:48:
A) "Wind won't blow a diver."
True. But it WILL blow a insufficiently anchored boat. Yes, you should always check your anchor to be sure, but anchors can and do come loose! Furthermore, boats DO SWING on the hook QUITE A BIT (even if anchored real good) in windy conditions.
B) "but you don't need to put it out unless the current is blowing."
Sorry, but disagree again. You may misjudge the current, or it can simply kick up in short order, while you are diving. Always better safe than sorry.
C) "It's rarely an option to leave someone on a small boat."
Again, another safety item, and a pretty important one IMHO. That 'someone' can come and get you should the boat drift, or you get swept away, or whatever that may prevent you from swimming to the boat. That someone can also call for help should you surface uncouncious or.... ??
I do feel VERY strongly about this. So much so, that I will NOT dive without someone on the boat.
Do as you wish.... But it is always better to be safe (or try to) than sorry.