Posted by Max Bottomtime on February 08, 2005 at 14:24:09:
In Reply to: Dan's qualifications for the Oil Rig dive posted by Ken Kurtis on February 07, 2005 at 22:31:00:
The first time I dived the rigs in question was dive #712 and 713 in my log book. Dive #560 was my first time at Farnsworth. I had wanted to dive both of these sites right after getting certified, but held off until I felt I had the experience to make such a dive. 58 dives, or 24 as Dan originally said is not enough experience, no matter how many cards he bought. Holding an advanced cert does not make one an advanced diver. Until a diver is able to handle any emergency that arises, whether it is helping a buddy or self-rescue I would not consider him/her qualified to dive in 700 feet of water, ten miles offshore in the fog. I guess since his experience included diving in Fiji he expected the Sundiver to follow his bubbles as if it was a drift dive. Ken, would you cut slack someone on a charter of yours who didn't follow your dive briefing? I believe you tell your divers to remain within the perimeter of the rigs.