In Reply to: A few thoughts for the dive community to consider posted by MHK on June 21, 2006 at 23:22:19:

Mike, this is a good question. Based on the Osborne trip reports one might gleen that the Sea Divers are promoting diving beyond the rec limits as some divers did.

So it is important to redirect the misguided. I can tell those lurkers, those inquisitive minds, following this topic, that as an ex Sea Diver exec it is in my opinion that Osborne is a rec dive to rec limits, just as a rig dive, is a rec dive to rec limits. The Sea Divers do not require bungie cords limiting their divers to stay within rec depths. Nor do they “only” dive hard bottom dives that prevent divers from going beyond rec limits. They rely on their divers noodles to tell them where their boundaries are. We, I say this in the past tense as ex, realize that by going to spots with a hard bottom deeper than rec limits that some divers may exceed the club dive policy. However, the club is not a police force nor does it supervise its divers underwater. That would be impossible to do. We do require that they have proper certification and recent diving experience, which would indicate they have had they proper training and experience. However, it was up to their instructors to instill upon their student minds to accept the responsibility for the increased hazards of diving beyond their abilities, and the inherent risks of the activity.

The Sea Diver policy:
TRIMIX POLICY
Diving with the use of Trimix is not allowed on Sea Divers boat charters.

Those that may have dove voodoo gas and or outside the policy limits were aware when they initialed their waivers that they accept the responsibility for their actions. Conversly, this does not mean somebody else is reponsible if they stay in limits, but it puts the light on them that the outer limits activity is not ecouraged or sanctioned.

Since one can be sued for anything, regardless of the redundant safety measures one incorporates, we are all aware that anytime we venture from our home there will be an increase or risk and liability to all involved. In choosing to live the experienced life the Sea Divers club is aware that the destinations they choose are riskier then a walk in the park but believes that these special locations, Osborne, Nick, Begg, Miguel, etc. can still can be enjoyed within the reasonable limitations and risks of rec diving, or for those that will argue "advanced" rec diving.

Diving beyond rec limits is not necessary to dive Osborne or to have fun, but if so experienced by a diver then it is done at their prerogative.

pre•rog•a•tive n.
1. An exclusive right or privilege held by a person or group, especially a hereditary or official right.
2. The exclusive right and power to command, decide, rule, or judge: the principal's prerogative to suspend a student.
3. A special quality that confers superiority.

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  • Give me a break Elaine 01:07:29 06/23/06 (0)