In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: ABSOLUTELY IF NEEDED posted by Walt on December 28, 2006 at 16:17:32:

Nice to have another excuse from the task at hand . . .

Walt wrote: "Maybe it 'depends'..."

I disgaree strongly. You HAVE to assume the worst and act accordingly.

From an instructional standpoint, we use the can-you-defend-your-actions-on-the-stand if you're sued.

From a recreational standpoint, use the can-I-sleep-at-night rule: If the scenario as outlined happened, and you did your safety stop rather than immediately getting help and initiating emergency procuedures for a lost diver, and if your buddy ended up dead . . . could you live with yourself? Do you feel you have an obligation to do everything reasonably possible? (And what exactly is the definition of "reasonable"?) And while there's certainly a don't-make-yourself-a-victim thought, I don't think getting bent by missing a safety stop (which I'm assuming is the only "bad" outcome) is worth someone's else's life.

As I said before, we can treat the bends. We can't treat dead.

For me personally, I'll do everything short of knowingly kill myself to try to save/find you. May not be everyone's choice but that's mine.

Ken Kurtis
NAUI Instr. #5936
Co-owner, Reef Seekers Dive Co.
Beverly Hills, CA

• Being proactive Walt 21:57:59 12/28/06 (0)
• Absolutely Maybe Depending seahunt 20:52:52 12/28/06 (0)