Common symptoms of decompression sickness - Page 2

**dalehall** · 11-21-2007, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MgicTwnger

That book is one of the classics of scuba literature. The Rouses became very advanced in a short time, had a devil-may-care attitude, and paid the ultimate price. IMHO, they were immature jerks.

I agree with all the above statements.

**glynneco** · 11-21-2007, 04:35 PM

I hate it when you hold back on your opinions. You DO need to vent!!

**glynneco** · 11-21-2007, 04:42 PM

The incident is also recounted in Shadow Divers another good book set to be a major motion picture

**MgicTwnger** · 11-21-2007, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glynneco

I hate it when you hold back on your opinions. You DO need to vent!!

You're absolutely right, so I'll vent some more (beats working).

The problem with divers acting irresponsibly is that their actions put others at risk, not only their buddies, but anyone who tries to assist. Thankfully, divers like the Rouses are rare in the tech diving community, that kind of diving carries plenty of inherent risks to begin with.
If I recall correctly, the Rouses couldn't afford the trimix required for that dive, but did it anyway. I mean, come on!

Ally · 11-21-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MgicTwnger

The Rouses became very advanced in a short time, had a devil-may-care attitude, and paid the ultimate price. IMHO, they were immature jerks. That was an accident that should never have happened.

Isn't that an inherent danger with diving...?

Complacency, the 'I can do that' attitude...looking from the outside, inwards...diving is one of the few pastimes or jobs that can literally kill you, often with very few symptoms first but more often by making stupid mistakes that those with more experience would never dream of doing.

If someone is diving and they are relatively fresh out of their training course, is it common for there to be a few who get the immortality bug?...as often seen by teenagers who just pass their driving test and go kill themselves in the first week after making one stupid mistake that had they built up experience, they probably would never have made.

**dalehall** · 11-21-2007, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MgicTwnger

If I recall correctly, the Rouses couldn't afford the trimix required for that dive, but did it anyway. I mean, come on!

You recall correctly.. They did that dive on air.

I didn't even do the flight deck of the Oriskany on air and it's only 137 feet.

**MgicTwnger** · 11-21-2007, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ally

Isn't that an inherent danger with diving...?

Complacency, the 'I can do that' attitude...looking from the outside, inwards...diving is one of the few pastimes or jobs that can literally kill you, often with very few symptoms first but more often by making stupid mistakes that those with more experience would never dream of doing.

If someone is diving and they are relatively fresh out of their training course, is it common for there to be a few who get the immortality bug?...as often seen by teenagers who just pass their driving test and go kill themselves in the first week after making one stupid mistake that had they built up experience, they probably would never have made.

All true. There is an unavoidable amount of danger in the sport, and the best divers I know are thoroughly aware of it and do everything to minimize it.
Let's face it, the typical open water course prepares you to follow a DM around the reefs and not much else, which is OK since that is what most people want out of the sport. To get beyond that point is where you really have to put in the time and money in order to train and equip yourself for more adventurous diving.
The key concept to me is that a diver is ultimately responsible for his own well-being. I suppose maturity is a big part of it. I've seen 12 year olds who can handle it, and 40 year olds who shoudn't get past the pool.

**dalehall** · 11-21-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ally

Isn't that an inherent danger with diving...?If someone is diving and they are relatively fresh out of their training course, is it common for there to be a few who get the immortality bug?...as often seen by teenagers who just pass their driving test and go kill themselves in the first week after making one stupid mistake that had they built up experience, they probably would never have made.

Drivers, yes. But not divers from what I've seen. But, then again, I'm only a few years into the diving community. Most people out there know this can kill you if don't do it right and take the precautions needed. I think the instructor may have a lot to do with that also. Make it fun, but make sure they know the risks of messing up also. If you teach safety, they will be safe (to an extent) If you teach complacentcy, it will be with the student. Scuba Mama can probably back that one up. The group of us the dove the "O" earlier this year were all PADI Rescue diver qualification or higher. Even though we felt we had the experience necessary to do the dive, we were still checking and double checking dive plan, equipment, etc. Only one person in the group had been that deep or deeper so we were all a bit on edge and very cautious. I think only the "Stupid Brave" get the immortality bug.

**Scuba Mama** · 11-22-2007, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dalehall

I think the instructor may have a lot to do with that also. Make it fun, but make sure they know the risks of messing up also. If you teach safety, they will be safe (to an extent) If you teach complacency, it will be with the student. Scuba Mama can probably back that one up.

Yes, I'll back you up. I had a story early in the year of a diver, who thought I was a blow hard and nagging her. She learned the hard way watching and diver make a mistake and lose her life. When she and the other divers got together to discuss diver safety and what had happened, she said "it was like you were standing right there, everything I said was everything you tried to teach me, you were so right."

Here is a question I asked my students to gage what type of group I have. Congratulations, you have just been certified to dive, you are on a dive boat, there is a captain, divemaster, other more experienced divers and you. "Who is most responsible person for your personal safety?" The answer is obvious.
For the special few who don't know, I remove everything from my story except the boat and the new diver. By this time all will be able to figure it out.

I tell my divers I can't think for you. I will assist you and show you the way to do it right to avoid being in a situation beyond your control. The first guy I had teaching me diving drove me nuts, but its the way I teach and I am sure I drive people nuts. Safety, Safety, Safety,if you feel your to good to follow the rules, I promise to bring the body back.

I don't think a divers experience plays fully into mistakes, however I think a lack a thinking does.

Scuba Mama

**MgicTwnger** · 11-22-2007, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba Mama

I don't think a divers experience plays fully into mistakes, however I think a lack a thinking does.
Scuba Mama

Amen.........