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I was very surprised to see that Mr. Rennaker started off his article by stating that he is an instructor for the NSS-CDS, NACD and IANTD. I do believe that all three of these agencies teach and promote the "team" concept to cave diving. Why would the NACD publish such an article which goes totally against its stated accepted standards for cave diving ? Yes, you should always be prepared to take care of yourself (which is an integral part of the "team" concept). Yes, you never take a diver (i.e. buddy) beyond the point where they can function as a team member. But neither of these two arguments should lead to the conclusion that "solo" diving is the answer. (The fact that sometimes while sidemounting or no-mounting, it would be dangerous to have a buddy is not a good argument for solo diving on a regular basis.) Can any of the "Training Directors" for the above mentioned three agencies step forward and state that Mr. Rennaker is way out of line with this topic or does their silence somehow endorse Mr. Rennaker's position ? tim mcmahon > -----Original Message----- > From: OSTDIVE@ao*.co* [SMTP:OSTDIVE@ao*.co*] > Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 1999 7:53 PM > To: Cavers@cavers.com; freeattic@co*.ci*.uf*.ed* > Subject: Solo Diving Article, NACD > > After reading the article entitled " Solo Diving" by Bill Rennaker in the > NACD Journal, I feel compelled to express my opinion of this article. > First, > the logic is severely flawed in regards to comparing solo diving with > diving > accompanied by an unsafe buddy. These are two separate issues ( problems). > To > state that solo diving is safe in comparison with an incompetent buddy is > analogous to saying drunk driving is safer than Russian roulette. They are > > both unsafe and far from the optimum practice. The track record for both > practices speaks for itself. We are free to dive as we wish, but we cannot > > escape from the fact that what we do, and the outcome of our actions, will > > impact on the entire population of cave divers. If we endorse less than > optimal techniques, WE are responsible for the repercussions. Personal > preference is paid for at the cost to all! The NACD Journal should print > all > opinions, so I do not object to printing of the article; BUT > I , personally, would not wish to bear the responsibility for the content > of > the article and it's ramifications. I disagree whole heartedly with the > article! > Mark L. Ost
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