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IMHO arguing, bickering, name calling, and misrepresentation of truths will not fix the problems we are seeing in the cave diving communities. There certainly are some specific problems and issues that need to be addressed; however tearing down any institution such as the NSS-CDS or NACD is not the solution. Rather, everyone should work to identify the pressing issues and work diligently to improve these agencies. Many of the arguments of late deserve efficient attention which they are not currently getting. Instructor health and ethics are prime examples. Standards by which students are instructed need careful review and perhaps an overhaul to ensure students receive the information and training necessary to minimize the risks associated with cave diving. These improvements need to go forth independent of approval from "good ole boy" networks or personal motivations. I would suggest ALL training agencies involved with cave instruction establish a joint although independent accreditation committee/organization who's sole purpose is to review training standards and instructor requirements. The findings of this committee would be the basis of awarding accreditation to each agency that demonstrates its ability to comply with minimum training and instructor standards. While it is a reality that some agencies will exceed the minimum standards (highly recommended), it is imperative all agencies at least meet some minimum requirement set by an independent auditor. Prospective students would be able to review these findings and may be better able to judge what agency is best for them in doing the most to ensure their safety in instruction and further development into becoming safe cave divers. In effect it creates competition to improve. In addition, each agency should establish within its bylaws the necessary vehicles for revoking instructor and student certifications. Individuals receiving certifications should be made aware the "card" is not theirs, it belongs to the issuing agency. If they screw up, they may have to go through the training process again to get re-certified. Instructors should be required to receive annual medical examinations by physcians familiar with diving related issues. Periodic re-certification and medical evaluations of instructors is common place in other industries such as aviation; it should also be so for cave instructors who carries with them into the cave the lives of their mostly naive students. Negativity campaigns are counter productive. I fully understand the frustration and anxiety people who care about the future of cave diving are currently facing. However it appears people are reacting rather than proacting. Being perhaps the only openly gay cave diver in the world I completely understand how distortions of truths injure good people and so effectively malign and destroy positive efforts and the potential benefits many people can bring to the table. Sure we need to identify immediate issues that need attention. Perhaps those concerned (myself included) could form an adhoc group to identify for starters three specific areas that need direct and immediate attention (I recognize there are more than three, but we need to start somewhere). From that we can bring the findings and recommendations to all the agencies for joint discussions and hopefully integration where appropriate. Second I would propose, rather than running away from the problems, lets get people voted on to the Boards of these agencies who will not act out of personal interests or succumb to peer pressures. In other words, get rid of the dead wood and get people in place who will do what is right to ensure cave diving is a relatively safe sport. We need to do it for the survival of everyone concerned before it becomes too late. IMHO Take care, Doug
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