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Date: Tue, 9 Jul 1996 15:42:44 -0400
To: jstrohm@te*.ne* (Jim Strohm)
Cc: techdiver@terra.net
Subject: Re: Ft Lauderdale Diving
From: jjackson@mh*.sb*.co* (Jeffrey Jackson)
Organization: Salomon Bros. Inc
Jim Strohm writes:
> "G. M. I. III" <gmiiii@in*.co*> stepped up to the plate and hit THIS
> home run:
> 
> [snip]
> 
> >   These guys all looked miserable , were sweating like pigs on the boat
> >stuffed
> >into their mouuntain of gear, and  spent most of the dive hanging in the
nasty
> >green freshwater lens, while we cruised around,  saw all kinds of cool
things,
> >decoed out at 30 feet in the blue water, and had a nice day in the sun.
> 
> I point this sort of thing out to most over-burdened divers -- we call it
> "recreational" diving because it's supposed to be fun.  You don't need all the
> stuff on every dive.  You do need your comfort zone on equipment redundancy.
> Reduce your rig to only what you need to complete the planned dive.
> 
> Your mission, G. M. I. III, should you decide to accept it, is to counsel
these
> divers WELL BEFORE the dive as to the exact conditions they can expect,
> so that they can use the optimal rig for those expected conditions.
> Your mission is to ensure that they have the most optimal experince diving
> that they can have.
> 
> Counsel them on the most interesting depth to plan their deco stop.
> Mention that their pneumatic speargun won't work at 200' and that a
> bangstick might be a better hunter's weapon for the deep.  Without
> making an issue of their rigs, ensure that they are diving safely and
> will not blunder into a life-threatening situation because of a minor
> top-side boo-boo that could be corrected in a few minutes with a few
> gentle words.  Provide constructive advice that will enhance their dive.
> 
> Basically -- be a good divemaster. Ensure the safety and fun of your entire
> group.

<snip>

> Make a difference for these people.  Don't just piss and moan after the fact.

Jim,

I would be surprised if anyone would listen. There's no end to the "advice"
that is offered on a dive boat. Most people just shut their ears. Those who
want to learn should make an effort to learn. Its not up to George or anyone
else to track these people down and educate them. If they were smart, they
would have noticed George's superior diving ability and spoken to him to learn
more.

That's how I see it. I am a big supporter of setting an example and allowing
those who care to learn from it, not feeling like its my responsibility to
teach the world what I know. 

Jeff.
-- 
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| jjackson@se*.sb*.co*                                                  |
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| I wish I had a kryptonite cross, because then you could keep both Dracula |
| AND Superman away. --Jack Handey                                          |
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