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Hi Trey, I kind of figured I'd hear from you. And I can't really disagree with a bunch of the things you have brought to light about many of the Scuba certification organizations. I also need to agree that many of these things are unnecessary, dangerous and just plain dumb. But I also keep trying to point out that there are many technical instructors out there that are teaching in a safe and competent manner, irrespective of what the agencies permit. We take the good from all sources (of which the WKPP right now seems to be a major contributor) and reject that which is ill advised, even if it is permitted by the agencies. We teach because we love diving and enjoy sharing our experiences with students who want to learn and yes, we do earn some money doing it. In my case for example, between equipment, teaching supplies and helping to support a Mayan adult school in Puerto Aventuras, I almost make enough to cover my diving expenses. But as you well know from the WKPP, for us diving and teaching diving is not about money. It's something we do because of the enjoyment of the sport and to give back a little to the many folks who helped us along the way and yes, probably saved a couple of lives in the process. Along with you, I cannot justify some of the things that various certification agencies permit. I do not dive this way nor do I permit my students to do so in class. And I do my best to explain the dangers in diving in some of these ways and how there are safer and better ways to accomplish the same objectives. I have found no unsafe practices in the techniques represented by the DIR rules. I have of course seen your objections to some diving practices espoused by various certification agencies, both in diving techniques and in the physical or mental preparedness of their instructors. I concur with your criticisms. But (quite possibly because of the lead of the WKPP and GUE) things are changing slowly. Not as fast as I (or you) would like, but changing nonetheless. Ten years ago, air dives to 220 ft. were common and accepted practice. Now anyone with half a brain left won't go anywhere near this depth on air. Years ago using Helium for dives under 200 ft. was unheard of. Now it is supported by virtually every single technical training organization. Years ago butt mounted light canisters, D-rings on back tanks, neck rings on stage tanks and quick releases on crotch straps were all recommended and accepted as the norm. Now these things are no longer accepted as the most desirable configuration to employ. As I said things are changing, slowly perhaps, but changing. There is an old statement to the effect that if what you speak is always the truth, then eventually your word will become law in the universe. Trey, I'd like to thank you for expressing your disagreement for what I was saying, in a civil and polite manner. I have heard that you have a reputation on the net for not being able to engage in a reasonable discussion concerning something with which you disagree. I have found this to be not the case. We all have buttons which can be pushed, and I believe one of yours is when someone espouses a diving technique or configuration which is inherently unsafe. You can then be counted on to come right down off the wall. And this is especially true if the individual is "speaking with supposed authority" or claiming to be an expert in the area. But on subjects which are a matter of opinion, including car engines, light planes, or non safety related diving topics, I have found you to present interesting and challenging points of view. And even on safety items, any honest request for information will usually elicit a well thought out answer rather than an argument. And I for one, appreciate your finding the energy to keep it up. I hope you and Pina will have the time to once again share a dinner at our place if you get the chance to come to the Yucatan this fall. Karen and I will look forward to it. Take care and dive safe, Scott Some weeks it's just not worth the effort to gnaw through the restraints and scramble up out of the pit. In a message dated 7/26/01 5:05:05 AM, trey@ne*.co* writes: << Scott, you want me to put out the scorecard on TDI? Be glad to do it right, too. They are the worst in the business. Be glad to back that up until you puke over it any time. You are way , way off base here. >> -- Send mail for the `techdiver' mailing list to `techdiver@aquanaut.com'. Send subscribe/unsubscribe requests to `techdiver-request@aquanaut.com'.
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