New Rules for Scuba Diving (from Scuba Diving Magazine)

[captain]

Originally Posted by in_cavediver

On safety stops - I'd say PADI requires them as a means to create the 'grey area' NDL. They know some people can do a direct ascent at that time, they also know some people may not. This little rule changes the NDL from a line to an area of the tables.

"they know some people may not"

Seems a bit reckless on PADI's part but if to keep divers happy and coming back by having longer repetive dive times and shorter surface intervals fits into PADI's profit picture I guess PADI can limit their libility if a diver misses a "mandatory" safety stop and gets a DCS hit by using the missed stop as a defence.

[scubadiver888]

Originally Posted by captain

"they know some people may not"

Seems a bit reckless on PADI's part but if to keep divers happy and coming back by having longer repetive dive times and shorter surface intervals fits into PADI's profit picture I guess PADI can limit their libility if a diver misses a "mandatory" safety stop and gets a DCS hit by using the missed stop as a defence.

The statement "they know some people may not" is most likely speculation. I have never read or heard anything from a representative of PADI to support this statement.

I used to be a "PADI = Put Another Dollar In" person. As I read more and more of the literature they provide their dvie professionals, I see that PADI is a business and they expect to make a profit but they are not all about making a profit at the expensive of others.

PADI does put a lot of emphasis on not getting sued. You can be cynical and look at it as they only care about themselves but the reality of life is that you have to look out for yourself first and everyone else second.

In being a Rescue Diver or Emergency First Responder, we are taught to ensure our own safety first. Even when I was trained for Health and Safety at a previous job I was taught to ensure my own safety first. Similarly, if I don't make a profit and mitigate the risk of being sued, I will not be able to stay in business. Even the greatest instructors have to stay in business or they stop being great instructors, i.e. if they aren't instructing anyone they are not instructors.

PADI does what it needs to in order to stay in business. Thousands of dive professional rely on them to stay in business. As a dive professional, I would be pretty upset if they went out of business.

[in_cavediver]

Originally Posted by captain

"they know some people may not"

Seems a bit reckless on PADI's part but if to keep divers happy and coming back by having longer repetive dive times and shorter surface intervals fits into PADI's profit picture I guess PADI can limit their libility if a diver misses a "mandatory" safety stop and gets a DCS hit by using the missed stop as a defence.

To be blunt - the defense is simple. You are taught to first, not ride the edges of the tables (mistake 1). Then, you proceed to the use the tables incorrectly (mistake 2). The last bit has to do with other rules for cold water, exertion, pre-existing conditions (age etc).

You did not use the tool correctly so where is the liability on PADI's part?

I don't know what the hang up is. PADI tables, the 'safety stop' can be mandatory. If you don't like that, then don't use the PADI tables. I'd also note that if you read the manuals on several dive computers - they may require a safety stop to be done as well for thier model to be valid. My old REACT specificly states this under the usage guidelines. Dives below 50' always require the 3 minute stop or they consider you to be acting outside of the tested model and at a much higher risk of DCS.

[captain]

Originally Posted by in_cavediver

To be blunt - the defense is simple. You are taught to first, not ride the edges of the tables (mistake 1). Then, you proceed to the use the tables incorrectly (mistake 2). The last bit has to do with other rules for cold water, exertion, pre-existing conditions (age etc).

You did not use the tool correctly so where is the liability on PADI's part?

I don't know what the hang up is. PADI tables, the 'safety stop' can be mandatory. If you don't like that, then don't use the PADI tables. I'd also note that if you read the manuals on several dive computers - they may require a safety stop to be done as well for thier model to be valid. My old REACT specificly states this under the usage guidelines. Dives below 50' always require the 3 minute stop or they consider you to be acting outside of the tested model and at a much higher risk of DCS.

If you had read my post correctly I distinctly said PADI can use the "missed safety stop" as a defence in a law suit.
I don't have a hang up.. It's a discussion and and opinions, yours and mine.
I have said it before and will say it again when it comes to divers opinions on decompression and tables it's just like AH's every diver has one.