What Makes A Diver Safe/Unsafe

[Zyxistal]

So after reading through all the stories of what all CAN go wrong in a dive and what to do to prevent/resolve such issues I was wondering just what it is that ya'll think makes divers safe or unsafe. Is it health/fitness, experience, training, etc or is there something else.

[Mighty Borris]

My thoughts on safe vs unsafe would be summed up in one sentence or thought.

Know your limits.

I would consider my self to be confident and comfortable diving, but not complacent by any stretch. I have a lot to learn and really look forward to learning as much as I can.

I also look at diving one more way. I breath air, not water, so I respect the domain I am in when under water. Don't take anything for granted.

[somewhereinla]

It is the ability to recognized a possible danger before it actually happen. It is knowing what the warning signs are and acting accordingly as well as understanding your own limits. Training is important, experience is key, and of course if you are well trained and experience, you understand that being fit and healthy is a crucial part of being a safe diver as well as a safe buddy.

cheers.

[navyhmc]

The new diver who thinks he knows everything: unsafe.
The seasoned diver who thinks he knows everything: unsafe

Agree with "Know your limits" but will add "and dive within them."

If you want to expand you limits: get the training and then the experience.

[tarheeldiver]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

The new diver who thinks he knows everything: unsafe.
The seasoned diver who thinks he knows everything: unsafe

Agree with "Know your limits" but will add "and dive within them."

If you want to expand you limits: get the training and then the experience.

Well said

[Zenagirl]

Ditto to above, but I'd add: Being/having an unaware buddy.

[Puffer Fish]

In addition to the great comments above consider that panic, in any form, makes an unsafe diver. The safest diver is one that while trying to stay within their limits, can, if an emergency happens, remain calm and focused. That only happens if they are comfortable with handling the issue. Easier said than done.

[Navy OnStar]

Not only "Know your limits and dive within them" But "know the correct procedures and follow them" This is from everything from the predive gear/buddy check to how you and your buddy are going to interact under water. If you disregard the procedures I would say you are unsafe.

[PhD4JC]

Know your limits and dive within them

know the correct procedures and follow them

recognize a possible danger before it actually happens erring on the side of caution (it's usually an accumulation of errors that result in a disaster, not just one)

hypothesize "what ifs" NOT found in the textbooks, and think of how you might handle them BEFORE the opportunity presents its self

[Buoyant1]

Originally Posted by PhD4JC

Know your limits and dive within them

know the correct procedures and follow them

recognize a possible danger before it actually happens erring on the side of caution (it's usually an accumulation of errors that result in a disaster, not just one)

hypothesize "what ifs" NOT found in the textbooks, and think of how you might handle them BEFORE the opportunity presents its self

Took the words right out of my mouth! I dove with a guy last week that was taking his Advanced, and he was in WAY over his head! He's not ready for anything remotely advanced...but he did his skills (barely) and made the grade...the DM told him that he really needs more experience before attempting anything really advanced...maybe the standards need to be raised a little...and the courses need to be a little better than "pass/fail"...