27th of December 2006

[Janos]

Originally Posted by nickb

I no longer dive with BSAC, most of my diving is done with other YDers and I'd hate to think if I was in a similar position, the rest of the guys on the boat would be unable to come to a decision. I get the feeling that there's a suggestion that, as a GUE-trained diver was involved, only another GUE diver could make the call and everyone else washed their hands of it. I don't believe that you guys would have done that if you'd known how serious the situation was; at least I hope not.

I suggested to Mark's buddys that they call the chopper, and from talking to other divers at the time they agreed. However, when you book on a boat as individuals, who's responsibility is it? The answer I have (not agree with) is that it's the buddies.

I now brief my buddies thoroughly what to do if I miss stops. It was an eye opener for me and I no longer make assumptions.

Janos

[Getafix]

Originally Posted by nickb

Are you really hoping that people will pile in to this thread slagging off Mark

I don't think for one minute thats what Howard means..... and I don't think that anyone would do that. Mark is blameless in the incidents follow up.

It's the follow up that maybe should be discussed.... in full?

Janos, can I ask approximately how long was your dive that day, and were you up a long time after the incident?

[Diving Dude]

Originally Posted by nickb

Are you really hoping that people will pile in to this thread slagging off Mark

No, but then l didn't want that to happen to Big Si either.

[Janos]

Originally Posted by Getafix

Janos, can I ask approximately how long was your dive that day, and were you up a long time after the incident?

Just checked my logbook and I was diving with Zak and our runtime was 86mins, so I imagine that we'd probably have surfaced 30 or 40mins after the incident.

Janos

[warmwaterdiver]

Originally Posted by nickb

I no longer dive with BSAC, most of my diving is done with other YDers and I'd hate to think if I was in a similar position, the rest of the guys on the boat would be unable to come to a decision. I get the feeling that there's a suggestion that, as a GUE-trained diver was involved, only another GUE diver could make the call and everyone else washed their hands of it. I don't believe that you guys would have done that if you'd known how serious the situation was; at least I hope not.

I'd have to say, if that was you/my buddy that had the/a similiar incident, I'd have called the duty doc with or without your/the skippers permission and let the doc decide on further action

the way we regularly dive, the skipper is also a big part of the team and would expect them to take a decision based on our welfare rather than a "hes called the chopper out again" reputation

I dont want to waste the valuable MCA resources but I'd rather have you evac'd out and the chamber doc say you dont need potting, than you get half way driving home and get problems

[Paul Oliver]

Originally Posted by Diving Dude

No, but then l didn't want that to happen to Big Si either.

I'm of the same view, there are lessons to be learn't from both incidents and no need for lots of criticism.

On Si's thread that came from one area, 1 post i found very annoying and over critical but then Captain Deco's response put that firmly in place i feel.

[stevechesh]

I'm not going to go into the finer points of the original post as i've had a few beers, but i think it pertinent to point out that there have been a few posts with regards to the helicopters turning up.

Well, it's actually not that often that one will turn up, so don't assume/rely on it happening. There have been a number of cases (some of them recent) where they will only send a lifeboat. Don't rely on it at all, and plan accordingly.......

[Getafix]

Originally Posted by Janos

Just checked my logbook and I was diving with Zak and our runtime was 86mins, so I imagine that we'd probably have surfaced 30 or 40mins after the incident.

Janos

So 10-15 mins after the end of the OC divers runtime? I presume Chasey and Howard were shagging the arse out of the dive/deco as per normal and surfaced afterwards or at least at a similar time...... if my buddy had been in this situation..... and knowing that a bend is not the pleasantest thing in the world ( however long it takes to manifest itself ) I would be on the VHF to the CG to seek advice, and be getting some money/computers together for a potential trip...... whatever is todays preferred form of transport

[Mick F]

Originally Posted by Paul Oliver

I'm of the same view, there are lessons to be learn't from both incidents and no need for lots of criticism.

On Si's thread that came from one area, 1 post i found very annoying and over critical but then Captain Deco's response put that firmly in place i feel.

I agree Paul, but there does seem to be a hesitancy to comment on this thread. Maybe it's because the other thread got somewhat heated, but I find it strange that people who were quick to jump in and criticise the actions/inactions on the other thread are so slow to comment here.

In fact, in my mind, this was potentially the more dangerous of the two. I'm assuming that Mark was using standard gases, therefore there was a good whiff of Helium in the tin. If this was the case then he was damn lucky to avoid a fatal or near-fatal DCI.

Bearing this in mind, I find it incredible that no-one contacted the CG for, at the very least, some advice.

I don't attach blame to Mark for the failure to look for help; the patient should never be allowed make the call. I do wonder about the wisdom of carrying out this type of dive without suitable build-up first, by which I mean regular sea diving.

I also find it odd that more GUE divers are not commenting on this incident.

[stevechesh]

Originally Posted by Mick F

.....I find it incredible that no-one contacted the CG for, at the very least, some advice.

99% of the skippers i know, would call the coastguard straight away. There may be a few that won't through for fear of tarnishing a reputation.

an example: I was on Scimitar (Portland/Weymouth, with Smudge the skipper) in May last year. Inshort a yellow blob was sent up by one of the divers who had a potential problem, but not an immediate problem. Either way, Smudge called the coastguard as soon as he saw the blob and they the helicopter was put on standby (we were 35 miles offshshore). The thing is, it costs £00.00p for us here if we need a rescue. If we don't use it, then the bean counters will remove the facility fro us. (yep, i know it comes out of our taxes, but the aircraft have to be ready at all times, and the aircrew have to fly a minimum hours per month, rescue or not, to stay current)