32 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

What do you personally do to be safe on a dive trip? The same things you do at home? Are you more safety conscious or less? I tend to get lost in the ocean and the beach and just relaxing and so let my guard down unless I'm leading a group. Then I'm more aware because of the responsibility issue. However I'm always curious what others do?

[SuperDave]

Depends on the location but its usually autopilot while diving.
Always keep an eye on people around me and a tight grip on my pack. If somebody looks at me to many times (not out of curiosity) I leave the area. Never get too lit in a bar without having friends around to keep an eye on me. Most countries I go to are fairly safe but Central and South American countries do make a living from kidnapping/ransom schemes. Ask a million and settle for 1/10th that.

SD

[drbill]

Hmmm... are you referring to what I do underwater or topside in a new location?

UW my diving is quite different in an area I'm not familiar with. First, I don't dive solo (unless while working on the cruise ships). I always have a buddy and often a DM who knows the area. I do less videotaping and pay more attention to the environment- both to make sure I'm aware of hazards and to avoid being a hazard to the marine life there. And because I'm buddied up more of my time is dedicated to the safety of others than when I dive solo.

If I'm diving with rented gear I am more alert to the status of the equipment. I've had failures with rental equipment, some serious but because I was paying more attention to it I recovered fine.

Topside I keep my eyes open. Associate with people more especially if going out at night. At the Casino Dive Park I never worry about my gear (very few thefts there and much of my stuff is well known to be mine). When in a new area I keep track of and stay with my gear (if I bring it) or use rented gear from the dive op.

I have not traveled into "questionable" areas since 9-11 but plan to. Before that date I was more carefree and would enjoy nights out (including a few Thai "buckets" if you know what I mean). Now I would refrain from drinking even on nights where I didn't plan to dive the following day.

Dr. B.

[Walter]

I try to be aware regardless of my location.

[drbill]

You're right Walter- we probably have to be aware everywhere these days, especially if we attend a SD singles trip!!!

Dr. B.

[ColoradoPilot]

I assume that the women are out to seductify me. I must be very effective in my counter-seductification measures because it has not happened. Verified that on my recent trip to Cozumel.

[DivingGal]

More than I do on my home turf. I tend to be a bit relaxed at home... but other than being aware of where I am, I am usually not on any alert mode.

Away from home... car doors always locked, any bag is not over a shoulder, where it can be grabbed. Little cash, little jewlery etc

Diving is no different, I try to be aware of where I am and what I'm doing. I've got a lot better as my dive career grows.

[Marvel]

What do you personally do to be safe on a dive trip? The same things you do at home? Are you more safety conscience or less? I tend to get lost in the ocean and the beach and just relaxing and so let my guard down unless I'm leading a group. Then I'm more conscience because of the responsibility issue. However I'm always curious what others do?

I try to be aware at all times- I have rather wide peripheral vison, which helps for that & always look when movement catches my eye. It can be distracting to someone who I am having a conversation with since it can indicate disinterest but, I assure you all in advance that it's not! The only time this lapses is when I'm engrossed in a book...
I've found that a projecting a confident attitude- shoulders back, head up, relaxed brisk walk- when in a strange area. I also avoid sitting with my back to doors....

[triggerfish]

I assume that the women are out to seductify me. I must be very effective in my counter-seductification measures because it has not happened. Verified that on my recent trip to Cozumel.

we'll have to work on that, pilot. sometimes it's bad t be too good at something!

[mcm007]

Having lived in NY Most of my life, I believe we New Yorkers have a "6th Sense" of people trying to rip us off. However, I have found divers to be some of the more outgoing and sharing people that there is ... That goes the same for DM's I've dived with.

My snorkel came off unbeknowst to me (stoopid clip !!) and I had considered it lost and replaceable (for $ 50 !) and painfully shrugged it off..

The next day I was diving with the same outfit and they returned it to me.. With a few chuckles on their part I may add..

But to sum it up, I am always cautious when travelling, pre and post 9/11..

About the internet meeting topic:

Thanks to sites like these, I am able to meet up with people in my area who enjoy the same things I do..

AS far as dating, Ive had good ones and bad ones, but Im a guy, no ones tried to lock me up in their basement. Well, yet ..anyway..

[mischievous]

aww mcm007, that's just because you haven't found the right girl.

[Laura]

All these are good suggestions. I'll add one more- trust your gut instincts! If someone or something seems to be "off" it probably is.

Laura

[jextract]

How about keepin' that Riffe always at the ready?

[triggerfish]

no ones tried to lock me up in their basement. Well, yet ..anyway..

aww mcm007, that's just because you haven't found the right girl. 

chie's right.
(psssstt......lil 'bit...you distract him and i'll jump him from behind...
ready....
set..............................)

[BradfordNC]

How about keepin' that Riffe always at the ready?

yeah, packin the gatt is what i do lol



oh, and as for meetin people off the internet, don't do it, place is full of wackos and freaks. lol

Edited by BradfordNC, 06 July 2004 - 08:37 PM.