Enough
Said
by
Larry
"Harris" Taylor, Ph.D.
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The subject of solo diving has been controversial for several decades. In one debate several divers were discussing the absurdity of a C-card for solo diving ... as if a piece of plastic could magically convey self-reliance, sound judgment, appropriate equipment, legal compliance, environmental awareness, and in-water comfort. Many consider the solo diving card as nothing more than a source of revenue (for training and extra equipment). What follows is the best comment I have ever heard on the topic of readiness for solo diving. This exchange was between a professional underwater photographer and a diver considering diving solo.
Photographer: "In your last 500 dives, have you had to rescue anyone?"
Diver: "Yes, many times."
Photographer: "In your last 500 dives, have you had to be rescued?"
Diver: "No."
Photographer: "Enough Said!" Enjoy your diving.
Bottom Line: There are many factors such as availability of a qualified dive buddy, in-water experience and comfort, redundant dive equipment, state laws, and local dive site conditions that should be evaluated before choosing to dive solo. A piece of plastic (Solo C-card) seems to be the least relevant item in deciding to dive alone.
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About
The Author:
Larry "Harris" Taylor, Ph.D. is a biochemist and Diving Safety Coordinator at the University of Michigan. He has authored more than 200 scuba related articles. His personal dive library (See Alert Diver, Mar/Apr, 1997, p. 54) is considered one of the best recreational sources of information In North America.
All rights reserved.
Use of these articles for personal or organizational profit is specifically denied.
These articles may be used for not-for-profit diving education