longstreath.com: From: Would you join a Diver Safety Group? - longstreath.com

First I want to see who is setting this up? Then if it is about Safety only Yes.

John,

Your proposal for a divers’ safety organization is long past due and I commend you for leading an effort to bring one to fruition. There needs to be an organization funded by and run by commercial divers. Not a web site dependent on advertisers who can control content or limit discussion. Not an organization controlled by industry, one controlled by the men and women that make their livings at the end of a hose. One devoted to safety and only safety related issues.

There was an attempt to set up such an organization fifteen years ago which unfortunately died due to a lack of funding. That organization was established with a goal of creating reasonable, workable, enforceable diving regulations, a graduated tender, diver, supervisor certification program and a reporting center. Then ultimately a corporate certification program, not one that only requires a written agreement to follow the rules but one subject to onsite inspections. Inspection by knowledgeable, trained, experienced dive professionals with access to equipment records, dive logs, personnel assessments and the capability of pulling the certification of the unsafe operator.

Much has changed in these past fifteen years. There are now those within the industry that see the wisdom in the creation of a universally safer work place. See the wisdom of removing the marginal operators or ensuring that all meet or exceed the new standard of safety. And now there is the technology making it possible to instantly and affordably exchange ideas, report and track diving operations as well as divers.

The issue of funding still remains. Funding to maintain a web site, funding to set up and operate a certification program and inspection program. The challenges still remain the same. Get a voice in the creation of proper regulations, find a funding source and get divers involved in their safety, their future. As always if I can be of assistance feel free to call on me.

Peter J Pilkington

John,
This is an idea that has been brought up every few years since I joined the diving industry in 1981. It's a great idea in theory but it has always failed in practice because the focus of the organization wanders from it's stated mission. I would support and be a part of a group whose sole purpose is the improvement of diver safety. But this limited scope must be strictly enforced. Anything not directly involved in diver safety must be immediately and completely squelched. If this single rule is adhered to, I would absolutely become a paying member.
Mike Chiconsky
mchiconsky@gmail.com

1. As we go forward there will be a Steering Committee announced. There are many issues that need to be properly taken care of, not the least of which are legal.

Guest, on 21 December 2011 - 11:09 PM, said:

Me too .

I am with you 110% of the way, John.

That last post was from Kyra Richter, forgot my log in to this place!

Kyra, drop me an email, and I'll get you your login details.

What is the question? More safety or more beaurocracy? I spend half my time & a great deal of cash, trying to comply. Must we add another comittee? If a easy job pays so well, it must be dangerous! If its safer, it pays less! I think the safest thing to do is institute an IQ test to keep most of our brothers on the couch. I mean how safe can some of those idiots out there possibly be? Even with a steering comittee or two to keep them safe. It sounds as if you are trying to regulate evolution. I have had my fill of superbly certified divers who lack any actual skills and who cannot master any. You are responsible for your own safety in this life, and to appoint another to address your safety concerns is Dumb. Stupid is Stupid does!