Be Pro-Safety
Posted By Divers Alert Network on 9 November 2007
'Macho'
The diver who embraces this attitude may attempt to prove he is a superior diver by taking risks. Rather than stopping to consider the risks and make a more objective evaluation of the situation, the macho diver charges ahead with a "can-do" mindset that can lead to disaster. While this is thought to be a male pattern, women are also susceptible to this hazardous attitude.
The Antidote: Recognize that taking chances is dangerous.
'Resignation'
This attitude is evident in divers who do not see themselves as making a difference in what happens to them: that is, they don't see themselves as in control. They seem to believe that positive events are simply due to good luck, and bad things happen as the result of bad luck or by the actions of others. For better or worse, they take the role of follower rather than leader, and leave the decision-making and action to others.
Divers who blindly following the lead of guides or divemasters rather than take some responsibility for personally planning their dives display an example o fthis attitude.
The Antidote: Recognize that you are not helpless, that others - even others who perhaps should be more knowledgeable than we are - are not infallible, and to take responsibility for your own safety.
Checking the Attitude
Virtually all divers can exhibit these attitudes to some degree, but if we stay on the lookout, we might be able to prevent them from seriously affecting our decision-making.
A few months ago, as we prepared to sell our home and move, I had an opportunity to sort through all my dive gear. As an old pack rat from way back, I found it difficult to throw anything away, especially expensive dive gear. But as I sorted through various bags and racks, I realized some of my own gear was getting a bit long in the tooth - ancient by some standards. And although most of it was probably in good working order, or could be made so, I decided to throw it out. Perhaps it was the best gear around when it was new, but the years and salt-water soakings had taken their toll, and considering it is life support equipment, I ought to keep it up to date. After all, I'm not invulnerable.
Bottom Line
A really good diver is one who has developed the attitude and judgment necessary to avoid getting into trouble. That means keeping skills sharp, maintaining and updating our equipment, evaluating the dive environment, and objectively assessing our own fitness. Most importantly, it means having a positive attitude toward safety.
I'M SAFE Checklist
I Illness
M Medication
S Stress
A Alcohol
F Fatigue
E Eating (and hydration)
About The Author
DAN Member Bob Rossier is a former life support systems engineer who worked on projects such as the NASA Space Station and the U.S. Navy Trident Nuclear Submarine Program. Bob is a contributing editor to Dive Training magazine and a commercial pilot in the U.S. Northeast.
(c) DAN - Alert Diver January / February 2005
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