Post by Tech Support on Jul 20, 2005 16:17:16 GMT -5
The CDS is planning and or discussing starting a sump diving class. I need some input on this so I can sit down with the group and discuss it.
Why it worries me.
1. The majority of the membership of the CDS does not cave. They are spring divers. Very few belong to a grotto. They have no training in caving and no vested interest in caving.
2. Cave diving classes are given for money. These instructors advertise on the web to create interest in class so they can make money.
3. As far as I can tell this class is not needed. A need was created by the posting of sump diving on one of the cave diving web sites.
4. I can and have seen non-cavers introduced for their first time to a cave by dragging tanks etc into caves. Some places this may be OK but these people will not always be under direct supervision of instructors.
5. How do you as cavers feel about this. Does anyone have any kind of opinion.
6. I see what damaged has been done over the last 10 years due to traffic in underwater caves.
We have every conservation minded cavers nightmare going on here and the only input I have gotten so far is from cave diving board members and instructors. I could use some help.
Why it worries me.
1. The majority of the membership of the CDS does not cave. They are spring divers. Very few belong to a grotto. They have no training in caving and no vested interest in caving.
2. Cave diving classes are given for money. These instructors advertise on the web to create interest in class so they can make money.
3. As far as I can tell this class is not needed. A need was created by the posting of sump diving on one of the cave diving web sites.
4. I can and have seen non-cavers introduced for their first time to a cave by dragging tanks etc into caves. Some places this may be OK but these people will not always be under direct supervision of instructors.
5. How do you as cavers feel about this. Does anyone have any kind of opinion.
6. I see what damaged has been done over the last 10 years due to traffic in underwater caves.
We have every conservation minded cavers nightmare going on here and the only input I have gotten so far is from cave diving board members and instructors. I could use some help.