Sure, one would like to know that one's diving buddies are qualified and using equipment that is more or less familiar to you, so you can spot problems or help in an emergency; that is their argument. But it can be carried to extremes. See http://www.globalunderwaterexplorers.org/standards and the link there to a nearly 100-page list of training and equipment standards. I suspect (hope) that many cave divers would not find that much regimentation congenial. For example, their equipment standard does not appear to permit side-mounts, which have come to be seen as pretty much essential for a lot of cave diving. (That standard may be sometimes "honor'd in the breach.") Rebreather divers must use a "GUE-approved rebreather."
Global Underwater Explorers clearly consider themselves an elite bunch. Others may disagree, or if they agree (certainly they have some impressive accomplishments), be put off by it. -- Mixon ---------------------------------------- Rules to live by: Don't. And don't forget to. ---------------------------------------- You may "reply" to the address this message (unless it's a TexasCavers list post) came from, but for long-term use, save: Personal: bmi...@alumni.uchicago.edu AMCS: a...@mexicancaves.org or sa...@mexicancaves.org _______________________________________________ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com Texascavers@texascavers.com | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/texascavers@texascavers.com/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
