Unpopular opinion: comms checks are way overrated on shallow jobs

Everyone I dive with insists on a full comms check every single time, even on a 20 foot harbor job in San Pedro where you can just tug the line. I get it offshore, but last Tuesday we burned 15 minutes troubleshooting a hiss that didn't matter, and the surface was yelling about the tide. That time could've gone into actually rigging the lift bags. Am I the only one who skips the formal check under 30 feet and just waves?

2 comments

2 Comments

carter.gavin22d ago

See I get the frustration but that 15 minutes is nothing compared to a bent prop or a confused surface tender, especially when the vis is crap and you can't just eyeball it.

jessica_robinson2322d ago

Exactly, because nothing says "professional diver" like burning daylight troubleshooting a hiss that sounds like a dying mosquito while the tide does its own thing. Next time I'll just bring a tin can and a string, that's about as useful for a 20 foot harbor bottom. But hey, if the surface tender needs a full symphony before I wave, maybe they should pack a snack for the wait.