Deaf divers

[scottsax]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/26/trave ... 1&emc=eta1

[DiverChris]

One of my best open water students has some reduced hearing. It was an advantage when it came to underwater communication. Her skill at interpreting signs, body language and expressions really helped her understand exactly what was going on in the pool and open water dives. She communicated better than many other buddies that had far more experience. She has continued to dive and has gone some places that I would love to dive.

It is nice to see there are some charters that are providing the top side service.

-Chris

[dieseldude]

We have a few deaf divers in our area, one of which is legendary for spotting critters most folks miss. One downside I witnessed at Mukilteo was one of the divers had a freeflow & none of the group could hear it. 2 of my dive buddies saved the diver from a total loss of air but it was surely a shortened dive. I sure wouldnt let hearing loss stop me. Hell I'd dive blind if I could find someone trustworthy to lead me around.
MJ

[oldsalt]

dieseldude: I'm sure I know you from your postings. I have dived with the legendary critter finder. I find him to be an excellent buddy. His buddy awareness, trim, bouyancy, navigation, air management, and judgement are superb. He is also generous, loaning me a pair of gloves when I stupidly arrived at the dive site missing one. Needless to say, his sign language is unexcelled. Hearing is a minor part of diving; the gurgle of bubbles, the barking of sea lions, the singing of Humpbacks are all pleasant but not necessary to be a safe diver. Many divers value him as a buddy.

[Grateful Diver]

dieseldude: I'm sure I know you from your postings. I have dived with the legendary critter finder. I find him to be an excellent buddy. His buddy awareness, trim, bouyancy, navigation, air management, and judgement are superb. He is also generous, loaning me a pair of gloves when I stupidly arrived at the dive site missing one. Needless to say, his sign language is unexcelled. Hearing is a minor part of diving; the gurgle of bubbles, the barking of sea lions, the singing of Humpbacks are all pleasant but not necessary to be a safe diver. Many divers value him as a buddy.

I'm one who does value him as a buddy ... although we haven't managed to hook up as often as I'd like.

He's also an excellent photographer ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[BASSMAN]

I also, don't get to dive with "Bob" as much as I would want to. Only because he is a North end diver.
I dove at Titlow with him once and yes, not only did he find all of the cool critters, when I was unsure which way was shore, he seemed to know exactly where we were and I followed his lead back to shore. Great dive buddy and with his note book, he is very easy to communicate with, if you don't know sign language.
1+ for the deaf divers

Keith

[scottsax]

Many years ago, I posted, asking about ASL for divers. I'm still fascinated by it, and was pleasantly surprised when I got that article in my email this morning.

[BASSMAN]

Main problem there is:
The sign for Thank you, Please ans Share Air is all too closely simular.

[scottsax]

Main problem there is:
The sign for Thank you, Please ans Share Air is all too closely simular.

Agreed. that's why I don't thank people underwater.

[Grateful Diver]

Main problem there is:
The sign for Thank you, Please ans Share Air is all too closely simular.

Agreed. that's why I don't thank people underwater.

Unless, of course, you are out of air and they give you some ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

[scottsax]

Main problem there is:
The sign for Thank you, Please ans Share Air is all too closely simular.

Agreed. that's why I don't thank people underwater.

Unless, of course, you are out of air and they give you some ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

Of course! In that situation I'm sure I would do something like this:

[derek b]

My Best friend and dive buddy is deaf, He is an amazing Freediver.
ASL is also an amazing tool while underwater. especially as a photographer. IMO the aquatic world is one where the tables are turned, the deaf surely have the advantage.

[Grateful Diver]

Cheng used to claim that I was deaf ... but it turned out to be just a bad case of matrimony ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)