Genesis

I've done a LOT of thinking about the wet switch issue and I totally disagree with the idea that they're good.

In fact, I'd say they're REALLY BAD.

The possibility of flattening a battery to the point where you have a problem underwater without realizing it is higher than that of going in with the unit off and not looking at the handset prior to the loop going hypoxic and killing you.

BOTH require inattention.

But so does going in with the gas off on OC, and yet according to the DAN statistics this gets, on average, one person a year.

But there is no requirement in CE this-or-that mandating automatic gas valves! They could - but they don't.

So why is it a "good idea" here? Truth - its not. Any more than it is on the tank.

IF the unit faulted due to a bounce and was found off (but was on when it went in the water) that is a serious matter. But - we'll never know, will we? That's what we get for allowing the companies that build these things, or anyone connected to or with them, such as an instructor on that unit, to examine them post-incident.

I've had a dive computer battery flattened due to wet switches (Suunto) in a gear bag. That was a PITA but not particularly dangerous. It really isn't on a CCR either, so long as you look at the display! If you go in the water without looking at the handset, how is this the machine's fault - or responsibility?

__________________
"A venturesome minority will always be eager to get off on their own, and no obstacles should be placed in their path; let them take risks for Godsake, let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned, eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches - that is the right and privilege of any free American."
http://www.denninger.net
http://www.diversunion.org/liability.htm - Fix the Diving Cert racket