[Fondueset]

I wouldn't cast it as communication barriers. Definitely a difference in emphasis and part of why I think we need a really comprehensive book geared to recreational divers.

I agree with Bill - focusing on something other than your body/breath makes it relatively easy to slip over the line. Combine this with the fact that recreational diving is not conducive to close monitoring - no matter how good the intentions.

I take pictures underwater while freediving quite often. My basic rule is to surface when I start to get uncomfortable. The acts of watching, waiting, and setting up a shot can easily override the urge to breathe so I put the decision in place before I even get in the water. If I see some amazing creature making it's way toward me for that once-in-a-lifetime photo op but I'm allready into a strong urge to breathe - I say goodbye and surface. It's the act of turning away that is the most challenging - I just put it in place in advance and do not question it.

If you are diving with the idea of competing then I think you should have all those supports that competitive divers have in place. For recreational diving - know when to let it go and give yourself plenty of room. And have a buddy. I think it's actually more dangerous. But in the recreational context it's really difficult to watch eachother that closely - so you've got to be conservative. Shallow water blackout is really abrupt - and if you've got no backup that's all she wrote.