JOHN LIDDIARD
T H E   MAN  NOT  IN  BLACK

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The trouble with technical black
IT amazes me that as diving becomes ever more safety-conscious, we are caught up in a fashionable safety hazard. I am talking about technical black.
It has become almost a standard ­ technical divers wear black, mere mortals wear the nice, bright colours that shout: "Diving is fun!"
The Marines wear black because it makes them harder to see, and you can't blame them. But with separation on and under water a leading contributor to sport diving accidents, do we really want to make ourselves harder to see?
The average technical diver can maintain buddy contact in challenging conditions and cope with separation should it occur. They are old enough to decide if they want to wear black.
But, like the Black Death, an epidemic of technical black is spreading itself across all sorts of diving equipment aimed at the average diver. Instructors wear gear that influences the divers they are training. If you don't believe me, ask a few suppliers about instructor discount (as an instructor, I think it's a great idea!).
The equipment we see used on expeditions influences divers. Just look at all that black gear worn on the Britannic expedition.
We now have a self-reinforcing circle. Manufacturers are both following consumer demand and fuelling further demand.
Some do appreciate that despite market forces a responsible attitude is needed, and they offer reflective stripes and bright colours at no additional cost. Others charge extra for non-black.
We consumers need to demand diving suits and BCs in nice, bright colours. We must set a fashion where divers will once again be easily visible ­ and one that looks much better in photographs!
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Appeared in DIVER - December 1998

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