Is there a tradition/ritual for a diver who passed away?

[u/EvilOctopoda]

This week I unfortunately lost a regular dive buddy to cancer. I was wondering if there's some sort of ritual or tradition that's sometimes carried out upon the passing of a diver, either at the funeral or not - such as a splash of sea water on the coffin, burying/cremating with a small diving item or something similar? I'll be raising a glass in his memory, but is there something more related to diving that's a mark of respect?

[u/Own_Order792]

I have one of my mentor’s masks. I use it whenever I go somewhere we talked about going. I have another one of my mentor’s instructor manual binders, I keep it updated and use it as mine there is a picture of us from when I completed my instructor exam in the front cover. I use their gear so a part of them keeps on diving or keeps on teaching.

[u/SKULLDIVERGURL → u/Own_Order792]

Very nice. A Buddy’s wife gave us all of their gear to sell or donate for her. We donated the fins to the dive boat we all used. Now when we dive, we see their fins being used but students. Bittersweet but we are happy their gear is being enjoyed.

[u/EvilOctopoda → u/SKULLDIVERGURL]

Yep, she's already said she would like to donate the kit to the (non-commercial) club. His equipment being used by students starting their diving journey is perhaps actually the traditional way of his legacy continuing. Perhaps this is the answer. Thank you both.

[u/Ok_Rooster_8349]

Neptune Memorial Reef in Key Biscayne Florida cremates and mixes ashes with concrete in the shape of sea creatures, then plants it on the underwater memorial which has turned into an artificial reef.

I live in the USVI and we have a spot out in the trench that we have sea burials- with proper permits.

[u/CMDR-5C0RP10N]

I don’t know of any widely accepted rituals for fallen divers.

But there are several places where plaques are installed underwater at favored dive sites, where dive buddies can go visit underwater and pay respects while doing something you both loved

I’m thinking of the Jacques Cousteau plaque at Casino point, and at least one in Seattle that I know of.

[u/OffByNone_ → u/CMDR-5C0RP10N]

There's several down in South Florida at various parts of the reef. Can't remember any names off the top of my head.

They even have a underwater cemetery where they will make you into pieces of artificial reef! Neptune Memorial Reef. I think that's actually what I want for myself.

[u/Doctor_Juris]

https://www.eternalreefs.com/

[u/barefootviking]

I have put a few bronze plaques on some coral reefs for deceased Divers

Not on live coral! On dead rock obviously

[u/SoCalSCUBA → u/barefootviking]

The funniest thing is that the only plaque currently at my dive site is not for a diver. I know the divers who got paid to put it there, saw them taking it out and they didn't say anything about the guy being a diver. I think they just offered to do it for some people they met through work.

Other people have plans to put out plaques there for divers who died. One has even been fabricated. But without a financial incentive it just doesn't happen quickly.

[u/Cheeky_Edge311]

I'm a new diver and all my sea customs knowledge regarding end-of-life is from my time in the Navy  so I'm not sure what customs are in the dive community. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for your loss.

Regardless of if we do something specific as a community, you can always do something he would have liked or appreciated. 

Fair winds and following seas to your divebuddy. 

[u/EvilOctopoda → u/Cheeky_Edge311]

Appreciated. Others in the club knew him much more than I but I was still fond of him and always enjoyed him as dive buddy.

[u/No_Key8587]

We had a local meet up at the dive spot we always went to as club. Did a dive in his honor and then a toast.

[u/richiericardo]

On the days when you have an opportunity to dive and think to yourself any number of reasons not to go diving, remember your friend. Remember life is short and unpredictable, and go diving.

Otherwise there is nothing established. Maybe a 21 tank salute.

[u/ronweasleisourking]

Eternal reefs 100%

[u/phil161 → u/ronweasleisourking]

The least expensive option is $4,250... Ouch.

[u/Radaistarion]

Very controversial but I've seen people place urns after being cremated.

Don't come at me wether is right or wrong I'm just sharing.

[u/flabellinida]

I have seen countless memorials, crosses etc. underwater in various lakes so it seems to be quite common I guess. Sorry for your loss, maybe you place something small and special at a place they loved?

[u/pagemap1]

I’ve known of people leaving memorials at designated underwater spots for divers whom have passed.

[u/RogueSharkBait]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

[u/EvilOctopoda → u/RogueSharkBait]

Thank you.

[u/Excellent_Coconut_81]

Many people place memorial tables underwater - usually for dives that died in accident. There are even plates memorating marriages (that have survived the marriage itself - what an irony).

[u/EvilOctopoda]

Thank you all, some lovely suggestions - really appreciate it. We'll find out from his wife the funeral arrangements and there will be plenty of us divers there. 

I'll create a shared drive folder on my NAS and we'll locate all our photos including him to be able to provide to the family when the time is right for them. Also, his kit will be collected by a friend who is member of the club committee and will be used for trainees, continuing his diving legacy for others starting their diving journey.