RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Product liability

Jon

From comments made earlier in this string are we to assume then that there may be some risk associated with providing information to another party. For instance the schematic provided by Rick. If someone used that schematic and it contained an error which in turn resulted in an injury would Rick be liable? What about if Rick made no error, could he still be liable because he encouraged an unqualified someone to build a device which they otherwise would not have been able to build, that in turn resulted in a personal injury. How far can this be taken? If you provide someone with information on how to wire up an electric light, they are not an electrician, they do, they get Zapped (extreme example but same theory) are you going to be liable. Should Psubs be discontinued because of this risk? I hope and think not but it demonstrates anything can be taken to extremes.

Having joined this mailing list 8 weeks ago I can say that there are many members who have provided me with some great insights and valuable information, Thank you! The Psub’s site was something I discovered after I had taken the decision to build and own a personal submersible and I value what it provides. I don’t have any preconceived views about other members except for a certain “Elvis impersonator” (that was a joke Bill) in the mailing list and certainly don’t know about statements made prior to 8 weeks ago.

I will say I personally think this whole debate tipped over the edge when opinions became absolute and another stupid comment was made about trapping and killing a thief (and I agree with Jim, that is what you intended regardless of any post statement commentary!). Some of the very same people who were suggesting the most caution were taking the greatest risks. What if a German Newspaper got its hands on this string? Instead of the headline “Launch of the Euronaut” it read “Submersible Death Machine takes to the High Seas”. That would provide a wonderful PR opportunity for Psub’s!

I feel the issue is not about who’s right or wrong but about personal risk management. It’s up to the individual to decide for them selves what level of risk they are prepared to be personally responsible for. As a former SCUBA instructor there were some students I would refuse to continue to instruct after the first Pool Skills Lesson. The risk was too great “to themselves” to continue. I would also conclude that if you were selling your Psub you would have to make a similar decision and I would like to think that most Psub members would be considering and valuing the buyer’s wellbeing first and foremost.

Personally I feel if you are going to make statements about “booby trapping your Psub regardless of your actual intent” you deserve to be taken to task which Jim did quite effectively. If you have taken a position in the past and it is hypocritical, the same rule applies. As with the E-bay Psub, who’s business is it anyway except the Seller and Buyer.

Maybe just like “Flying Cars” this is not the correct place for this forum. Maybe it’s your Lawyer’s office not Psubs? At the end of the day it’s a personal decision as to the perceived or actual risk you are prepared to expose yourself to and how you personally choose to manage it!

Regards and goodwill to all J

Stephen Pearce

RE: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Product liability - Cont