Calling All Bent Divers

[Ant P]

Originally Posted by Ainsleyberryman

More discussion on open forums like YD can help - for example who would agree that using your octopus to inflate your DSMB in cold UK waters on a single tank is a good idea ? Not many on YD pehaps, but its something lots of people still do and perhaps people should think about it more.

Last time this was discussed I believe that there was still quite a strong element arguing for using the octo to fire the SMB. It certainly helps eliminate the problem of the line wrapping round the reg. Any other jamming is less serious cos you can let it go. I use my octo to fire it and am aware of the risk of freeflow, but it is less prone to than my main reg and I am pretty careful. I am just very pleased that I seem to be able to deploy the blob fairly competently now. I may well try other methods in the future.

Cheers, Ant

[And]

Originally Posted by Mr. D

FACT!

Unless of course, you are carrying two stages, a scooter and a video camera. I tend to prefer one smb between us, and even if the skipper asks for an smb each then we still have one reel, but the buddy(s) clips his smb to the main one. If you have to switch gas whilst handling an smb its a pain, especially with a video camera as well, so we hand the spool around to make it easier and free our hands up.

Rapid ascents aren't generally caused by equipment failure, more like a divers inability to cope with that failure.

Other than that I know of one diver who forgot to put his weightbelt on for his first trimix dive of the season and had a rapid ascent from a 45 mtr dive (OK until 20ish mtrs and then straight up) He breathed his 50% and was OK.

Practice Practice Practice. I always say this but you cannot expect to perform well in this sport without practicing in a safe environment before gameday.

Andy

[dry suit diver]

Originally Posted by And

Rapid ascents aren't generally caused by equipment failure, more like a divers inability to cope with that failure.

Practice Practice Practice. I always say this but you cannot expect to perform well in this sport without practicing in a safe environment before gameday.

Andy

What he said.
only one rapid ascent and that was on first dry suit training dive because the suit didnt fit properly.
since then with a proper suit and weighting as soon as I feel the ascent starting to run away I can control it and stop it, this is dure to Practice Practice Practice.

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by And

Unless of course, you are carrying two stages, a scooter and a video camera. I tend to prefer one smb between us, and even if the skipper asks for an smb each then we still have one reel, but the buddy(s) clips his smb to the main one. If you have to switch gas whilst handling an smb its a pain, especially with a video camera as well, so we hand the spool around to make it easier and free our hands up.

That's why I prefer the type of reel that has a closed handle. It means my fingers poke through the loop and keep it trapped while the hand is involved in stowing one reg and deploying the another. Reels/spools that you have to deliberately hold onto all the time are a pain.

[Ainsleyberryman]

OK, for the coast guards question - we need more practice and more open and honest discussion of techniques. But then its only the ones that go wrong that get heard about.

[Garf]

Originally Posted by And

even if the skipper asks for an smb each then we still have one reel, but the buddy(s) clips his smb to the main one.

eh? What's the point of this? If the skipper asks for one each it's presumably so that he can keep track of you both if you get seperated. Surely your solution simply defeats this safety requirement?

[littleH]

Originally Posted by Ant P

Last time this was discussed I believe that there was still quite a strong element arguing for using the octo to fire the SMB.

The best thing i've ever seen for deploying a DSMB was a hose with a 'bit' on the end and when you pushed the end the air came out and when you let go it stopped. It came straight off the 1st stage, don't have a clue what it's called tho.

I use my pony reg, i've tried inflating my DSMB by brething out of my main reg but found it nearly impossible. So i use my pony reg as it's safer than using my oct. That's if i have to let one off i usually let my buddy have thepleasure. That said i was never 'taught' how to use a DSMB (and i'm a dive leader!!) i've just picked it up off watching buddys and asking if i could do it when we were in a 'safe' environment underwater. I still have the odd 'OMG oh well here goes *cross fingers* few'. but the more i'm doing it the more confidence i get and i'm getting much better. That said i've not dived since the nitrox course last Sept in conditions that i'd need one (outside of the cape) so i got a fair bit of practice on that course, but aparently the club i was with at the time the DO failed the course on his SMB useage!! But that shows why i'm not woth the club any more!!!!

I would never dive without one - i've just heard too many stories about near misses and hits with boats. Besides i've seen some boats flying around boats with A flags flying.

well best go and practice.

[Getafix]

Originally Posted by littleH

The best thing i've ever seen for deploying a DSMB was a hose with a 'bit' on the end and when you pushed the end the air came out and when you let go it stopped. It came straight off the 1st stage, don't have a clue what it's called tho.

Dog dick

[Ainsleyberryman]

Halcyon and others do a DSMB that you inflate with the low pressure hose. You cannot get stuck on to it as it does not clip on like you BC/Wing, you have to hold it on to inflate, let go and it comes off.

Ive been training a couple of divers recently to use a DSMB, not just mine, but the ones they have bought. We tried all sorts of ways to inflate from all sorts of situations. It was both very interesting and enlightening. Id recommend it to anyone. But you end up with some pretty clear methods to avoid and only a few methods to recommend.

During my solo course I had to deploy and ascend and do a safety stop with a blacked out mask which was a good test. (dont try it unless your 100% happy with your technique)

[John Touhig]

Originally Posted by Garf

eh? What's the point of this? If the skipper asks for one each it's presumably so that he can keep track of you both if you get seperated. Surely your solution simply defeats this safety requirement?

ALSO....

Firing a bag each also means the skipper / safety diver can count the number of divers who are on deco..... unless of course the boat is only DIR types and the skipper has been briefed that 1 bag = 3 divers...

John