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MSD FORUMS - BASIC SCUBA DISCUSSIONS |
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TOPIC:
Position of the octopus regulator on basic gear package
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markv
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Joined on
1/13/2006
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I believe recreational training agencies should begin teaching entry level divers to locate the octopus regulator on a leash around the neck like technical divers configure it, instead of dangling free on the right side which is often the case, or in a clip on the right hip. It has been my experience that in training exercises and real world applications, when the octopus is on the right hip it makes it very difficult for the diver to find it, remove it, and bend it back against itself to use it. In low visibility environments it is hard to find and all divers don't mount the octopus in the same place ,which is a problem.
When the octopus is mounted around the neck in a leash, all the diver needs to do is find his buddy's head (you should be within touching distance of your buddy at all times) and access to the octopus or your buddy's primary regulator is easy even in a low visibility environment. The diver having trouble is then also very close which allows the donor to grab a D ring or strap to hold the troubled diver close preventing the octopus from being pulled out of the mouth. It is my opinion that this gear configuration should become standard.
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captdarrick
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Joined on
1/10/2006
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In my opinion your comments are right on the money. I very much agree!
Captain Darrick Lorenzen
captdarrick@midwestscubadiving.com
www.divemaxscuba.com
773-732-8972
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Rachael
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Joined on
1/22/2006
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Absolutely agree, Mark! For many reasons, this is a great idea. (Including the fact that too many times to count, I've seen people with rental equipment that didn't have provisions for attaching the octopus to the bc and divers didn't supply themselves, resulting in the octopus following along behind like a dog on a leash.) If beginning divers were trained to implement at least some tech/hogarthian principles it would be nothing but good.
Rachael
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bpautsch
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Joined on
1/5/2006
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I agree as well! Whenever I'm diving, I subconsciously reach for my octopus once or twice on a dive just to make sure it's still attached and not dangling along scraping the bottom. Sometimes, it's hard to find and in an emergency situation could become very scary.
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twow/atwist
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Joined on
1/26/2006
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This is absolutely a no brainer. I initially tried several different octo clips for my BC and invariably it would come loose and scrape along the bottom. Once it started to leak air due to grit that had infiltrated the mechanism. Since configuring it around my neck I've had no problems.
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Larry
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Joined on
1/19/2006
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I agree that positioning the octo around the neck makes a lot of sense. An interesting side note I thought I'd share: As I was killing time wandering through a local dive shop this week during my lunch hour, the guy running the shop asked if I needed anything. So I figured, why not inquire about a regulator necklace/leash? In response, the guy told me that he hadn't seen "one of those" in 18-20 years and that it was old technology. I gave him a 5 sec. explanation of what it was, because I was sure he misunderstood me. Nope...he understood and just repeated that it was outdated. Walking away, he said "good luck finding one." Obviously they're available on the internet for a few bucks and can be made one out of surgical tubing for pennies. I just thought it interesting how mindsets differ...
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captdarrick
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Joined on
1/10/2006
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Larry, the guy obviously had no clue. Some people always seem to want to sell you something other than what you need, or want if they don't have it. Sometimes sales motivated information can be hazardous. We can make one out of surgical tubing. Just buy about a 5 foot legnth at a science supply store and I will instruct you on how to make one. It is really easy.
Captain Darrick Lorenzen
captdarrick@midwestscubadiving.com
www.divemaxscuba.com
773-732-8972
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Captain Dale
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Joined on
3/31/2006
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I absolutely agree. I have been teaching my students with necklaces for a number of years now. The back-up regulator is just where it should be and it doesn't fall out. You can get small diameter bungee cord to make one at REI for $.10 per foot. For $.20 you have all you need.
Safe diving,
Cpt. Dale
Safe diving,
Cpt. Dale
Dive Charters - Novice to Technical
Instruction - Open Water to Tri-Mix Instructor
dale@captaindales.com 847-640-8113
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markv
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Joined on
1/13/2006
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I wonder if the training agencies would make this leash configuration standard? It is much easier to find a regulator in a low visibility environment by finding your buddy's head instead of fumbling around looking for it possibly connected to the buddy's right hip. Do you think they would listen or blow off the suggestion and maintain the mind set of the 70's and 80's?
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Captain Dale
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Joined on
3/31/2006
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Although I believe that the back-up regulator should be carried on a necklace, I do not think that the training agencies should make such a proceedure a standard. It is better to leave the standards somewhat loose in order to encourage innovation. No matter how unlikely, it is remotely possible that someone may, some day, improve on my methods of diving.
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Woodbone36
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Joined on
7/14/2006
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I like the octo around the neck, as you have all pointed out, it's easy to find. However if I'm diving with someone who has an octo, I always go through a check of where there gear is. If you do this each dive, then where it is placed should not matter. As long as you know where it is, that is fine.
I dive with an Air II because I don't like the idea of my backup getting tangled in something unseen. After seeing what comes out of octo's when doing their annual service, I've moved away from them.
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Dean810
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Joined on
5/22/2006
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If you put the octo around your neck, shouldn't you also be using a 7 ft. hose for your primary? It would effect the way the octo is used in a divng emergency
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Ed Leme
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Joined on
3/31/2009
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After having needed my second stage (lower grade) reserve, and found it to be non-functional, I decided that my life deserved two first class second stage regulators. So now I keep one in my mouth and the other clipped on to the BC at the left sub-clavicle level, it is much easier to find when I need it during instruction. The equipment configuration should not have anything hanging loose, as it can damage the equipment, the environment, and potentially spoil your dive.
Leme- Brazil
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