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To: iantdhq@ix*.ne*.co* (IANTD ), ken@co*.ci*.uf*.ed* (Ken Sallot)
From: sirving@ne*.co* (Irving, Steve)
Subject: long hose/ was Re: post from mount
Cc: cavers@ge*.co*
Is it safer, and or a superior method, to breath the regulator attached to
the long hose, as your primary? It is my opinion that the only reasonable
conclusion after weighing all the evidence, is that a cave divers primary
regulator should be the one attached to the long hose.
First, we all agree that the reason for the long hose is to facilitate the
safe exit from a cave in an emergency situation. The extra length being to
allow for restrictions and limited viz. etc. We purchase the long hose in
hopes we never put it to use in an emergency, but its there when needed.
We all agree that gear intended for emergency use, must be working, and
immediately accessible. This is why the military trains continuously. When
we look to the rules of accident analysis, we find the rule of thirds, three
light minimum, and the continuous guide line. All adopted for safety,
assuming a worst case scenario. We agree that this is reasonable. Should
we not also assume a worst case scenario when deciding which hose to breath
off of?
If we never have to share gas, other than in our cave class or when doing an
"S" drill. Then it really doesn't matter which regulator we pass off. If
we never get in an automobile accident, then it won't matter if we ware our
seat belts.
We must assume the out of gas diver became aware of his/her present
condition, after exhaling and then trying to pull a vacuum on their
hundreds. Panic, even for the trained diver is only seconds away. They
need gas, and they need it now. They need pure gas, no water. They need a
regulator that's working....now! They don't have time to remove a small
twig, or piece of debris from the exhaust diaphragm.
We agree that the regulator that your breathing, is working right now. If
it's not, you called the dive, or fixed it. We also agree that there is no
way of knowing if the regulator you are not breathing is working right now.
You checked it at the beginning of the dive, and you checked it after
trenching through that last restriction, but right now we really don't know.
If that regulator is fouled and needs clearing, who's in better shape to
deal with it? The out of gas diver is probably not right next to you.
He/she has signaled you with the light. Got your attention, and has
indicated that they are out of gas. You both beginning swimming towards
each other. Now is the time to go to the back up. You have time, they
don't. What if they are right next to you. They don't signal, they just
grab, and you don't have time to give. You are still in better shape. You
have gas. And which regulator do you think they will reach for?
We agree that not all divers keep their alternative second stage in the same
place. We can agree however, that all divers do keep their mouths in the
same place. Which regulator do you think they will grab?
Some argue that by passing off the regulator you are currently breathing
from, causes two divers to be temporarily out of gas, and this is a problem.
If you can not remove a second stage from your mouth, and replace it with
another, should you be cave diving? Think about it. This is basic stuff.
They will also contend that the long hose increases breathing resistance,
and thus choose to breath from the short hose. A quality regulator that is
properly adjusted will deliver more than adequate gas supply, even through a
long hose. If it doesn't, then how is your buddy going to react when he
tries to take a few hits from it in a stressed state?
What it comes down to is this; are you willing to save your buddy by passing
the best breathing, and guaranteed working regulator when he/she needs it?
It's just not a good idea to plan a dive, that when someone runs out of gas,
you pass them a regulator that worked....last time you checked it.
~~
Steve
Thus the metric system did not really catch on in the States, unless
you count the increasing popularity of the nine-millimeter bullet.
-- Dave Barry
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