Some ocean divers open the isolator only 1/2 to 2 turns to facilitate the
shutdown.  I have started using this method when diving as other Cambrian
Foundation team members use this method.  The downside to this method that I
know of is that it may be possible to close it in the wrong direction if you
are in a panic.  I am uncertain whether the WKPP uses this method and
frankly I am only a junior team member based on my skill and experience
level in deep caves.  I learned from JJ (my full cave instructor) to keep
the isolator completely open.

I learned a very good drill last week from Billy Deans (EPIRBs and Bondage
wings notwithstanding) that he calls the fire drill.  While sitting in your
gear out of the water have your buddy randomly pick different pieces of your
equipment one at a time simulating a failure.  You then run through the
appropriate shutdown procedure to solve the problem.  Your buddy picks
everything from 2nd stages, spgs, bcd, tank O-rings, 1st stages, etc. and
see how quickly and comfortable you are at determining the cause and then
completing the appropriate steps to isolate the problem.

Keeping the isolator completely closed is much like diving independents.
'nuff said on that...

Regards, John

-----Original Message-----
From: Peter Fjelsten 
To: Ken Sallot 
Cc: Cavers List ; Techdiver List

Date: Friday, March 27, 1998 7:15 AM
Subject: Re: seeking opinions on isolator valves


>Ken,
>
>What about diving with the isolator shut - that would give you time to shut
down the
>malfunctioning regulator but still ALWAYS have approx half of your gas left
should you be
>too slow. You have to switch regs continuously, though, which may be too
much task
>loading.
>
>For the record: I dive manifold with OPEN isolator.
>
>--
>Undervandshilsener (Sub-Aquatic Regards),
>
>Peter Fjelsten
>
>Glanshatten 32C, 5220 Odense SØ, Denmark, 뫗麼
>------------------------------------------------------------------
>Peter Fjelstens TekDykningsWeb: http://www.cdcdyk.dk/pf
>------------------------------------------------------------------
>Technical Diving in Denmark: http://www.cdcdyk.dk/pf/techdk.htm
>
>
>
>

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