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Joel Silverstein wrote:
> For years I had been diving bilateral stages -- and hated it --- so much so
> that at times I would use tables that would only require one deco gas and
> supplement with boat O2.
>
> Then I went to stacking cylinders on the left --- it took about 3 or 4
> dives to move some things around but now --- its pretty simple --- the
> biggest problem ocean divers have with stacking tanks is the physical
> position they are in when sitting on a boat waiting to get in. While
> sitting I have one attached -- then stand up clip the next on and jump in
> --- its pretty simple
>
> This year i went to having all students stack on the left --- and they have
> no problem with it --- especially with 40 cube bottles --- but we also have
> them stack 2 80s also --- aluminum bottles work best -- they are easier to
> move in the water than steel -- sure it takes a little getting used to ---
> but balance is rarely a problem when set up properly.
>
> Having one side free makes doing so many things easier -- especially gas
> sharing drills.
>
> I belive that a diver should be able to do both unilateral and Bi-lateral
> methods -- but the unilateral is the preferred method.
>
> Joel Silverstein
> http://www.nitroxdiver.com
> http://www.trimixdiver.com
Joel, I to dive left side stage quit often. But not always. As you
know I was just in N.C. diving the Tarpon (with 1 left stage) and the
Monitor (with 2 left stages) with Al 40's and it works comfortably for
me. I have caved with stacked left side Al 80's also, and it works for
me. But as you have pointd out, it can take some getting use to and we
are talking about new techies that often are busy getting use to much
more. Often in technical courses we are reteaching people how to kick
their fins and how to properly adjust their bouyancy. Even though I
task load the hell out of students I feel that this type of staging
would only slow down their progress. I do in fact explain the different
staging techniques but as to date have not incorporated them on training
dives..
I still havent gotten a reason from anyone why they believe this is
safer. Yes, I know it free's up one side (right) which is advantagous
and thats why it is my preferred way to dive. But I can't see how this
would make a gas switch any safer that lateral staging. If you or
anyone can supply me with this knowlege, please do. I would like to
thank Robert Carmichel for explaining a few things to me about this
stacking proceedure but nobody has given a reasonable answer to why this
is safer or any less likely to have a gas switch mistake than lateral
staging.
John
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