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Regardless of whether you choose to use tanks with an isolation
manifold or independently, you should do so properly. Hopefully this
makes elementary sense. In either case you should perform some basic
checks prior to the dive which include, but not limited to:
- Check all valves, regulators, hoses, and gauges for leaks while
submerged.
- Check all regulators for proper operation (submerged)
- Check all valves in proper positions
If "Joe" in Gerry Smith's incident would have performed these simple
basic checks, he would not have been diving with half-full tanks. He
should not look to blame the dive shop; he has the ultimate
responsibility to ensure his gear is right! I have seen the "isolation
valve closed while filling" trick, but it was discovered during
mandatory pre-dive equipment checks resulting in nothing more than a
nuisance. "Joe" and his diving partners lose a valuable resource if
they do not cross-check and match each other's gear prior to a dive. I
suppose this incident is intended to demonstrate the superiority of
independents (no isolation valve)? However there are other
considerations in gas management when using independents. Independent
configurations do have some advantages and disadvantages; and the same
goes for tanks with manifolds. One reason some people may use
independents is they can't reach around their conceited fat heads to do
a proper gas shutdown procedure. Use what works for you AND your diving
partners but do so properly and consistently.
Doug Chapman
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