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     In technical diving the goal is to provide redundancy for all life
support systems.  In a very real sense, the abality to exit an overhead
environment is a key component of life support.  The problem with progressive
penetration is the fact that the techique provides no back-up.  Should visual
referencing be eliminated due to silt out or light failure, or should the
diver be mentally incapacitated due to narcosis or emergency induced stress,
the diver is S.O.L.!
     During a continuous line penetration the diver is making frequent visual
references in addition to laying line.  In the event of a silt out, the
failure of all light systems or the loss of mental recollection, the line
serves as back-up and helps to insure a safe and expedient exit.  On the
other hand, should the line be cut or broken, the diver's visual referencing
sereves as the back-up to the continuous line.  Additionally, in all likely
hood, assuming a properly laid line, the line will be picked up again in a
short distance at a secondary tie off.
     Concerns about line entanglement problems and broken or cut lines are
largely founded in a lack of knowledge about proper line laying techniques,
line protocols and lost line procedures.  Continuous lines do not present a
substantial entanglement hazard when properly laid.  There are procedures for
dealing with broken/cut line scenarios.  With properly laid line, using
multiple secondary tie-offs, a cut line should only present a temporary
inconvience.  
     Serious wreckdivers may wish to consider taking a cross-training
approach to their sport by enrolling in a cavern or cave course to increase
their understanding of line techniques and protocols.  By employing a
combination of both visual and line contact techniques during overhead
environment penetrations, divers can provide a crucial back-up to a weak life
support component.

Regards,

Bob D.


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