For those using bottom stages...

[rjack321]

Did you start with or without training and at what level? Any regional differences here?

 

[dsteding]

"Never bothered" is a bit strong. I've used them where needed (second dives, stuff like that) prior to going through tech training. Mostly 32% in an 80 after a deeper dive.

That being said, I won't use them on a tech dive because I'm at the single bottle level and don't have the training for that yet.

 

[rjack321]

Oops, I forgot a choice, "after a Tech1 and a bottom stage seminar"

Sorry "never bothered" was just what popped into my head. I should have been more emotionally neutral.

 

[RTodd]

You guys are spoiled. Until recently, you learned how to use stages because a more experienced buddy handed you one and said you are going to need a stage on this dive. For open water diving, (exlcuding logistical convenience) the point at which you actually need a stage involves depths where you should already have some training involving using deco bottles anyway.

 

[TSandM]

Well, I'm in the process, but what I am going to do is spend this winter learning to CARRY the bottle, and practicing the steps of deploying and stowing, without ever doing a dive where the bottle is actually part of the gas plan for the dive. I'll get the training on that part in Cave 2.

 

[rjack321]

You guys are spoiled. Until recently, you learned how to use stages because a more experienced buddy handed you one and said you are going to need a stage on this dive. For open water diving, (exlcuding logistical convenience) the point at which you actually need a stage involves depths where you should already have some training involving using deco bottles anyway.

Actually it came up on a different board a few months ago. A fairly new (<100 dives I think) diver planning on bringing a stage (along with double 100s) to have enough gas for a 2 dive charter (roughly 30min @ 100ft x2).

Some people jumped all over that. Some were more "its normal" around here to bring a stage for recreational dives.

I was more curious about who needs them, why, and what the regional differences are.

 

[Peter Guy]

I'd like y'all to add to this discussion this question -- Should a diver (otherwise competent and trained) get formal training prior to using a stage or is this a case where competent mentoring (and perhaps a little reading) works just fine? Or, to phrase it another way (and from one who has carried a stage bottle only once) is there really anything special about carrying a stage bottle that requires "formal" training?

(Note -- "carrying" a stage includes planning on using it as part of your gas management.)

 

[rjack321]

I'd like y'all to add to this discussion this question -- Should a diver (otherwise competent and trained) get formal training prior to using a stage or is this a case where competent mentoring (and perhaps a little reading) works just fine? Or, to phrase it another way (and from one who has carried a stage bottle only once) is there really anything special about carrying a stage bottle that requires "formal" training?

(Note -- "carrying" a stage includes planning on using it as part of your gas management.)

In a cave or in OW? (or anywhere).

examples:
People are carrying a stage of 32% to be able do a 2nd recreational dive on a tech charter with -20% EAD.
People use a stage on a Tech1 dive to be able to complete a 2nd Tech1 dive on the same set of doubles.
In both of these cases the gas might be part of the overall plan for the day, but its not actually part of any Rock bottom needs.

And then people carry bottom stages for T2/C2 level dives where its much more part of the plan for just that dive.



Hi Peter, I'm sure TS&M is thrilled to have you here in the DIR practitioners forum...

 

[RTodd]

Actually it came up on a different board a few months ago. A fairly new (<100 dives I think) diver planning on bringing a stage (along with double 100s) to have enough gas for a 2 dive charter (roughly 30min @ 100ft x2).

Some people jumped all over that. Some were more "its normal" around here to bring a stage for recreational dives.

I was more curious about who needs them, why, and what the regional differences are.

Come on, that is a stroke question to start with. For two 100' for 30 minute dives, you simply bring two single AL80s. If you need 280cuft of gas to do those two dives, take up golf.

 

[rjack321]

Come on, that is a stroke question to start with. For two 100' for 30 minute dives, you simply bring two single AL80s. If you need 280cuft of gas to do those two dives, take up golf.

I think the general consensus on that old thread was, "don't"

But where do you draw the line? A T1 diver using a bottom stage to get 2x tech1 dives off a set of doubles?