How to not Panic?

[rstofer]

I'm not necessarily recommending a change in configuration but you might try wearing your alternate on a necklace around your neck. In this case you would donate your primary and grab the alternate from right under your chin. Your right hand donates and your left hand grabs the alternate.

But whatever you decide, practice air sharing skills as often as possible. Even if you only just do half the drill (offering your primary and changing to your alternate), it's good practice.

See YouTube - Safety Drill (S-Drill) - Scuba for an S drill with a long hose. You may not be ready to make this configuration change just yet.

But the important thing to notice is that in order to hand your regulator off right side up, you need to put an S curve in the hose. Perhaps that's where the name came from (not being facetious, I don't know why they call it that but it seems likely). Notice how the regulator is offered...

It will occur to you to be equally concerned about how your buddy offers you their regulator. If it is upside down, you mght inhale a lot of water because the exhaust horn is above the mouthpiece.

Practice at every opportunity!

Richard

 

[Chett L]

Two things you may want to consider. Put an H valve on your main tank with a SSI or Air ll ect. Carry a bailout 19 tank up to 100 feet. If going deeper then 100 carry a 40.

Best regards,
Chett L

 

[Belce]

Two things you may want to consider. Put an H valve on your main tank with a SSI or Air ll ect. Carry a bailout 19 tank up to 100 feet. If going deeper then 100 carry a 40.

Best regards,
Chett L

lol

This is in some ways an inappropriate reply. This is the basic scuba forum and all you have done is a jibberish reply.

 

[Belce]

i'm not necessarily recommending a change in configuration but you might try wearing your alternate on a necklace around your neck. In this case you would donate your primary and grab the alternate from right under your chin. Your right hand donates and your left hand grabs the alternate.

But whatever you decide, practice air sharing skills as often as possible. Even if you only just do half the drill (offering your primary and changing to your alternate), it's good practice.

See youtube - safety drill (s-drill) - scuba for an s drill with a long hose. You may not be ready to make this configuration change just yet.

But the important thing to notice is that in order to hand your regulator off right side up, you need to put an s curve in the hose. Perhaps that's where the name came from (not being facetious, i don't know why they call it that but it seems likely). Notice how the regulator is offered...

It will occur to you to be equally concerned about how your buddy offers you their regulator. If it is upside down, you mght inhale a lot of water because the exhaust horn is above the mouthpiece.

Practice at every opportunity!

Richard

kiss!

 

[Bogie]

It is good that you share your experience and are open to discussion. That is how we learn. The particulars of your incident are not as important as the fact that you panicked. It is good that you experienced panic without any ill effects. It is a great learning experience. When in panic we stop thinking and we are in just reaction. Panic is dangerous and deadly. In my Rescue class I learned STOP, BREATH, THINK, ACT. Education, training, and experience will give you the tools. You avoid panic by stopping it before it happens. Knowing your equipment and practicing skills would have avoided these panic situations. These are great learning opportunities and nothing to be embarrassed about.

It is essential that you become bullet proof on regulator management, octo management, knowing your equipment inside out. You should sit in 5-10 feet of water and take out and put in your regulator 50+ times. Throw it over your shoulder, alternate octo and main all scenarios. You should be able to do it with your eyes closed. You should be able to do it in your sleep.

When we panic we don't think logically we react in total survival mode and are desperate. Any panic is too much. We stop the process before panic sets in. High concern, intense alertness, emergency mode is not panic because we are still in a thinking mode. We must think and choose the best solution. Once panic sets in, we go bananas and it is a very dangerous or even deadly.

I am glad you’re healthy and well.

 

[Chett L]

lol

This is in some ways an inappropriate reply. This is the basic scuba forum and all you have done is a jibberish reply.

You must have little time on the water.

 

[rongoodman]

I really like having my secondary hanging right underneath my chin!

 

[SCUBA482]

I would consider practicing the basics first. While having the element of surprise sounds good, it might be a bit risky and set you back a few steps. The fundamentals taught in the OW class are there for a reason. Remember that slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Practice your regulator retrieval several times in a confined environment making a conscious effort to clear your 2nd stage with a hard blow and using the purge button. By doing so you are building muscle memory and when the situation occurs you will respond to your training via muscle memory. After practicing this over a few tanks or dives, start including your regulator recovery drill into the mix. I also suggest doing this with a competent buddy nearby of course to prevent any serious mishaps. These are some pretty basic skills you need to master and become comfortable with. Practice, practice, practice and this will give you confidence in your abilities and reduce panic. May even save your life one day!

 

[Chett L]

I really like having my secondary hanging right underneath my chin!

Way to go!

Best regards,
Chett L

 

[Belce]

You must have little time on the water.

You know when I looked back at your post originally I thought you were trying to be funny, which I think makes it inappropriate even though you poke fun at the responders and not the original post.