Dr Wu
Contributor
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- I just don't log dives
If it gives you a sense of security then why not.
Because it gives you a "sense" of security.
It does not make you secure.
That's why not.
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If it gives you a sense of security then why not.
I think that if a pony bottle is giving you a warm, secure feeling while diving that you aren't rationally looking at the risks involved. Sure an OOA emergency is something to be concerned about and avoided, but when you consider all the hazards involved in diving, (entanglement, DCI, narcosis, hypothermia, ear problems, current, hostile wildlife, etc...), it's just one of many problems you might encounter.
When I'm considering whether to pack a pony or not I usually ask myself, "can I do a CESA from our planned depth?" and "do I trust the gear I'm using?" If the answer to both questions is yes and I'm with a buddy, then I don't see any reason to bring a pony bottle along. If I've got good gear, a good buddy and the surface within swimming distance, then I don't see that a pony bottle makes me much safer.
On the other hand, if we're going down to 100'+, then I don't have any faith in my ability to do a CESA, we might possibly end up with a deco obligation, and more air is just plain better at those depths, so I pack a pony.
All of my redundent gear gives me a sense of security....
Elmer-
I love diving the Sound! But alas, I live in Oregon, 1 hour from our coast. I dive every week (or at least every-other) year round. One reason that I always dive a pony is that I want my setup to be the same - whether 30ft or 130ft - it's about standardization and familiarity with my equipment - which is great to have if one of those things you mentioned comes up. I practice different skills, not out of fear, but because I enjoy being underwater and it's entertaining to myself to mess with the stuff. I even shoot a sausage every once in a while (Coast Guard takes issue with this - sent a boat out to check on me once ).
Like I said, never needed a pony, but I've never needed a buddy either - but prefer one (most of the time).
By the way - that skipper that allowed me to continue diving, (when my insta-buddy flaked out) because I was equipped for solo, was on the Sound. I guess I did "need" a pony then.
Again with this "sense" of security.
Instead of actually being secure.
Again with this "sense" of security.
Instead of actually being secure.