Why can't this work in an OOA?

[windapp]

Keep in mind, in a freeflow, the pressure of the air is around 120 psi as compared to tank pressure of around 3000 psi.

 

[flots am]

So there is always talk about bail-out tanks, spare airs blah blah etc etc. For solo divers and for buddy divers.

So I ask you those o Gods of Scuba, Why can't I just take an extra tank with me with no reg on it and if im OOA just open the tank and little and sip the air untill i get to the surface. I feel like I could make a good funnel over the valve with my hand between my mouth. I could take two breaths close the tank exhale and ascend slowly then open tank take another two breaths and continue the cycle. Do I need a whole nother reg set??? Burst my bubble??

There's nothing wrong with it, except that it takes a lot of practice and skills that you might not be able to handle during an emergency.

In fact, breathing from a tank used to be a "SCUBA skill", maybe 40 years ago.

It just doesn't seem to be much of an advantage, considering that you can buy a cheap reg for "cheap". I picked up a used Mk1 on ebay for about $50. My life is worth much more than $50 to me, so I don't consider breathing directly from the tank valve to be something to bother with.

Edit: as CaveDiver mentioned: "Don't run out of air". There's no valid excuse for it. You need a good buddy and/or a fully redundant air source, and in either case, the only valid reasons for running out involve events so rare that they rate a youtube video.

flots.

 

[Teller]

Try it in a pool and then see if you change your mind. I have tried it while diving SM and it can be done but I would not plan on doing it when a cheap reg could be added so easily.

 

[300bar]

We do that as a fun thing in the pool, but WHY would you want to add to the stress in a real OOA situation?
And if you bring the tank but not the reg. what do you gain??
Save some $$$ ?

 

[nimoh]

be sure to explain someone, or leave a note indicating your plan to do this, otherwise the recovery team might think it was an equipment failure that caused your regulator to fall off....kidding.

I'm assuming that you don't plan to do this, and are just pondering the possibility. I believe there was an old Sea Hunt episode, possibly more than one where Mike Nelson did this.

 

[Bratface]

Hahahaha. Thanks for the entertainment, guys.

 

[elan]

Keep in mind, in a freeflow, the pressure of the air is around 120 psi as compared to tank pressure of around 3000 psi.

Im afraid you are a bit mistaken. In both cases the pressure of the gas being breathed will be the same and equal to the ambient pressure.

 

[copter53]

So what damage will happen to the tank? If I open the tank underwater once does that mean it needs to be viped again or what?

 

[JahJahwarrior]

The tank should be fine as the air rushing out should keep water from getting in.

I prefer to take an extra reg but no tank. Let my buddy carry the tank but no reg. they are like scuba best friend forever necklaces, you stay together as buddies and hook them up if needed.

 

[rhwestfall]

well at it, ditch the mask, because you can trap an air bubble with your hands at your face. And something for buoyancy control, sheesh, such a luxury... or at least ditch the power inflator.... hmmmm what else can I do without.....