Kharon
Contributor
... I agree with the guy who said that the gear that you aren't experienced with or aren't familiar with is a danger. So, my question is where to start learning? What should I looking for? Is there any literature available on internet? I do not care about agency - just give me the knowladge. I did NITROX I and drysuit course but I,ve never been faced with pony tanks procedures. Thanks
A pony can be attached to your tank and the regulater positioned exactly where your octo would be. With that configuration it is exactly the same as what you are experienced with. I hang my pony from the front of my BC and position the regulater where the octo would be, so again no difference. Where the difference comes in is remembering to open the pony valve in addition to your tank valve before entering the water. As long as you are following a check of equipment that should be no problem. Before every dive you should breathe your regs while watching your guage. If the valve isn't on it will be obvious - you won't get any air. NOTE: Some would disagree but IMO the octo from your main 1st stage should be moved to the pony. Three 2nd stages could get confusing and the octo on the main tank is unnecessary and an additional point of failure.
In my configuration I can pass the pony to another diver if they are out of air. Taking the pony off and passing it can be practiced in your living room untill it is comfortable and natural for you. I see no reason to take a class to begin using a pony. When you get one make sure it has enough capacity to get you to the surface from the depths you usually dive. I have a 13 cf (which some say is small). From deep dives a 19 cf is recommended.
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...found that I was considerably less comfortable than without the bailout/pony. In fact during one dive without my bailout/pony and without my spear gun my 40 minute dive at 70' resulted in a considerably increased sense of comfort and dramatically lower sac rate.
I have no doubt that in an emergency I would be more comfortable and better able to handle said emergency if I were less encumbered.
What ever works for you. Personally I feel naked without my pony. I've gotten so used to it being there that diving without it is like driving without my seatbelt on. I've found a very comfortable configuration where it doesn't encumber or interfere in any way. I simply will not dive without it. Different strokes. No black or white here.