Do we have a thread on SB that lists contingencies that can arise during a dive, and the responses to each? I'd assume we have one, but after a quick search nothing jumped at me, so I'm starting a new thread here. If one exists already, I apologize, let me know, and I will link to it. Otherwise, I'd love to pick your brain. To seed this thread, let me list a bunch of things inspired by the TDI manual, along with some responses to each. This is probably incomplete and wrong, please do not hesitate to point that out. Much of this is probably too obvious, but since we sometimes miss the obvious, I'm going to include it here, anyway. I will keep updating the list based on the replies. To fix attention on something concrete, let's assume an "average" tech diver (whatever you think that means), in drysuit, doubles, in whatever environment comes to your mind, maybe with a stage bottle, light deco obligation, and let's assume the presence of a qualified (but somewhat random) buddy of unknown quality.
* regulator free-flow => reach for the tank valve, shutdown the post, then switch to backup
* bubbles in the back => reach for the manifold valve, shutdown the manifold, then alternate shutting down tank valves until bubbles stop
* lost mask => deploy backup mask from right drysuit pocket
* low on bottom gas => access buddy's bottom gas, abort the dive
* lost deco gas => access buddy's deco gas
* lost buddy => search for 1 min., then abort the dive
* low on bottom or lost deco gas + lost buddy => ? (presumably switch to a more aggressive deco profile and pray)
* exceeded depth or time => follow prepared deco schedule for next larger depth or longer time
* exceeded depth/time + no prepared deco plan => follow ratio deco
* wing inflator malfunction => pull quick disconnect, hit deflation button, raise the corrugated hose to vent, fan out, restore buoyancy using drysuit
* unable to locate ascent line => deploy SMB from depth, if possible attach another reel or up-line to the bottom, slowly reel up
* entanglement => stop all movement, deploy cutting device, bang on the tank to get buddy's attention
* entanglement + cannot cut oneself out => doff harness, try again (?)
* light failure => deploy backup light from shoulder D-ring bungeed onto the chest strap
* silt-out in open water => ascend
* silt-out in overhead => ? (presumably try to locate the line)
What other contingencies do you plan for, and what will you do?
* regulator free-flow => reach for the tank valve, shutdown the post, then switch to backup
* bubbles in the back => reach for the manifold valve, shutdown the manifold, then alternate shutting down tank valves until bubbles stop
* lost mask => deploy backup mask from right drysuit pocket
* low on bottom gas => access buddy's bottom gas, abort the dive
* lost deco gas => access buddy's deco gas
* lost buddy => search for 1 min., then abort the dive
* low on bottom or lost deco gas + lost buddy => ? (presumably switch to a more aggressive deco profile and pray)
* exceeded depth or time => follow prepared deco schedule for next larger depth or longer time
* exceeded depth/time + no prepared deco plan => follow ratio deco
* wing inflator malfunction => pull quick disconnect, hit deflation button, raise the corrugated hose to vent, fan out, restore buoyancy using drysuit
* unable to locate ascent line => deploy SMB from depth, if possible attach another reel or up-line to the bottom, slowly reel up
* entanglement => stop all movement, deploy cutting device, bang on the tank to get buddy's attention
* entanglement + cannot cut oneself out => doff harness, try again (?)
* light failure => deploy backup light from shoulder D-ring bungeed onto the chest strap
* silt-out in open water => ascend
* silt-out in overhead => ? (presumably try to locate the line)
What other contingencies do you plan for, and what will you do?
Now you can get back to playing in your 50+" of snow and ice. I am diving Sun. and Mon. Now if I can just get those damn Hammerheads to mate up to my OC kit. I guess that I need a bigger hammer.
