Is scuba gear life support?

[davehicks]

Well, first of all, a twinset with with multiple stage tanks is also a Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. So, I guess that answers the basic question. It's very much supporting your life underwater and you are not swimming to the surface if it fails.

Second, in my opinion, promoting the idea that you can swim to the surface is exactly the wrong way to go about things and is seeding dangerous ways of thinking. If you're taught that your scuba gear is keeping you alive underwater you are going in with a safety mindset. You will check and double check your gear, learn to safely dive with a buddy and watch your air consumption underwater. CESA is an absolute last, **** hits the fan option. After a period of time underwater it's risky from any depth but from 30m? How many people will calmly swim to the surface with no air from that depth? How many times has the man himself tried a swim like that?

You obviously have not seen the most recent Mission Impossible movie.