Buddy on a runaway ascent.

[all4scuba05]

You and him are diving below 100'. its time go to 50' and stay a few minutes. But now you notice your buddy is on a runaway ascent. Do you grab him and hope you don't end up with DCS Type 2? (Keep in mind that it could be because of not enough weight or an equipment issue)

 

[IwakuniDiver]

If my buddy is on what I would define as a true "runaway" ascent, he's on his own and I'd wish him the best of luck as I get to the surface as quickly as safety procedures for that dive allow.

I would (and have) intervene if it's a rapid ascent. I did have this happen once with a friend of mine and I got to his dump valve before things got out of hand for either of us. Luckily, we were wearing the same type of BCD so I knew EXACTLY where it was.

 

[all4scuba05]

ok then your answer is "depends"?

 

[paschen]

Until my instabuddy from hell experience a few weeks ago I probably would have done what I could - now the answer is no.

 

[Kim]

I think it has to be 'depends....' I would try to get to his dump valve but I wouldn't ride all the way up.

 

[Cacia]

ditto as Kim

 

[Kim]

ditto as Kim

Awww shucks Catherine.......I just love it when you agree with me!

 

[H2Andy]

riding on the way up with him wouldn't help, so no

the exception is airshare. if he's sharing my air, i'm in for the duration.

given the parameters of this thread, we'll be ok with a possible DCS hit if we
get prompt treatment. we may not even get DCS under these conditions.

letting him ascend without air might lead to a real problem (holding his breath
and getting an air embolism)

 

[Lake Mead Tony]

All kidding aside, One diver with a problem in the water is better than 2 divers in the water with a problem. How much help would you be if you are in the same condition.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Frankly if you are not watching him, by the time you look over he is beyond your help if he has dumped his weights or suddenly his BC inflates without warning or whatever other scenario you might be thinking of happens. Are you on your way up or do you just notice as you are planning to go up? How far away is he? How fast an ascent?