Bottom line: with just a little practice an integrated safe second is a perfectly viable alternative to the classic safe second/40 inch hose in open water recreational diving.
Rick
Hi Rick,
I think your bottom line says it all. With a little practice, you will become a much safer diver. In fact, this is what I see is the biggest problem with Scuba diving today. After OW class, people do not practice their life support skills. In many instances, the Open Water course Alt Air Ascent is the last place most people practice their skill. That means they have only done this skill a handful of times, they have done it while being taught multiple other skills, and most likely they have done it from very shallow depths.
A few months (years) go by and they are in a situation where they need to recall this skill. Not only do they have no muscle memory, they have probably forgotten the key steps to it as well. Like venting air from your BCD while ascending, etc.
Throw in equipment familiary, doing the alt air ascent from depth versus the shallows, mid water ascent versus doing it near a line or wall, surge and current. Plus, the fact that this is an emergency versus a drill where the donor and receiver have PLENTY of air in their tank, you are lucky we don't have more accidents.
We hear the mantra of "go pro", "go master", "get more training". How about we start emphasizing skill reviews and workshops to help people keep their skills from rusting.
Other advice: dive often, be trained to be self sufficient and carry a credible pony bottle for just these occassions!
Dive safe and have fun!
jcf
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