Do I Really Need An Octopus?

[PerroneFord]

I personally wouldn't dive with anyone that even had a beat up old octo (which I always check during predive buddy checks), and if I ran across a diver that doesn't have one at all then he and I would have a nice long talk about safety.

Another reason to befriend the divers with long hoses. You KNOW that diver has been breathing off that reg all dive. It's gonna work. And if you're the diver with the long hose, you KNOW you may have to give up your primary under stress.. so the one under your chin isn't gonna be bad either.

 

[El Orans]

It's no longer taught by any agency I am aware of.

IDD still teaches it.

 

[oly5050user]

It's no longer taught by any agency I am aware of. At least not in OW. Maybe in CMAS or BSAC. I learned it in Adv. Nitrox due to the possibility of having to deco on one tank. Great skill to learn, but like many other skills, it's been removed from the OW curriculum.

if I remember correctly it is now optional in padi system,required skill at dm level..

 

[Walter]

If someone around you, not necessarily your buddy, has an OOA emergency, they may go for the most obvious reg before you have a chance to chooser which one to offer. That reg may be the one in your mouth, and they may not want to let go of it afterwards, or at least for long enough that you may find it inconvenient.

I've rescued several OOA divers over the years, only one reached for the reg in my mouth (he was a cave instructor) all the others waited for me to give them a reg.

 

[Ana]

I personally wouldn't dive with anyone that even had a beat up old octo (which I always check during predive buddy checks), and if I ran across a diver that doesn't have one at all then he and I would have a nice long talk about safety.

You know this is a contributing factor for why some of us end up classified as angry,rude and worse.

You are entitled to dive with whoever you want, regardless of your reasons. For all I care, you may decide that you wouldn't dive with anyone that doesn't have a ribbon attached to the wetsuit zipper. But why "would have a nice long talk about safety" with anyone if that person is not to dive with you. If you approach me with that intention you'll get a swift "go away" assuming you caught me in a good mood.

People, when you are out there diving remember that not every adult you encounter is just waiting for your wisdom; some of us do what we do exactly the way we want to do it.
That also goes for the ones that don't go directly to the person for the "nice long talk" but go running to the capt/DM telling so and so doesn't have and octo. What is it? Are there boats where the capt/DM's give golden stars to tattletales?

I understand the OP is asking for the general opinion, and I assume will read the responses and draw a conclussion from there. It is a wonderful thing to give your suggestions when they are requested, but don't get the idea that it takes a village to raise a diver.

 

[Thalassamania]

It is a wonderful thing to give your suggestions when they are requested, but don't get the idea that it takes a village to raise a diver.

Thanks.

 

[Walter]

I love you, Ana!

 

[Notso_Ken]

Diving mainly open water non-technical, no deco in a group or semi-soli. Do I really need an octopus?

I don't know. Do you expect your dive buddy to have an air hose for you if something happens to your reg? I do.


Ken

 

[TSandM]

I wouldn't say a word to somebody who was diving without a secondary air source. I just wouldn't buddy up with them.

It is a good point, though, that your buddy's choice of gear and configuration should be known and important to you, because in certain circumstances, the choices he has made can severely impact your safety and comfort.

 

[cdreamer]

PDIC still teaches buddy breathing and BC breathing for that matter. If you are not going to go for the octo then at least get a pony bottle.
My 2 psi.
Terri