Forced descent in Blue Hole

[Web Monkey]

First of all, the platform, with tanks attached, submerged beneath the boat is straight out of the PADI AOW book. Secondly, how many dive operators do you know of that issue pony bottles with their rental gear?

Having a submerged reference point w/ extra air isn't an indication of them taking divers without experience or equipment, it is being prepared.

It doesn't matter if it's out of the PADI OW book or The Joy of Cooking. Deco gas on a platform that you may not be able to find or get to is an unnecessary risk, and not a small one.

If it's not attached to you, you can't count on it. What happens if you get swept away by unexpected current, or just get lost?

Terry

 

[Chaseh]

Actually, Chase, I forgot that you were one of the deeper guys. I was talking about the dude that "didn't need a buddy" who was a good 10-15' below us all day trailing the pack. You remember, the "nuclear physicist"?

R

That guy was a tool! At least the noobs didn't know any better as they kicked into everyone and destroy corals while taking photos.

This bozo was lingering an atmosphere below us all day. Drinking a bit too from what I remember. We were waiting for him to get bent, I'm sure by now he's had a hit or two.

Those walls were really sweet though. I've already started to think of the outer atolls as our destination for summer 07.

 

[Vayu]

Diving is not a handholding sport...sometimes you have to have thick skin and realize that some things are told AS IS...diving is not a sport for whiners.

Being underwater is safe enough if you have a good attitude. The exclusion of whiny divers from the sport will not solve anything.

Makes sense, except I've never heard CO2 hits called narcosis?

The article already answered this. I'd like to add that many gasses are narcotic. Nitrogen gets the blame most of the time but in reality even oxygen is narcotic at depth.

This is really dangerous, but you're going to have a great time. Of course, you're going to die, and it's not our fault when you do. Enjoy yourself. It's a thrill. But you're going to die.

At least they are honest.

I think there were about 15 in my group, escorted by 3 local DMs, 2 Texas Inst from the group, 2 Texas DMs, but I was the only one carrying a pony.

It is good you had some redundancy. For a dive like the thread addresses, deeper than 130' in the blue hole, further redundancy may be necessary. These dives are beyond the recreational level and should be approached carefully.

 

[Christi]

Being underwater is safe enough if you have a good attitude. The exclusion of whiny divers from the sport will not solve anything.

You totally missed the point there.

The article already answered this. I'd like to add that many gasses are narcotic. Nitrogen gets the blame most of the time but in reality even oxygen is narcotic at depth.

While you are correcting people...Like Don, I had never previously heard of CO2 "hits" referred to as narcosis. However, I am well aware of the effects of CO2 and the possible hazards underwater; and I appreciate Lamont providing the link to that article. It was very educational and informative to all.

You'll notice that lamont posted the link to that article AFTER Don's comment and I will point out that the article was about CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) not O2 (oxygen).

Oygen is actually more than narcotic, it is TOXIC at depth...this is why we don't dive deep on enriched air.

 

[Vayu]

You totally missed the point there.

What was the point? That diving is only for a non-whining class of people. It is really not a hardcore activity and can be done while relaxed.

 

[dherbman]

It's a lot easier to relax when whiners aren't around.

 

[DandyDon]

Yep, I knew that Nitrogen is the most common cause of narcosis as it's the most common gas, even in Nitrox; I knew that Oxygen was potentially narcotic and toxic both; and I realized that CO2 could lead to unconsciousness - especially with task loading and/or anxiety at depth. Just never thought of it as narcotic, but Lamont's link added a lot to my understanding. We do learn a lot from Lamont.

As far as whiners who want their hands held, we'll always have them. Just charge them extra. "Prices will be adjusted according to the customer's pain in the butt factor on the trip."

 

[TheRedHead]

Yep, I knew that Nitrogen is the most common cause of narcosis as it's the most common gas, even in Nitrox; I knew that Oxygen was potentially narcotic and toxic both; and I realized that CO2 could lead to unconsciousness - especially with task loading and/or anxiety at depth.

Did you know that oxygen can form bubbles too?

 

[DandyDon]

Did you know that oxygen can form bubbles too?

Hadn't thought of it, but I suppose it could happen as pressure is reduced. Yet free O2 is going to readily bind with Carbon in the body, while Nitrogen is chemically inert.

Still, you got me wondering more exactly why we use O2 therapy on DCS...?

 

[TheRedHead]

Hadn't thought of it, but I suppose it could happen as pressure is reduced. Yet free O2 is going to readily bind with Carbon in the body, while Nitrogen is chemically inert.

Still, you got me wondering more exactly why we use O2 therapy on DCS...?

My TDI instructor is also a hyperbaric chamber technician. He said he has seen them. Now I am curious so I will have to research this.