Gas Switching Protocols

[JeffG]

yes I always keep the richer mix to the right of the lighter mix, even when laying my tanks down on the ground or by the dock. I also use a reg with a bright yellow cover for my 100% bottle and a green valve knob on that tank. however I hate to rely on "tricks" like this. it would be easy to be in a hurry and put the wrong reg on the bottle, or perhaps the fills get mixed up and the green knob ends up on the lighter mix. that could easily lead to an error train.

What happens if you have a bad reg and you have to swap it? Skip the dive?

Since you don't like the "tricks", why don't you just drop them altogether.

 

[Flightlead]

What happens if you have a bad reg and you have to swap it? Skip the dive?

Since you don't like the "tricks", why don't you just drop them altogether.

well, your first sentence exactly illustrates my point.

regarding your question, I see it as an additional aid, but as a backup to a solid protocol. for example I follow the protocol and deploy a 2nd stage at 70' and look and see its a yellow cover then I have a question to answer for myself.

however, I really set up my gear that way as a way of helping ensure I dedicate one piece of gear to 02 for cleanliness/maintenance purposes more than for anything else.

 

[JeffG]

well, your first sentence exactly illustrates my point.

regarding your question, I see it as an additional aid, but as a backup to a solid protocol. for example I follow the protocol and deploy a 2nd stage at 70' and look and see its a yellow cover then I have a question to answer for myself.

"additional aid"?? You have one protocol when you have the "right" gear and another protocol when you don't.

What will you do in a time of stress?

however, I really set up my gear that way as a way of helping ensure I dedicate one piece of gear to 02 for cleanliness/maintenance purposes more than for anything else.

Really? Darn and I just use any old deco reg for my O2...my bad LOL

 

[Bismark]

"additional aid"?? You have one protocol when you have the "right" gear and another protocol when you don't.

What will you do in a time of stress?


Really? Darn and I just use any old deco reg for my O2...my bad LOL

I knew you would get the call on the batphone

For my 02 deco reg, I always make sure I use the one with the hose that connects the first stage to the second stage............wait a second........

 

[Steve SDI/TDI HQ]

... as a backup to a solid protocol...

Surely a solid protocol does not require a backup (an inwater protocol that it)... human nature being what it is, would evoking a backup not cast doubt on the efficacy of the solid protocol.

And talking about protocols, I have found that making sure ALL my regs are suitable for high oxygen service the best approach. Your mileage may vary but this ensures any reg can be used exactly where needed.

 

[rjack321]

I'm not sure I understand the logic in this. While you might be able to get by with this on "shallow" dives, isn't it a very bad habit for deeper dives? Going back on a 18/40 backgas (or a 16/50) instead of breathing 50% at 30ft. is not a good plan. You may very well have a schedule that lets you do this now, but sometimes it's hard to break a habit like that.

Why is it a bad habit?

To the OP, the best method is to simply turn on only one gas at a time after visually verifying that the knob you're turning is on the correct bottle (markings). Keeping mixes in the same positions every dive and using different second stages (or different mouthpieces) on each are tricks to give tactile cues should vis or light not be available.

This would be a bad habit

 

[cfenton]

For my 02 deco reg, I always make sure I use the one with the hose that connects the first stage to the second stage............

Priceless!

 

[ageddiver]

Why is it a bad habit?

Because you're significantly affecting the efficiency of your decompression for no apparent reason (your tables don't take this into account). I'm not referring here to the practice of going to back gas for the last minute of your stop (although I don't really understand the logic in this either, but it's harmless) - this poster stated they complete the entire 30 ft. stop using back gas. On shallow dives, it doesn't matter. But on longer deeper dives it will, so there is some point at which you will have to break this "habit" - so why do it at all?

This would be a bad habit

My turn to ask why?

 

[JeffG]

Because you're significantly affecting the efficiency of your decompression for no apparent reason

I agree.

It effects it in a good way.

The other thinking is soooo 90's

 

[ageddiver]

That's SO helpful, thank you! I'll definitely modify my schedules (and my diving style) to be more trendy like you. Let's see, lower PO2 and higher He at intermediate stops by using bottom mix, better for you - I think I've got it! It's so simple and obvious!