hang line questions

[padudle]

Hello

I want to try using a hang line during the final ascent and safety stop. I would prefer to be able to observe the sea around me during this part of the dive instead of watching my depth guage.

I've seen it done by the scuba guide during drift diving but I did not see exactly what they used or how they deployed it. He did it so that he could watch his clients and provide a depth reference to the rest of the group.

What I would like it to be able to inflate some kind of float bag and send it to the surface with a line attached. Then I could get slightly negative boyant and slowly reel in the line to complete the ascent and safety stop. I would not have to control my boyancy or depth. The line would do that.

I have a few questions about technique and equipment. First, will this go over well with all divemasters? I get the feeling that some want to control all communication with the boat and might resent a client sending up a float bag.

What kind of equipment should I use? I would think 10 to 20 pounds of lift would be enough to hang on and an open bottom bag would be most convenient because I could inflate it with my octo.

Then what should I use for line and reel? I want something that I can quickly fold up and stuff back into my BC before getting back in the boat. I don't want a delay on the surface to put it away.

Please advise.

 

[JimC]

Please advise.

Learn how to control your buoyancy better. It doesn't take long to be able to hang motionlessly in the water without referencing your gauges constantly.

 

[jbd]

While shooting a bag or marker can have its place in diving I wholeheartedly agree with JimC, learn to hover well for most recreational diving.

 

[Cacia]

but, when you want one...they are great.

A good safety measure to learn in case you get into some deco on a drift, etc.

I rely heavily on mine. Search "Surface Marker Bouy" and you will find images and video clips and lots of pointers! I have always thought practicing on your safety stop once you have your bouyancy dialed in and under control, is very fun way to pass the time.

You will use a reel and some line so don't get tangled up, thats the tricky part at first.

 

[jtivat]

I finger reel would work best for your application as it is small and easy to use.

Here is a link to what I am talking about http://www.divesports.com/mall/divesports_acc_fingerspool.asp

 

[Diesel298]

eyah a finger spool and a SMB is what your looking for

 

[JimC]

Ether way, with or without the SMB - it is unnecessary to use them as a crutch for buoyancy. Send it up, lock the spool off and let it float in fount of you and hover. No need to hang off it if you have your buoyancy down unless your feeling lazy. Honestly, after your buoyancy is dialled in its more work to hang off one than it is just to float there.

 

[sasscuba]

I agree. Work on your buoyancy more.

 

[RJP]

"will it go over well with all divemasters"

Nope. At least not off the coast of NJ.

Here - and check wherever you're at - you want to come up the anchor line and then if they have one do your safety stop on the granny line in the way towards the back of the boat.

Ray

 

[padudle]

I am asking for specific suggesions on the use of SMB and line as a hang line during stops. I searched for "Surface Marker Buoy" and found a video called shootbag.avi. That's very helpful but it does not show how the equipment was stowed before shooting

The finger reel sounds good. Mostly I'm looking for a setup that will not tangle or take time to stow.

and something simple like http://www.scubastore.com/product.asp?pais=UNITED%20STATES%20OF%20AMERICA&idioma=eng&id_familia=1&id=3&id_modelo=4346&marca=BEST%20DIVERS&tipo=ACCESSORIES&subtipo=,%20buoys&desde=1

or http://www.scubastore.com/product.asp?pais=UNITED%20STATES%20OF%20AMERICA&idioma=eng&id_familia=1&id=3&id_modelo=3583&marca=SCUBAPRO&tipo=ACCESSORIES&subtipo=,%20buoys&desde=1

for the float.

I'm looking for maximum enjoyment of my hang time. If you need to practice boyancy control you should probably do that in a pool or other controlled environment.