Hey Hoover ~ Did you ruin someone's dive?

[GlennJ]

There is training available to help improve your ability to foresee and assist in a crisis without hurting yourself. You might consider taking a class. As for learning about different gear configurations, some of your anchors, erm, buddies, would probably be happy to take the time to walk you through their setup.

Agreed - I guess my point was more to the fact that the 15 minutes of intro before jumping in the water does not give anyone, regardless of training, the knowledge, experience and comfort level you would have a with a regular buddy. If you feel you can assess the situation in that time, more power to you. I continue to believe that a key factor in the buddy system providing safety is a mutual and agreed to reliance, confidence and comfort with you buddy that will not exist in this situation in most circumstances.

 

[Scot M]

Sure, I would completely agree that a regular buddy would be preferable to an instabuddy in most situations. I just think that a positive and proactive attitude, combined with reasonable training, goes a long way toward extracting some benefit from a less-than-ideal arrangement. If everything was going to be ideal, we wouldn't need backups or contingency plans in the first place, right?

 

[Azza]

Agreed - I guess my point was more to the fact that the 15 minutes of intro before jumping in the water does not give anyone, regardless of training, the knowledge, experience and comfort level you would have a with a regular buddy.

The solution to that is always take a buddy with you.
I always make sure i have someone to dive with. Because I am a DM, the skippers and boat DM's always stick try to put me with the least experienced divers on the boat. Somehow they think that they can split their case load and that DM's actually pay good money to come work for them for the day.

 

[kidspot]

Of course when you're regular buddy is not available it's amazing how often Scubaboard members are in the area - So it's always worth asking around - I've had the priviledge of diving with several from the Board including BoomX5 and Scot M, plus a couple of scheduled dives coming up with others from around here - I have yet to be dissapointed! Plus it's a great way to put faces to the names. (Ok I was dissapointed once, but that was my fault - I got sick this past weekend and was unable to dive with Billfish... a friend went in my place said great things about him though-so next time...)


Aloha, Tim

 

[large and lovely]

The trouble with large tanks is, it's usually only an option when you're buying them to use at home. If you travel, it's rare to be able to get larger tanks in most tropical dive destinations. It would be kinda nice if more places had some and supplied them to those who needed them most, or even rented them for a surcharge.

Thanks Damselfish! I am new so please excuse a dumb question - does it make sense to travel with the larger tank? Are there other equipment options while on vacation - specifically in Thailand? Thanks Again! Rob

 

[Uncle Pug]

I don't think traveling with a tank is an option these days due to airline regulations and airport security.

 

[large and lovely]

I don't think traveling with a tank is an option these days due to airline regulations and airport security.

Thanks for the heads up - any suggestions for hoovers on vacation - specifically Thailand? Thanks Much! Rob

 

[SeanQ]

Thanks Damselfish! I am new so please excuse a dumb question - does it make sense to travel with the larger tank? Are there other equipment options while on vacation - specifically in Thailand? Thanks Again! Rob

Not unless you're prepared to empty the tank and remove the valve so they can check for hidden bombs. You'll probably get charged for overweight baggage unless you plan on travelling really light.

 

[Damselfish]

Thanks Damselfish! I am new so please excuse a dumb question - does it make sense to travel with the larger tank? Are there other equipment options while on vacation - specifically in Thailand? Thanks Again! Rob

well, I know nothing about Thailand. You can always try and check with dive ops to see what they have, you might find one that has other tanks available and perhaps that would influence who you decide to dive with, though it would hardly be the most important factor in selecting a dive op.

Beyond that, well you use what you use. Time and practice will help. Fitness, good bouyancy control and being comfortable and relaxed help. I'm sure there some old threads around this board with ideas on how to work on it.

By the way, you might want to fill out your profile info with where you're from and all that good stuff.

 

[large and lovely]

well, I know nothing about Thailand. You can always try and check with dive ops to see what they have, you might find one that has other tanks available and perhaps that would influence who you decide to dive with, though it would hardly be the most important factor in selecting a dive op.

Beyond that, well you use what you use. Time and practice will help. Fitness, good bouyancy control and being comfortable and relaxed help. I'm sure there some old threads around this board with ideas on how to work on it.

By the way, you might want to fill out your profile info with where you're from and all that good stuff.

Sounds good thanks for the advise - sorry about the profile it is now updated. Have a good night! Rob