I know that using a tether is can be dangerous and presents a potential entanglement hazard. But I was thinking of using a coiled leash that would stretch to about 6 to 8 feet max. I would have to bolt snaps on it and would use it when diving with my wife during bad viz.
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How many of you would consider using some type of tether when diving with a loved one?
I have not used one, and my thinking on this is that my training suggests to me that if vis is really poor or current exceptionally strong, I should decline to dive or, if already underway, thumb the dive and ascend. If there is some likelihood that diving in really poor vis or strong current is going to be a repeated issue, then I think I would seek training to do that kind of dive, and the training may or may not involve a buddy line/tether. I don't like the idea of reinventing the wheel. For any type of dive I might do, there is probably someone out there who has the experience to advise me how to do it safely.
I have seen lots of discussions about uncontrolled ascents, but I don't recall having seen a tether suggested.