Hpw often do people have to use octo.

[ThatsMe]

How often should I expect to have to use my octo. Like slim chances or like 1 out of 20 dives or what?

 

[Wendy]

How often should I expect to have to use my octo. Like slim chances or like 1 out of 20 dives or what?

I use mine every dive to make sure it breaths well and works. and also when I do OOA drill with my buddy. BTW I donate my primary reg, so I would be using the oe that you refer to as the octo, I call it a back up reg.

 

[Kestrell]

Under normal circumstances, not often at all. I've never used mine except to try it out from time to time. Always be sure to test it before every dive though.

 

[CAPT HOOK]

I do part of every divebreathing off my octo; I want to be sure it's going to preform if needed.

Now to actually answer you question - I have neved had to use it.

 

[Divemaster-K]

Hopefully (knock on wood) never! But... just in case, you should always be prepared. Test it regularly on the surface and under water, practice buddy-breathing with a friend, etc...

Be safe.

 

[tbuckalew]

Having to use it as a backup for myself, I've never had to use it. Like others have stated, I do breath off of it for a short time during the first dive of each dive day (not every dive) to insure all is functioning.

Students/new divers often get so excited/nervous/stressed that they go through air like its going out of style. If it looks like they may end up lower than 500-700 psi by the end of the dive, I'll let them suck down my tank a bit off the octo. Now, mind you, we've always tried to watch everyone's air and get back in plenty of time. Its just that some just get tired and breath harder towards the end of the dive and use more air. And a final note before someone decides to flame me...I've never been on a dive where someone ran out of air or came up with anything less than 50psi from the minimum.

 

[dlndavid]

I use mine every dive to make sure it breaths well and works. and also when I do OOA drill with my buddy. BTW I donate my primary reg, so I would be using the oe that you refer to as the octo, I call it a back up reg.

I like the part about practicing the OOA drill.
Does anybody know why it is called an octo(pus)?

 

[scubapro50]

In 35 years with over 500 logged dives I have never had to use one in a emergency situation. You get a record like that by keeping your equipment in tip/top shape and knowing who you are diving with. But again ... there are some strange people out there and you never know who will get on the boat with you .... also read the thread "new law in Cayman ?" that deals with octos being required to dive.(www.scubaboard.com/t72457-.html)

 

[ThatsMe]

I like the part about practicing the OOA drill.
Does anybody know why it is called an octo(pus)?

mabe becasue you look like one with all the hoses.

 

[Kestrell]

Does anybody know why it is called an octo(pus)?

Before there were octo's everyone just had their primary reg. When you added an additional reg and also an SPG it made the rig look (sort of) like an octopus. Initially the who thing was called an octopus, but now the term is only applied to the alternate reg.