Lesson “confirmed” on certification dive

[CapnBloodbeard]

Sounds like both you and your buddy did well. As you reflected, there was a better option - but you kept your head and found an option that got you out of the water safely.
I remember coming out of the water on my last dive for certification to see my mouthpiece hanging on by a tiny piece of silicon - I also bit through my mouthpiece; didn't realise I was clenching, but I was pretty terrified the whole time! Now it's something I remain aware of.

 

[rob.mwpropane]

I would not be comfortable with this type of octo bungee. If a diver in distress grabs your octo, you will have a knok in your head with the head of the diver in distress.
The one that is sold is tight enough to keep the octo near you and loose enough to allow it to be released in case some one grabs it.
This is my personal opinion.

I wouldn't put that much thought into it... it's just a necklace, and the odds of someone grabbing it is non existent.

 

[kelemvor]

I used a "traditional" bungee necklace before moving to an air2/primary donate setup. As long as you don't get crazy with cranking down on the knot, the regulator will come off the necklace with only moderate force. Nothing you'd struggle to do.

I also tried one of those rubber necklaces. Have to agree, they're junk.

 

[SlugLife]

I used a "traditional" bungee necklace before moving to an air2/primary donate setup. As long as you don't get crazy with cranking down on the knot, the regulator will come off the necklace with only moderate force. Nothing you'd struggle to do.

I also tried one of those rubber necklaces. Have to agree, they're junk.

The rubber-necklaces ones are way more bulky and expensive ($12 or so), than than the nearly-free DIY equivalent.

It's important to point out there are two main versions of the bungee-necklace that I'm aware of:

• One which goes under the zip-tie, which isn't breakaway. It's basically a straight piece of bungee, knots on both end, inserted under the zip-tie. It's adjustable, by pulling cord either way under the zip-tie.
• The other has something like a fisherman's knot, to create a loop, which goes over the mouthpiece, and then is tightened down. This one is breakaway, but also secure enough. You can use a 2nd fisherman's knot to make it semi-adjustable, but it's not quite as easy to adjust as the first one. You should of course test the breakaway force needed, to ensure it's not too loose or tight.

Both are fairly secure in terms of your reg should still be around your neck, if someone kicks your reg out of your mouth.

If anyone doesn't understand the descriptions above or needs a better tutorial let me know.