Solitude Diver
Contributor
I was hoping to hear from someone who has traveled with tanks. I understand you are required to empty and leave them open when flying? Most shops will require an inspection before filling if this happens, which would require dismantling the set up to remove the valves. It may be worth the inspection cost if it was an extended trip though. I would consider it.
I think as far as what gear you get, you should talk to your instructor(s). Ideally if you are going to get into tec diving, he should be more of a mentor so he can get to know you and evaluate when you are ready for this type of diving. It is NOT for everyone, whether they believe they can or not. An instructor telling you that you shouldnt do it may save your life. It is not all about skills in the water.
I would not plan on using rental gear for tec diving. (Unless you are in a hurry to leave this world):05: You will want to get your own, set it up and use the same set up over and over so it becomes second nature to you. This is not possible in renting. Plus you do not know what kind of shape it is in. It is risky enough doing this kind of diving without using equipment you do not know anything about. Going to the surface is usually NOT an option in tec diving. Therefore you MUST handle ALL emergencies underwater. You are (greatly) increasing the chance that these will come up, using rental gear.
I have had to re-purchase equipment several times now over the last year, because I kept listening to everyone about what I should get and buying it before I was educated. It usually was not appropriate for what I wanted to do. I ended up with two full set ups, and fortunately I was able to give a lot to my wife. It is good to get opinions, but in the end you should have picked an instructor/mentor whos opinion you trust, and listen to them. It may save you some money in the long run.
As far as costs, if you are planning on not spending a lot of money, then tec diving probably is not for you. Good equipment for this is expensive. (There may be a few horse collar divers our there that try to tell you otherwise, but forget it). I wouldnt worry about extra air costs so much, as nitrox is only about twice what air is, but you wont likely be using helium (the costly gas) anytime soon, and really wont need it unless you plan on going deeper than about 150 ft. anyway.
Just keep researching and reading for now, and save up until you can get your entire ensemble. A single tank with a pony is a very good set up for normal rec. diving, and even wrecks, if you plan your air requirements well (and then dive your plan).
Good luck.
-Steve :14:
I think as far as what gear you get, you should talk to your instructor(s). Ideally if you are going to get into tec diving, he should be more of a mentor so he can get to know you and evaluate when you are ready for this type of diving. It is NOT for everyone, whether they believe they can or not. An instructor telling you that you shouldnt do it may save your life. It is not all about skills in the water.
I would not plan on using rental gear for tec diving. (Unless you are in a hurry to leave this world):05: You will want to get your own, set it up and use the same set up over and over so it becomes second nature to you. This is not possible in renting. Plus you do not know what kind of shape it is in. It is risky enough doing this kind of diving without using equipment you do not know anything about. Going to the surface is usually NOT an option in tec diving. Therefore you MUST handle ALL emergencies underwater. You are (greatly) increasing the chance that these will come up, using rental gear.
I have had to re-purchase equipment several times now over the last year, because I kept listening to everyone about what I should get and buying it before I was educated. It usually was not appropriate for what I wanted to do. I ended up with two full set ups, and fortunately I was able to give a lot to my wife. It is good to get opinions, but in the end you should have picked an instructor/mentor whos opinion you trust, and listen to them. It may save you some money in the long run.
As far as costs, if you are planning on not spending a lot of money, then tec diving probably is not for you. Good equipment for this is expensive. (There may be a few horse collar divers our there that try to tell you otherwise, but forget it). I wouldnt worry about extra air costs so much, as nitrox is only about twice what air is, but you wont likely be using helium (the costly gas) anytime soon, and really wont need it unless you plan on going deeper than about 150 ft. anyway.
Just keep researching and reading for now, and save up until you can get your entire ensemble. A single tank with a pony is a very good set up for normal rec. diving, and even wrecks, if you plan your air requirements well (and then dive your plan).
Good luck.
-Steve :14: