No air left. Unable to do controlled ascent!

[Wookie]

My instructor told me 5 times after this happened that I should have went to the surface regardless, never to dive back down. I guess that's why it's still unsettling to me.

I won't say your instructor is wrong. He (she) must have a reason for freaking you out. I just say that you did good.

 

[Scott L]

Thank for all of your replies. They mean alot to me!! Regarding the drysuit, it was a rental from the manufacturer at their demonstration day. My instructor taught us to use the drysuit for buoyancy control, not the BCD. That's probably why my buoyancy was out of control and used up alot of air. But I do not recall inflating the drysuit once after I saw my air was at 550. I was just shocked and will take y'all's advice to have my SPG checked out as well. My instructor told me 5 times after this happened that I should have went to the surface regardless, never to dive back down. I guess that's why it's still unsettling to me.

I read your profile and see you use a Oceanic Pro Plus integrated computer. Myself and many dive buddies have used in the past. They varied wildly in reading cylinder pressure. Consider replacing IMO...

 

[Scott L]

My instructor told me 5 times after this happened that I should have went to the surface regardless, never to dive back down. I guess that's why it's still unsettling to me.

I would love to hear the instructor's argument for a 43ft CESA as opposed to descending 7' to meet dive partner although I must say I am not a drysuit diver....

 

[fppf]

I read your profile and see you use a Oceanic Pro Plus integrated computer. Myself and many dive buddies have used in the past. They varied wildly in reading cylinder pressure. Consider replacing IMO...

Mine reads dead nuts.


As far as task loading, anytime something new is thrown into the mix people tend to obsess on that new item. Often they can over look the usual's and fixate on the new item thinking its the problem.

I personally use my wing as well. But the dry suit only school is what is taught by most agencies. I did it for my first few dry dives.

 

[Wookie]

I would love to hear the instructor's argument for a 43ft CESA as opposed to descending 7' to meet dive partner although I must say I am not a drysuit diver....

I liked the first response better. I had to look up egregious. You made me learn something today.

 

[Scott L]

I liked the first response better. I had to look up egregious. You made me learn something today.

My lack of drysuit knowledge led me to back away from the more dramatic comment but I am sure I will get to use it again soon.

 

[Scott L]

Mine reads dead nuts.

Can they be calibrated? If not, she can have mine...

 

[drdaddy]

Thank you so much for all of your replies. They mean alot to me!! Regarding the drysuit, it was a rental from the manufacturer at their demonstration day. The rest of the gear is mine which was purchased new four months ago. My instructor taught us to use the drysuit for buoyancy control, not the BCD. That's probably why my buoyancy was out of control and used up alot of air. But I do not recall inflating the drysuit once after I saw my air was at 550. I was just shocked and will take y'all's advice to have my SPG checked out as well. My instructor told me 5 times after this happened that I should have went to the surface regardless, never to dive back down. I guess that's why it's still unsettling to me.

Scubette,

First of all, I'm very glad that you went for the closest air and all turned out alright.

Had you had a way to go up, you would have found air being released from your lungs as you came up. But the only way I can think of you really making it up before you passed out or took an unwanted "breath" of water, is if you released your weights and then ascended faster than a controlled ascent. But you knew you wouldn't make it, so I'm wondering why your instructor believes the way they do. Out of principal, I can understand the reason to "go up", but I'm glad you went the very short distance down to your buddy for air - good choice.

From 45 feet, I would suggest a minimum of 800 psi when you begin your ascent - that's what I do - you never know whether it will be kelp or some old fishing line between you and the surface and I want that extra margin. And as a newer diver in a demo wetsuit - I'd recommend 1000. Better too much air when you reach the surface, than not enough!!!

Also, remember that when you reach the surface without any air, you will not be able to inflate your wetsuit or bcd to keep you afloat, and it's hard to orally inflate your bcd when you out of breath and struggling to keep your head above the water and waves. Be ready to release your weights, if need be.

I always dive with a pony - usually a 19 cuft - how you attach it, etc. is a debate you'll read about here on SB. But, even with a pony, in an out of air situation, the pony does not inflate your bcd. I even do my shallow dives with a pony - not because I need it, but because I try to dive with the same equipment configuration every time so that it becomes second nature.

Rescue Diver (RD) is a very useful and highly recommended course. The RD course begins with recognizing and avoiding problems and then self rescue. Rescuing others is the rest of the course. Redundant air, while not covered in the RD course, is first of all for self rescue, second of all for the other diver.

I love ScubaBoard - it really allows you to learn from others, learn from yourself as you share with others and they reflect back to you, and share your knowledge and experience with others as well.

Thank you for sharing your experience.

 

[graywhale]

My instructor told me 5 times after this happened that I should have went to the surface regardless, never to dive back down. I guess that's why it's still unsettling to me.

Why the heck not? There is no reason I can think of not to dice down if you are sure you can make it better than going up. DCS is not an issue either by going back down. However, rocketing up may cause a problem. You're instructor is wrong. You knew where your buddy way a mere 7 feet down and you went there. You made OK too. Your instincts and reaction are better than what your instructor is telling, you in my opinion.

 

[Teamcasa]

Ummm. Welcome to Scubaboard. You'll get lots of opinions from divers, here. Please don't think any one is yelling at you, but some of us have pretty strong feelings about this.

First off, of course you can use your BC for buoyancy control while diving a drysuit. You are equipped with many tools to use while diving, the best one is your brain. Inflate your drysuit so it is comfortable, then use your BC to control buoyancy.

Next, if you run out of air at depth, go to where the air is. If it is 7 feet below you in your buddy's mouth, have at it. I'm sure you were taught in open water class not to panic and never hold your breath. Well, those are the only rules to scuba. Everything else is open to interpretation.

I think you did exactly the right thing when confronted with this emergency. After all, you were able to type tonight. I also believe that a completely redundant air source (pony bottle) is a must when diving. Self rescue is the most important skill any instructor can pass on to you. I know it's scary to run out of air. Keep at it, invest in a rescue course, and get that pony.

Again, welcome,
Frank

Well said Frank. Id just add that good dive planing and air management must be at the top of your lessons learned. But you know that very well now.

I read your profile and see you use a Oceanic Pro Plus integrated computer. Myself and many dive buddies have used in the past. They varied wildly in reading cylinder pressure. Consider replacing IMO...

My ProPlus is an excellent pressure gauge and is very accurate. But you do have to look at it a little more often.