Octo vs AirII

[ScubaSteve]

Based on a current ongoing thread about the concept of AirII (LP hose alternate air source), I would like to know a couple of things.

1. What does each agency specify as MANDATORY training for buddy breathing and OOA skills? Do they (today) train Octo? AirII concept? Both?

2. When did this version of training requirement start? i.e. did you just start requiring the Octo be taught in June 2007 or 90 years ago (only an example).

This thread is not a discussion about the good the bad and the ugly for the various options for alternate air sources. I really just want to know what the agencies absolutely require and when that started.

 

[J.R.]

Don't know the answers to your questions... but can contribute to your poll. I have both an "AirII" and octo principly because it makes it handy for the instructors I assist to be able to demonstrate both (principly for *awareness* purposes) to student...

 

[SteveAD]

I'm pretty sure that most agencies (with the notable exception of gue) simply teach "alternate air souce use" with the details of specific equipment configurations left open. At my shop, all students are taught both configurations.

 

[RJP]

I was PADI OW certified by an instructor/shop that offers PADI, NAUI, and SDI and was taught both standard octo and Air2.

This was essentially a by-product of the fact that one of the other students in the class had his own gear including an Air 2, but credit to the instructor who used this as an opportunity to teach the class about both ways of doing things.

 

[ScubaSteve]

......but credit to the instructor who used this as an opportunity to teach the class about both ways of doing things.

I agree RJP, hats off to the instructor for seeing an opoortunity and running with it. Thanks

 

[caver]

I have taken several OW classes from several agencies. All of my experience has been that all agencies except GUE (and they don't have OW) do not teach equipment specific techniques. They talk about an OCT, or an inflator that has a 2nd stage on it, but make no demand on using a specific one. EXCEPT GUE. Like I say, they don't have OW classes, but they do say AIR II and such are useless and they won't let you use them. I think the other agencies should take their lead.
Think about it.
The standard inflator can be used as a second stage as it is. All one has to do is put it in your mouth and depress both buttons at once. Everyone should have the same kind of equipment. In the case of an emergency, you find a diver at the bottom and you have to figure out which button needs to be pushed to inflate the BC. Precious time is wasted. The use of an OCT hanging as ones side is flawed also. When you need the backup 2nd stage it should be hanging on a neckless under your chin. Ready for use. No need looking for it to put it in your mouth. It can be put in your mouth alot quicker than an oct hanging somewhere on your BC.
Another example of this kind of crap is something I saw a OW instructor have on his BC. It was a leaver on the left side of his BC, at the bottom, when he pulled the handle, his air in his BC inflated or deflated. Just as stupid as the Dacor "Hub System". Another gimmik to sell crap. Just like snorkles, pink fins, and other "girlie man junk"

 

[ScubaSteve]

The only thing that really surprises me so far is that 2 people have said they were trained on AirII (concept) only. Only time will tell though.

I'm pretty sure that most agencies (with the notable exception of gue) simply teach "alternate air souce use" with the details of specific equipment configurations left open.

Makes sense to me.

 

[Gombessa]

I have taken several OW classes from several agencies. All of my experience has been that all agencies except GUE (and they don't have OW)

<clears throat>

 

[Papa_Bear]

I don't remove mine for Caving, just add a long hose and a third reg! To say AirII is a fancy gadget make me laugh! I can remember in 1973 the Sea View gauge was going to kill every diver because it was a point of potential failure because it was a new gadget and unproven! It was a gauge and an AirII (LOL) it's a regulator! Hello! :shocked2:

 

[msg]

I was taught with both methods, but use the Air II.