Octopus bungee necklace safety

[diverjon64]

Are there any concerns on using the bungee necklace and possible entanglement/snagging?

I know from past experience that in swimming and other watersports any type of device that encircles the neck and does not have a quick/pressure disconnect of some kind is a big no-no. I realize the octo will come out easily, but the bungee is darn near unbreakable and very hard to cut. This is one reason locker keys at swimming pools and beaches generally use pins for attachment or have very small wrist lanyards that can't possibly pass over your head.

As a former lifeguard, we would be unlikely to allow a swimmer into the pool with a loop of surgical tubing, etc. around their neck (though in my day we were more concerned about the T-Rex's coming for a drink and accidentally sucking up a swimmer).

Any thoughts on improving the device or alternatives? Am I worrying needlessly?

I like the bungee clips I have seen on websites. Clipped to the top D-ring this looks like a good alternative.

Thanks for your help.

Jon

 

[El Orans]

Hi Jon,

Yes, you're worrying needlessly.

I wouldn't go near the DIR forum with this question though. They might label you a troll and flame you accordingly.

BTW, welcome (Scub)aBoard! :happywave

 

[Halthron]

What's it going to get entangled on? The length of the bungee shouldn't be too long, just long enough to loop around the neck and enable the octo to hang at the base of the throat. The bungee rests against the back of the neck which, at least in my case, is protected by my BC and tank. You almost have to deliberately entangle it for there to be a risk.

 

[Nemrod]

You don't understand how it works, it took me a while to figure it out also and now--properly rigged--there is absolutely no entanglement hazard--period. I have to agree with the DIR bunch, there is absolutly no better way in my opinion. N

 

[Hickdive]

I think you are worrying unnecessarily.

As a diver you have (1) an air supply and (2) at least one cutting tool (3) a buddy with spares of these items and (4) adequate underwater vision for you both. These are not normally encountered in surface watersports.

I have never personally encountered or read of anyone with any serious entaglement in a bungee necklace. If I've ever managed it it's such a minor thing to clear it that it requires no thought and isn't particularly memorable.

As an aside, I think it is important for divers to come into the sport putting aside any preconcieved ideas from surface watersports. When I used to teach some of the words I used to hate were 'oh yes, I was/am a champion swimmer/lifeguard/surfer'. You need to let the gear do the work and forget about 'steam' swimming.

 

[terrasmak]

Even if you do get it tangled , the way they are set up a firm tug will snap it free.

 

[dbg40]

I see no possibility of entanglement. The cord is so burried in other gear, that if it were to snag, you have way bigger problems allready. The cord should be close in enough so that if needed, all you have to do is spit out the primary, and grab the occto with your teeth. No hands required.

 

[cnctina]

An alternative to the bungee necklace octo would be an air-2.

 

[redacted]

I got tangled up once trying to get out of gear in rough seas without good planning and preparation and with too many things around my neck. It would not have been a problem if I did not also have a roon key on a string around my neck - mistake. The only casualy in the experience was the key. I had done this a few times before with no problem in calmer seas and with no key. I concluded the best way to do this is to prep by removing the bungeed octo from around the neck in the prep phase as you are clipping off your primary and switching to your alt.

 

[matt_unique]

The interesting aspect about gear rigging is the balance of benefit and risk. This balance exists for every single thing you add to your rig.

I specifically have my necklace set such that my 2nd stage will not come free. I use a slipknot to keep my 2nd stage right where I want it - under my chin and going nowhere. I consider it more of a risk if the 2nd stage falls out if things get dicey and I'm mugged for my reg by an OOA diver for example. With the typical necklace loop if your 2nd stage falls out you will not easily be able to get it back in without the help of a buddy.

If something is close enough to hook your necklace you will have a lot more problems to contend with.

--Matt