Octopus definition

[kld223]

I was certified in 1977 (NAUI) and we called the first stage, second stage, instruments, and all the hoses (collectively) an "octopus" because all assembled, it looked like an octopus. I did not dive for 29 years and when I recertified in 2006 (PADI), the term "octopus" was being used to describe the alternate air second stage by itself. The physical appearance of the alternate does not even resemble an octopus when alone. What is the deal?

 

[Doc]

Same thing happened to me.

One day I was reading Skin Diver Magazine and all of a sudden we were stopping at 15 feet and when I put my mask on my forehead, everyone was screaming.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, I mean.

 

[ucfdiver]

I was certified in 1977 (NAUI) and we called the first stage, second stage, instruments, and all the hoses (collectively) an "octopus" because all assembled, it looked like an octopus. I did not dive for 29 years and when I recertified in 2006 (PADI), the term "octopus" was being used to describe the alternate air second stage by itself. The physical appearance of the alternate does not even resemble an octopus when alone. What is the deal?

It seems there's a difference in terminology between geographic regions as well these days. Go to the keys and ask for a p valve, there's a good chance you'll get told they recommend J valves.

 

[Doc]

It seems there's a difference in terminology between geographic regions as well these days.

Oh, like in England where they refer to that part of the subaqaua kit as a deevee.

 

[Bob Vincent]

I was certified in 1977 as a PADI OW diver and a SSI AOW diver I never heard the term Octopus used to describe the entire regulator, BCD hose, SPG hose are anything else except the original name and meaning I first learned. IE; Octopus, Oct, Octo a safe 2nd stage besides your primary 2nd stage. In fact I actually think there were very little if any Oct-o's around then and even most divers had horse collars without inflation hoses. That's when the 1st "wings" what was referred to then Back Buoyancy Device's came out along with inflation hoses. I might be wrong.

 

[Nemrod]

Originally, at least NAUI refered to an "octopus" rig as the entire regulator set with two seconds and one first but I also remember that extra second being called the "octapus second" which was shortened I guess to the "octopus."

Yeah, one day we did no safety stops at all and thn we were doing them at 10 and then we were coming up at 30 fpm instead of 60 fpm and taking a 15 foot mandatory "safety" stop. All this just makes my BS meter ping.

And I still wear my mask on my forehead and I don't care what PadI says, they don't rule the seas or me. Of course in 1966 we did not have octapus or BCs or BCDs or spgds or any other such foolishness. I like it better that way.

N

 

[spectrum]

Great question! http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/basic-scuba-discussions/105452-what-octopus.html

Pete

 

[WD8CDH]

Originally, at least NAUI refered to an "octopus" rig as the entire regulator set with two seconds and one first but I also remember that extra second being called the "octapus second" which was shortened I guess to the "octopus."

Yeah, one day we did no safety stops at all and thn we were doing them at 10 and then we were coming up at 30 fpm instead of 60 fpm and taking a 15 foot mandatory "safety" stop. All this just makes my BS meter ping.

And I still wear my mask on my forehead and I don't care what PadI says, they don't rule the seas or me. Of course in 1966 we did not have octapus or BCs or BCDs or spgds or any other such foolishness. I like it better that way.

N

Hi Nimrod,

Funny thing, my old friend in the early 70's who was a PADI instructor used to teach 30fpm, overhead don, free assents and said he would rather lose a mask than get choked on one.

 

[anzac65]

Oh, like in England where they refer to that part of the subaqaua kit as a deevee.

A what ? Never heard that one before...... Please elaborate, I feel like I've missed out on something.

Okay, thinking hard, demand valve ????????

 

[kld223]

Spectrum, thank you for directing to the 2005 thread. There were a lot of interesting comments. I wonder why I didn't find that thread before starting a new one? Anyway, getting NAUI certified, not diving for 29 years, and then getting PADI certified in 2006 left me in a time warp with regard to terms, equipment, and practices. I am getting used to it, slowly.

I do remember a CO2 cartridge (for "emergency ascent") on my horse collar during training; Felix Swan, my instructor called the horse collar a "buoyancy compensator" and warned us to not use the CO2; there was a power inflator on the BC. I think the summer of 1977 was a transition time to the early BC's. Anyway, studying the pictures of old equipment during the equipment specialist course did kind of remind me of the stuff we were using.

Anyway, I am making up for lost time and diving every chance I get with modern equipment, including an "octopus" whether it is the alternate air source or everything hooked to the 1st stage.

Thanks for the comments