Most divers carry the octopus regulator on the right, same side as the primary second stage. I am curious of opinions if the place for the octopus is better on the right side or left, and why?
octopus regulator
- Thread starter devilfish
- Start date
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Rooster1
Guest
I was taught to use the triangle method of having it between chest to torso. I usually have it left side on octo holder clipped to bc d ring, however jhanging from necklace of surgical tubing is also excellent method.
cougar
Contributor
I asked the same question of my instructor. His answer was that if evryone is standardized it is much easier for a rescuer or a person in need of recue to locate the octopus because it is in the same place on everyone...I wanted to switch positions because of being left handed. He said being standardized could save a life. Just what I was told.
ScubyDoo
Contributor
Im still trying to work out all my gear configurations too. I would like to locate the octo on my left side because when on the right side the 36" hose isnt very streamlined and is a snag hazard. By locating it within the triangle on my left side, the snag and slack issues are resolved. My dive computer hose crosses underneath the octo hose and is located on my right side. This allows the octo to be removed without interference.
It is true that most people expect the octo to be on the right side. That is one of the reasons why you always review emergency procedures with your dive buddy PRIOR to every dive.
BWRAF
Air - Confirm that you both have ample air for the dive, that your valves are open, that regulators and alternate air sources work, and that you know where to find and how to use each others alternate air sources.
Straight out of the PADI Open Water textbook.
It is true that most people expect the octo to be on the right side. That is one of the reasons why you always review emergency procedures with your dive buddy PRIOR to every dive.
BWRAF
Air - Confirm that you both have ample air for the dive, that your valves are open, that regulators and alternate air sources work, and that you know where to find and how to use each others alternate air sources.
Straight out of the PADI Open Water textbook.
cougar
Contributor
There is still a point to putting things where peole expect it to be. Reviewing things with your buddy is obviously important....but what if you are being rescued or rescuing someone other than your buddy? You will have missed out on the opportunity to review an unsual configuration with that person...could be a problem. Just fer tinking aboot.
ScubyDoo
Contributor
True, but isnt the SOP to remove the AAS yourself, and hand it to your dive buddy or other diver in need? Granted, a panicked diver will most likely forget this and try to grasp it themself. If they cant find it, they are going to grab your primary.....right? In that case, you can find your own octo until the OOA diver has calmed down, at which point you can trade out and begin your ascent.
Scubaroo
Contributor
devilfish,
Have you looked at the DIR configuration of wearing your octopus on a bungee around your neck for your own use, and your primary regulator on a long 5' to 7' hose to be donated to you buddy? As ScubyDoo alluded too, a diver out of air is quite likely to grab the first regulator they see - the one in your mouth - regardless of any drills you've covered - they're about to drown in their mind!
In this configuration, both hoses come from your right - the backup on a 22" or 24" hose over your shoulder, and your primary reg on a long hose under your arm, diagonally across your chest, around the back of your neck and then from behind your head also coming from the right. Sounds complicated, but once you try it in the water it's VERY practical and streamlined.
Ben
Have you looked at the DIR configuration of wearing your octopus on a bungee around your neck for your own use, and your primary regulator on a long 5' to 7' hose to be donated to you buddy? As ScubyDoo alluded too, a diver out of air is quite likely to grab the first regulator they see - the one in your mouth - regardless of any drills you've covered - they're about to drown in their mind!
In this configuration, both hoses come from your right - the backup on a 22" or 24" hose over your shoulder, and your primary reg on a long hose under your arm, diagonally across your chest, around the back of your neck and then from behind your head also coming from the right. Sounds complicated, but once you try it in the water it's VERY practical and streamlined.
Ben
large_diver
Contributor
I think it depends on your gear config., hose routing, etc.
If you have a console already coming from your left side and attached to your BC somewhere -- probably too crowded. If you have your console on your right like Scubydoo or have wrist mounted gauges -- then perhaps it makes sense.
One thing to think about is how you would operate in the event of an OOA emergency. If the octo is on your left on a relatively short 36-40" hose, would you be able to operate your BC inflator/deflator at the same time while maintaining contact with the diver as you slowly ascend? It may not be a big deal....just something to think about.
If you have a console already coming from your left side and attached to your BC somewhere -- probably too crowded. If you have your console on your right like Scubydoo or have wrist mounted gauges -- then perhaps it makes sense.
One thing to think about is how you would operate in the event of an OOA emergency. If the octo is on your left on a relatively short 36-40" hose, would you be able to operate your BC inflator/deflator at the same time while maintaining contact with the diver as you slowly ascend? It may not be a big deal....just something to think about.
ScubyDoo
Contributor
I dont see where there would be any conflict with the inflator/deflator. Once the octo is detached from the BC, the configuration is exactly the same as it would be if your Octo was mounted on your right side. Just so theres no confusion as to how mine is configured......My first stage setup is "standard"....i.e. the octo comes from the right side and the computer from the left. After they come around my body I criss cross them so the octo mounts on the left side and the computer attaches on my right side. Once the Octo is detached from the BC it still comes from the right side of my first stage. There would be no interference with the inflator/deflator, and the ascent while maintaining contact would also be standard.
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