johndiver999
Contributor
The deck crew has probably seen many instances of people going in with the valve off or cracked open. It takes just a moment for the crew member to CONFIRM that the valve is opened properly. They don’t need to be actually changing the valve setting. Just a gentle twist back and forth (15 degrees) from the fully open position is all that is necessarily.
If they find the valve off, then there will often be an embarrassing rush of air as the reg is pressurized. If it is found to be in an otherwise incorrect position, then they should definitely tell the diver that they think the valve is damaged or not set right.
At this point, the diver now has knowledge that there is a potential problem. He can decide to say “oh crap, can you fix it for me” ( open the valve all the way)- or they can sit back down and fix or resolve the situation themselves.
If this protocol were followed, no dm would ever be changing the valve setting without the express consent of the diver.
From a percentage standpoint, there is a much greater chance that a dm would prevent a problem than cause one. On tourist boats, there is a much greater chance that the tourist screwed up rather than the deck hand who checks 40 tank valves a day.
Of course, I can completely understand how an experienced diver would not want a stranger screwing with their gear. I would think that most dm/deck crew would comply with a direct order to not touch my valve, especially if I am so anal as to make a point about mentioning it.
The primary point I am trying to convey is that the crew is checking position NOT altering it (without consent) so the valve should never be accidentally shut off by crew.
If they find the valve off, then there will often be an embarrassing rush of air as the reg is pressurized. If it is found to be in an otherwise incorrect position, then they should definitely tell the diver that they think the valve is damaged or not set right.
At this point, the diver now has knowledge that there is a potential problem. He can decide to say “oh crap, can you fix it for me” ( open the valve all the way)- or they can sit back down and fix or resolve the situation themselves.
If this protocol were followed, no dm would ever be changing the valve setting without the express consent of the diver.
From a percentage standpoint, there is a much greater chance that a dm would prevent a problem than cause one. On tourist boats, there is a much greater chance that the tourist screwed up rather than the deck hand who checks 40 tank valves a day.
Of course, I can completely understand how an experienced diver would not want a stranger screwing with their gear. I would think that most dm/deck crew would comply with a direct order to not touch my valve, especially if I am so anal as to make a point about mentioning it.
The primary point I am trying to convey is that the crew is checking position NOT altering it (without consent) so the valve should never be accidentally shut off by crew.