Regulator configuration

[silverfish]

Is there a standard configuration for the regulator between all dive certification agencies? I ask because for my training I borrowed my brothers regulator and it was configured with the second stage and octo on the left and the console on the right. He is SSI certified and I am PADI. My instructor changed it for me so that I could follow the set up recommended in her class. He recently dove his gear with the configuration I had left it in and was very confused.

It seems to me that it should be standardized in all agencies, but maybe not mandated. I wondered if anyone here was instructor qualified or otherwise trained in both agencies and could answer this question.

 

[Spectre]

I don't think I've ever seen a diver with their regs coming off the left and console off the right...

Stupid question: Are you sure it wasn't upside-down or backwards?

 

[Lemonade]

Sounds like the reg was just upside down on the tank....

 

[DiveTub]

I am qualified in both SSI and PADI.
Equipment configuration is one of those grey areas. Although the agencies do suggest a certain configuration there is no real hard and fast rule.
This is mostley due to the following

Personal Choice
The introduction of DIR
Air 2's

However the best way to manage the situation is to know your buddies equipment, do a saftey check, know how they have theres and your equipment rigged, and be very clear on what to grab from where in a OOA emergency.

The standard set-out for both SSI and PADI in their manuals is to have your octo on the right hand side of your body attached for easy removal from the triangle made up of your chest and your hips.

Regards
Chris
PADI MSDT
http://homepage.mac.com/sydney_diver

 

[silverfish]

Thanks for the replies.The upside down part was not a stupid question. I left the configuration standard because my instructor said much the same you all did. It is a matter of choice but most common is regulator on the right.

I asked my brother very directly if he had checked the set with his instructor and he said the instructor set it up for him and that was how his whole class was set up. He is a new diver with less than ten dives logged. I am hoping he will check his manual and ask his instructor again. I told him it seemed sensible to me to go with the most common set up in case you dive in a situation where you don't know your buddy. As I said ...I hope he checks into it further.

BTW Sydney_Diver, what is/ are DIR Air 2's ?

 

[jbd]

I think that NASDS used to teach having at least the octo on the left. I have seen that particular set up recently. Apparently it makes donating the octo easier by eliminating the extra curve in the hose.

 

[wetman]

Aren't your second stages made to come from the right side? If they come from the left, and they're not side exhaust, didn't they hit your mouth upside down?

As an asside, my AGA full face mask is set up to have the hose come from the left side , which i read somewhere matches the way things are in sweden (i think it was) where they are made.

steve

 

[DiveTub]

silverfish once bubbled...
Thanks for the replies.The upside down part was not a stupid

BTW Sydney_Diver, what is/ are DIR Air 2's ?

Silver Fish

DIR or Doing It Right is a form of Dive philosophy, do a search you will find hundreds of posts about it. I will not get into it here to save the many posts that will be recieved off the topic you are asking about.

An Air 2 is an alternate air source intergrated into your Low Pressure Inflator hose. It serves as a backup Reg and also as the inflator for your BCD. They are a great bit of kit as they eliminate the need for an Octo and a hose. Your LDS will have them in stock or look at ScubaPro's Website

http://www.scubapro.com/consumer/products/regulators/octopus/air2oct/air2oct.html

Regards
Chris

 

[Rick Murchison]

Inasmuch as the primary on most second stages must come from the right to be "right side up," the description you're giving doesn't make any sense. Indeed, it really is a "just turn it over" situation. And I'm curious why that wasn't done... Got any pictures? That might help clarify what you're saying.
SSI teaches primary on the right, and most SSI shops teach Octo on the right as well. NASDS used to teach Octo on the left for easy handoff, but never primary on the left.
Rick

 

[DiveTub]

Rick Murchison once bubbled...
Inasmuch as the primary on most second stages must come from the right to be "right side up," the description you're giving doesn't make any sense. Indeed, it really is a "just turn it over" situation. And I'm curious why that wasn't done... Got any pictures? That might help clarify what you're saying.
SSI teaches primary on the right, and most SSI shops teach Octo on the right as well. NASDS used to teach Octo on the left for easy handoff, but never primary on the left.
Rick

Rick what your are saying is a very good point. But the Primary may have been a side exhaust in that case it could come from either side...
But agree in most casses in recreational diving both Primary and Octo should be on the RHS