Rescue class help

[D1v1n]

I am trying to compile a list of most commonly used bc brands, how to ditch weights, how to (manually/automated) inflate or deflate bc, and most commonly used air sources. Any pictures would also be helpful. I would like to come up with a powerpoint that could be shared with others who might be interested in the info. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[ScubaSarus]

Its nice that someones going the extra mile to get better training for many different BC styles.

 

[Walter]

It will be impossible to cover all the bases and it'll be overload. It would be a great idea to have a few different styles with which to practice, then stress going over those details with new buddies as well as looking carefully when making a rescue of a non-buddy in an unfamiliar rig.

 

[D1v1n]

I see the point that you are making, however it also looks like this might be an area for maybe a color coding and standardization. I think that there should be some areas that overlap, but maybe this might be a positive area of change......

It will be impossible to cover all the bases and it'll be overload. It would be a great idea to have a few different styles with which to practice, then stress going over those details with new buddies as well as looking carefully when making a rescue of a non-buddy in an unfamiliar rig.

 

[SDAnderson]

I think Walter is right - too much information. Cull the list to a representative of each style you encounter and minimize the brain squeeze problem.

I've found this page to be invaluable in locating manufacturer's websites: http://officialdivegearpage.com/

 

[D1v1n]

I think Walter is right - too much information. Cull the list to a representative of each style you encounter and minimize the brain squeeze problem.

I've found this page to be invaluable in locating manufacturer's websites: http://officialdivegearpage.com/

I understand what you and Walter are saying, after looking at the url you sent, there are tons of options out there. I am definately open to any input or thoughts to streamline the process. What would be mainstream? Maybe the secondary air sources was t0o much to go after as well. Maybe seperate the two catagories and make sure to go mainstream on both....
Something like this:
The Knighthawk's mechanical weight system incorporates curved weight pouches with two-inch straps and quick-release buckles. It's extremely secure, but it requires two steps to ditch: first release the buckles, then pull out the weight pouches.

source:http://www.scubadiving.com/gear/buoyancy_compensators/15_weight-integrated_back-buoyancy_bcs/11/

 

[D1v1n]

Not enough practice ditching weights.

Sometimes instruction puts more emphasis on removing gear than on ditching weights. Victims sometimes ditch their regulator, BC and tank instead of their weight belt. You and your buddy should understand how your gear works and stay current on your basic skills. If diving with a weight belt, it is a good idea to carry a spare buckle in your "Save a dive" kit. The dive community standardized weight belts as a right handed release with all other releases being left handed. Even if a diver drops their weights and is on the surface, they might not be showing signs of panic. It is important to make sure their BC is inflated, or they may silently slip below the surface and drown.

Before each dive
1) Attach your weight belt the same way for each dive
2) Gear up as if you are going to ditch weights on every dive
3) Ensure your weights will not catch on your gear, i.e. BC, lights, retractors, etc
4) Practice finding the weight belt release
5) Mentally rehearse emergency ascent procedures
6) Check your and your buddy's weights and buckles for a pre-dive check, find out how
his/her gear works
7) Watch out for "the other guy"

If you cannot get to the surface by inflating your BC or swimming
1) First try to solve the problem underwater
2) Ensure your weight drop zone is clear
3) Ditch your weights
4) Look up, relax, and exhale continuously
5) During your ascent flare your body the last 20 feet to reduce the risk of an embolism

Most common problems
1) Buckle not holding = the belt comes loose unexpectedly
2) Broken buckle or misaligned weight belt.
3) If the above happens, this is followed by a hazardous, uncontrolled ascent

Diver Alert Network
DAN collected data on 418 diving fatalities for 1998-2002; information regarding the removal of the weight belt or integrated weights is known in 285 (68%) cases. Of those 285 fatalities, the diver or someone rendering assistance removed the weights in only 43 (15%) cases. A small percentage of divers suffered a sudden, incapacitating cardiac event. However, based on the circumstances surrounding the accident, the majority of divers had time to remove the weights.
CONCLUSIONS: In the vast majority of fatal recreational diving accidents the weight belt or integrated weights are still in place when the diver is removed from the water. Despite training to the contrary, the diver rarely ditches the weights, nor do those who render assistance to the stricken diver. Contributing factors likely include panic as well as inadequate training and practice of emergency procedures

 

[D1v1n]

Backup Air Sources
There are conflicting reports that equipment rarely fails vs. the primary reason for 2ndary air is equipment failure. Secondary Air might be a bottle of spare air, an H valve with a redundant 1st and second stage, or the use of an independent 40 cubic ft tank with a separate 1st and 2nd stage regulator. Keeping all this in mind, the best source for emergency air is your dive buddy.
Let’s explore the options that are available:

Alternate Inflator Regulators (AIR). This concept was invented by SCUBAPRO engineers in 1979 and integrates in the same housing, a second stage regulator and a balanced inflator. The AIR 2 is fixed at the end of the corrugated hose of any BC and is fed by interstage pressure from the first stage with a quick coupling, thus eliminating one hose. This eliminates the need for a back up regulator (octopus). This highly advanced self-flushing SCUBAPRO system is compact and streamlined. When needed, the Air 2 allows the diver to breathe normally as from any second stage. While breathing the diver can simultaneously and rapidly inflate the BC with its high flow balanced power inflator. This progressive inflator is an important feature for safety and controlling the ascent. The BC can also be deflated by partially depressing the rectangular purge button.

There are arguments that a bottle of spare air does not contain enough air to safely make it to the surface when diving in depths greater than 40 ft with long bottom times. Some divers find them difficult to breathe from. At a depth of 100 feet you might be able to get six good breaths on the way up, which does not leave much room for a safety stop. Some divers feel that Spare Air is likely to fool the user into a false sense of security. The basic filling method is to equalize pressure directly with your primary cylinder; in addition, a fitting is now available so you can do this through a high-pressure port on your regulator's first stage. Of even greater value is an easy-to-use fitting that allows the Spare Air to be filled directly from a fill station or compressor. This method assures a complete fill without sacrificing any air from your primary cylinder. The Spare Air has a simple single-stage wholly integrated regulator that is always on, making it the essence of simplicity in an air-sharing situation. Pressure gauges are optional. This type of setup costs around 300 dollars.
For redundancy with a single tank, an H-valve will provide first stage redundancy; you can shut either side off in the event of an uncontrolled free flow, breached hose, etc, with two complete regulator sets to fall back on. You have only one source of air so H-valve redundancy is not truly redundant. That said, an extremely rare failure could get you in trouble.
A pony bottle and separate 1st and 2nd stage regulator provide complete redundancy. Arguments range that the proper size for a pony bottle is between 19 and 30 cubic feet. These setups can be passed to the diver in trouble and they can make their own controlled ascent. There is a great range of configuration options, between tanks regulators and pressure gauges. Often the secondary air source will be tied around the diver’s neck with surgical tubing for quick access. The disadvantages of pony bottle and regulator continue to be the bulk, out-of-water weight, rigging, drag and cost. But if your diving requires true redundancy, this is the way to go.

Burst high-pressure hose might result in a lost air supply. There is more of a tendency for this to happen only when the cylinder is filled to high pressure at the beginning of a dive.