Question silt out communication

[lermontov]

wondering what comms system do people use in a silt out - had a recent trip where one diver went through a silty restriction and was waiting for the second diver to come through - second diver didn't want to follow so both waited for each other to make a move -both fearing if they both went at the same time they would meet head to head in a tight unturnable restriction

I have an idea of a plan but wanting to hear others systems

eg a signal for :
i need help
I are you coming?
yes im coming
no im not coming

 

[halocline]

Just to clarify im referring to a silt out where theres no physical contact - the lead diver has gone through a long restriction and got through to some space and is waiting

yes that is what eventuated - the problem fro the lead diver was not knowing if the second was coming through or maybe had a problem half way though. Ive had a number of situations where the plan changed because the second didn't want to follow but unless you have a predetermined signal and is out of reach the lead diver doesnt know whats going on -thats is why they both sat there waiting because they were worried they would meet head on in the restriction

Ok, so if I’m understanding your description, diver 1 is through but is unsure whether diver 2 is following. Right? And of course we’re assuming this is on the penetration part of the dive; on the exit there’s obviously no choice but to go through.

So how could that scenario come up….a big issue would be if diver 1 did not clearly wait at the beginning of the restriction, signal, and get a clear confirmation from diver 2 that he was ready to go through. This means both divers check gas/time, and take a minute to sight through the restriction, evaluate it and communicate confidence and clarity that both are going through. That really needs to happen before anyone goes in. Being strict with that protocol can save some misery. When I’ve been in the diver 2 position in a situation like this, I’ll sometimes scooch forward to get a closer look if it looks sketchy before deciding whether I’m comfortable. TBH, places that are this tight are pretty advanced and unless I’m with someone I really trust, I probably would err on the side of caution.

Ok, let’s say you’re diver 1, you’ve done the right signaling and received confirmation, you go through, now its a silty mess and you realized it was tighter than you expected. You just have to wait, cover your light, look for some indication, try to signal asking ok back into the restriction, cover the light, etc. I just think at this point you want to be very patient and in no hurry to head back through. Diver 2 is coming through or signaling in some way. If you get an alert signal (not emergency but clearly not a circular ok) then I think it’s time to very slowly, very cautiously head back. You’ll definitely see something unless the guy’s primary has picked the perfect time to say goodnight. Fun, huh?

 

[lermontov]

Ok, so if I’m understanding your description, diver 1 is through but is unsure whether diver 2 is following. Right? And of course we’re assuming this is on the penetration part of the dive; on the exit there’s obviously no choice but to go through.

correct

So how could that scenario come up….a big issue would be if diver 1 did not clearly wait at the beginning of the restriction, signal, and get a clear confirmation from diver 2 that he was ready to go through. This means both divers check gas/time, and take a minute to sight through the restriction, evaluate it and communicate confidence and clarity that both are going through. That really needs to happen before anyone goes in.

yes -however things change if no prior knowledge is available - it may be siltier or tighter than expected and it could be 4m or 14m long -its different not knowing whats ahead when your second can see nothing and success or failure can be being too far left or right and you need to be in exactly the right position

and unless I’m with someone I really trust, I probably would err on the side of caution.

agree

Ok, let’s say you’re diver 1, you’ve done the right signaling and received confirmation, you go through, now its a silty mess and you realized it was tighter than you expected. You just have to wait, cover your light, look for some indication, try to signal asking ok back into the restriction, cover the light, etc. I just think at this point you want to be very patient and in no hurry to head back through. Diver 2 is coming through or signaling in some way. If you get an alert signal (not emergency but clearly not a circular ok) then I think it’s time to very slowly, very cautiously head back. You’ll definitely see something unless the guy’s primary has picked the perfect time to say goodnight. Fun, huh?

yes - unless you have another signal to communicate - which is the original question posed -tank tapping is the only thing i can think off other than full comms