Spool + clip attached to dive float line during descent?

[Kairoos]

I was thinking about picking up an extra spool + brass clip to clip onto the dive float's line while descending when the visibility is low and the current is strong (pretty common on wrecks down here in S. Florida). It usually takes me a bit of time to equalize so on a dive to 100' with high currents and low visibility it can be easy to lose the line, and therefore the group. A spool and brass clip are only $10 so if something happened where I needed to cut it, it would be no big deal.

 

[muddiver]

It's pretty common for east coast divers to carry a "John" line. The type I have seen have a hook, not a clip. If it were me, I would go to the local hardware store and just buy some 1/4" to 3/8" nylon line and splice some snap bolts on each end. You can clip one end to your rig (i.e. BC) and loop the other end around the down line. Or clip off to the down line. Clipping off assumes that you won't run across any knots, splices, or hardware in the down line that will impede your travel. Also, it is not always a good idea to be securely tied off to anything that can move or could cause you to become fouled.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Patoux01]

A spool and brass clip are only $10 so if something happened where I needed to cut it, it would be no big deal.

A spool and a decent clip costs 10$ as well, why bother using brass...


I'd also never, ever, clip a line to me.

 

[Kairoos]

A spool and a decent clip costs 10$ as well, why bother using brass...


I'd also never, ever, clip a line to me.

Because for $10 I can buy a spool with a brass clip already?

I'm not attaching it to me. I'd clip my line to the descent line and hold onto the spool. I can just let go of the spool if I wanted to, it's not attached to me in any way...

 

[Patoux01]

Because for $10 I can buy a spool with a brass clip already?

Yes, and so can I, except I get a stainless steel clip... but if you like brass, you go boy.

 

[scuba5150]

Yes, and so can I, except I get a stainless steel clip... but if you like brass, you go boy.

We spend how much for our equipment and we're arguing about a stainless steel versus brass clip?????? Huummmm.

 

[dumpsterDiver]

That is the last thing you want to use in local drift diving. You are going to try to clip off to the DM float (or the string he is towing it with) and then hang on a string (laterally) in the current because you can't descend fast enough and can't swim well enough to keep the line in visual contact?

You need to equalize faster, swim harder or make the descent and then crawl on the bottom back up current to the DM location (or abort if you are not strong enough to make the dive). You can't be playing "monkey on the line" if another diver is pulling a float.

 

[doctormike]

We spend how much for our equipment and we're arguing about a stainless steel versus brass clip?????? Huummmm.

Not arguing, Patoux was just letting people know that stainless is better than brass for diving applications, and I agree with that. It might be a handy piece of information for someone who doesn't realize that there is a difference, and that's one of the reasons that we have this forum.

As far as the OPs idea, I don't like it. A Jon line lets you hang in current by being attached to a fixed heavy anchor line, very different from this. Sounds like a good way to get the whole group entangled.

Line is evil.

 

[uncfnp]

Dumpster's right Kairoos. No touchie, touchie the float line. Unless its a negative entry the typical viz in south Florida should let you keep an eye on the guide/ball till you can descend. Clear your ears but be aware of your surroundings too. And of course know your compass/north or south current. Still can't make it, at least some of the Captains will pick you up and redrop you on the ball.

 

[Bigd2722]

I for one would not allow you to clip on the float line if I was handling it. Unless there is a divemaster led group, why don't you take the float? Sure some other people might have to wait on you a little bit, but it's good experience.