To Pony or Not To Pony

[PFF]

I have been finding LDS PADI training courses each follow different equipment requirements in order to participate in a course. In particular, a pony bottle is required to take certain courses(Wreck/Deep), but is not an issue with other LDS's. PADI does specify minimum requirements say number of dives for certification. I am curious as to why there would be divergent equipment requirements between LDS PADI training.

I am concerned that it just may be another way an LDS is getting divers to buy more gear than they really need. Do you think it is responible for LDS to require pony bottles for courses such as this?

 

[RICHinNC]

That depends. If it was here in NC...it would be $$$$$$$$$$ driven in my book.

But I understand that in New Jersey you dont get on a lot of dive boats without some kind of redundant air system.

Personally....I always dive a pony regardless of the planned max depth.

 

[AndyNZ]

This is down to instructor preference. PADI do have consistent equipment standards, which are fairly obvious - means of measuring depth and time, spg etc. Depending on how each instructor chooses to structure a course, they may mandate certain equipment on top of that.

For example, on a wreck specialty course, dive 4 has an optional limited pentration. Some instructors may choose to not undertake this penetration completely. Others may opt for it, but ask that each student have a redundant air supply - even though the penetration is very limited.

 

[SDAnderson]

Technical sport diving (loosely defined as diving in an overhead environment, either actual or virtual) without a redundant air supply is...contrary to accepted practices. Taking a technical diving class that doesn't adhere to standards would seem to be...contrary to accepted practices.

It's your neck but I can't think of a good reason why doubles (or, less acceptably, a pony bottle) wouldn't be required for a technical class. The process of transitioning from recreational to technical diving involves drilling a great big hole in your wallet, prepare yourself for a lot more sticker shock.

 

[fire_diver]

...The process of transitioning from recreational to technical diving involves drilling a great big hole in your wallet, prepare yourself for a lot more sticker shock.

LOL no kidding! I just got a great deal on a used wing, 55 explorer (no brand debates please). Which necesitated the purchase of a BP and harness. I have multiple tanks, and a pony, but now need AT LEAST an additional reg set for the doubles and probably a manifold later on. And I havent even signed up for the tech classes yet! At least I can rent a reg from the shop to use for class, and use my pony reg for practice in my pool.

FD

 

[Doc Intrepid]

I suspect you might find that standards will indicate that a "redundant air source" is required. This can take the form of a 'pony' or bailout bottle, or a set of manifolded doubles with an isolation valve. For most single-tank recreational divers seeking a 'redundant air source', particularly to meet the requirements of a class, a bail-out bottle satisfies that criteria. Also, it's less expensive than getting into a set of doubles. Like reefraff said, for a whole lot of reasons I can't think of why a diver would consider penetrating inside a wreck or diving to extreme depths without a redundant air source of one form or another. Mostly things seldom go wrong, ...but sometimes problems happen. Best to have options should that occur.

IMHO. YMMV.

Doc

 

[MSilvia]

Do you think it is responible for LDS to require pony bottles for courses such as this?

I think it would be as irresponsible for a LDS to offer Deep/Wreck and NOT require a redundant gas supply as it would be for a diver to plan to do deep wrecks without it.

 

[Xanthro]

As others have said, it's for a redundant air source.

If you decide to go the pony route, get a bigger pony 30CU and sling it in front. That way it can later be used as a stage bottle and you are already used to slinging it.

 

[tjmills]

I would find that if I had the chance to learn this with an alternate air source and didn't....I would be cheating myself out of something. It sounds like a good opportunity to learn about something here......

 

[super opus]

im too doing my padi wreck but i was going to do more like a stage so im use to haveing it in front all rdy have a steal 30 yes yes i know but steal will last me forever thou