Tying off in current - how is it done?

[frndrfoe]

We have a project that may or may not in the future require underwater video in a current of about 3mph.

Having someone in the water tied off to some kind of anchor seems like a death sentence in the event of something moving down current under water and surprising the diver, not to mention any normal equipment problems.
Is there a way that this is done in professional diving?
What equipment would be required to allow quick release if a tie off is acceptable?

I would expect all work to be at 30 feet or shallower

I'm just collecting info and I am curious how this kind of thing is done.

 

[Killerflyingbugs]

I have used small light hooks to secure my self to the job site. We called them "sky hooks"

 

[Bubblesong]

I have used small light hooks to secure my self to the job site. We called them "sky hooks"

How do these differ from reef hooks I have read about? I have not used either in current yet but am interested for the photography too.

 

[Killerflyingbugs]

Same thing kinda, ours were made on the job out of burning rods. just a hook with an eye on one end that we tied to our harness so we could use both hands.

 

[tursiops]

We have a project that may or may not in the future require underwater video in a current of about 3mph.

Having someone in the water tied off to some kind of anchor seems like a death sentence in the event of something moving down current under water and surprising the diver, not to mention any normal equipment problems.
Is there a way that this is done in professional diving?
What equipment would be required to allow quick release if a tie off is acceptable?

I would expect all work to be at 30 feet or shallower

I'm just collecting info and I am curious how this kind of thing is done.

is this a river, or what?
Take a look at a good snap shackle, at least this size. Quick Release Stainless Steel Snap Shackle Put a safety diver with a tag line on the split ring, ready to pull it if needed. You should not expect someone doing video to also be trying to look out for and possibly fend off large objects, that is the safety diver's job.

 

[frndrfoe]

is this a river, or what?
Take a look at a good snap shackle, at least this size. Quick Release Stainless Steel Snap Shackle Put a safety diver with a tag line on the split ring, ready to pull it if needed. You should not expect someone doing video to also be trying to look out for and possibly fend off large objects, that is the safety diver's job.

It would likely end up in the upper Mississippi River, I'm not even sure there would be visibility to get video. But ya, that's the kind of equipment and technique I was wondering about.

 

[geoff w]

Reef hooks are popular in Palau for remaining stationary in current. They're easy to make, I made up ones for everyone who joined us on our recent dive vacation there. Basically take a good size hook (12-0, 14-0, or 16-0), cut off the sharp end and round smooth, tie off 4 to 6 ft of line, and put some kind of snap or caribbeaner on the other end of the line. Clip snap to your BC (like to a D-ring), place the hook under a rock, add a little air to your wing or BC to become slightly buoyant and stable in the current, and effortlessly enjoy the show

 

[Neilwood]

is this a river, or what?
Take a look at a good snap shackle, at least this size. Quick Release Stainless Steel Snap Shackle Put a safety diver with a tag line on the split ring, ready to pull it if needed. You should not expect someone doing video to also be trying to look out for and possibly fend off large objects, that is the safety diver's job.

I would second that - if the person is task loaded by videoing in current, then a safety diver whose role is simply to watch the videographer and make sure of their safety.

A good conversation before hand about roles, signals, procedures etc would be a good thing as well.