Just pointing out that handing off the pony to an OOA diver is a really bad idea. Unless they are trained in using and carrying it, it's just adding to their stress. Similar to the OOA diver take the octo that is taught in some classes. Gives the "you're OOA? Well your not getting my reg, so good luck finding something to breathe from!" message. Handing the pony says "You're OOA? Here, take this. Good luck with that."
You donate your octo or primary and go on the pony yourself if the main gas supply starts to get lower than you'd like. The idea of assisting an OOA diver is to assist them. Meaning in the usual recreational sense - maintaining physical contact.
I actually discovered that I needed to have a workshop ready for divers who come to me for con-ed with a pony that I didn't initially train. Primarily due to their previous instruction not addressing it and they somehow decided that having one was a good idea. I always spend a few minutes in my OW class when discussing the gas management portion using SAC rates and Rock Bottom calculations to cover the use of one. And why for many divers at the OW level, it's a bad idea to just go out a get one without at least some instruction in its set up and use.
