When is it time to switch to a long hose setup?

[growcurlyhair]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently diving with a standard recreational setup; Octopus on a short hose clipped to my BPW, standard length primary, etc. I’ve been reading up on long hose configurations (5–7ft hose for primary donate and bungee backup) and I’m curious when divers typically make that transition.

I'm not tech diving (yet), and most of my dives are recreational, within 25m depth, with decent visibility and usually with a regular buddy or guided group. However, I am thinking more about streamlining, ease of gas sharing, and just having a cleaner setup that works well in emergencies.

So my question is:

At what point does it make sense to switch to a long hose configuration?

Was there a specific dive scenario or training progression (e.g., Rescue, Cavern, or Intro to Tech) that made it worthwhile for you?

I'm also curious if any of you made the switch early in your dive journey; Do you need to get some training for it?

Appreciate any insights, especially from those who started recreational and later moved into more advanced diving.

Thanks!

Best
Garrett

 

[boulderjohn]

Curious why rec diving instructs octo donate when it seems like it would be safer to standardize the air sharing practice regardless of the type of diving?

I’ve heard several “ripped my primary out of my mouth” OOA stories, but has anyone ever heard of an actual octo donate?

I’d rather donate my octo than primary if given the choice because then only one person is switching but it sounds like it almost always a grab than a signal and donate.

The WRSTC does not specify a method of donating in an OOA emergency. Individual agencies may have individual policies, but there is no general rec diving instruction on this. PADI has no specific policy, so it is up to the instructor.

 

[ImpotentSeaSnake]

The WRSTC does not specify a method of donating in an OOA emergency. Individual agencies may have individual policies, but there is no general rec diving instruction on this. PADI has no specific policy, so it is up to the instructor.

Not sure if this is a “policy” per se, but it’s consistent with the PADI instruction I received last year for an OOA scenario.

 

[tursiops]

I’ve heard several “ripped my primary out of my mouth” OOA stories, but has anyone ever heard of an actual octo donate?

Yes, several. Seen them, given them.

 

[tursiops]

Curious why rec diving instructs octo donate when it seems like it would be safer to standardize the air sharing practice regardless of the type of diving?

I’ve heard several “ripped my primary out of my mouth” OOA stories, but has anyone ever heard of an actual octo donate?

I’d rather donate my octo than primary if given the choice because then only one person is switching but it sounds like it almost always a grab than a signal and donate.

No signal is really necessary. The OOG person can just take whatever reg they see...primary or octo. No big deal.