Just pull the shoulder dump.
I don't like that solution for one reason - the shoulder dump is typically a very imprecise method of dumping air to maintain neutral buoyancy on ascent. This, in turn, adds more complications to an already stressful situation, where the ascending divers (donor and victim) will struggle to maintain matching neutral buoyancy. As the relative buoyancy of the divers differ, maintaining contact becomes more difficult and increasingly adds tasking to their already over-loaded psychological states.
When considering the issue of AIRII for emergency ascents, I like to base my perpectives on a
worst-case scenario. That worst case being two relatively novice divers, without expert buoyancy control, who are already at a psychological panic threshold.
If we base this discussion on the premise that the divers concerned are at an expert level, then many of the arguements presented are largely irrelevant. Many of those contributing on this thread could handle an emergency air-sharing ascent with ease, using
any configuration, under any circumstances.
But divers of this calibre aren't the ones likely to ever actually run out of air.... it's the novice divers who typically make that mistake... and they are the ones who need an effective,
simple,
foolproof and
minimal stress/loading method of sharing air when faced with their
worst case scenario.
On the VERY rare occasion you may have to use it and donate your primary, it won't breathe as smoothly for the 10 or 15 minutes it might take you to get to the surface. If this is your biggest gripe then you have nothing to worry about.
Again... this is written from the perspective of a
seasoned diver.
For the average novice diver, the culmination of an OOA
emergency (and that is how many novices will view it... as a near-death experience), with added task loading of applying their half-forgotten training, in stressful close proximity and physical contact with their buddy, whilst handling an ascent using unfamiliar methods (dump valves)... will put them at the outer limits of their psychological stress management threshold.
An 'inconsequential' issue like increased breathing resistance may be the straw that breaks the camels' back... the one extra unfamiliar factor that causes the emergence of panic.
That's just poor gear management. Anything can dangle if it's not secured properly. Even a "standard octo."
Yep.... and that 'poor gear managment' is typical for most divers.
...as is a lower psychological stress threshold.
...as is a more severe perspective of the inherent dangers of an OOA situation.
...as is a lack of ingrained familiarity with their equipment.
...as is a lack of instinctive and precise buoyancy control.
...as is an inability to tolerate any type of air deprivation
(
the list goes on...)
Just grab BCD's and make a normal ascent. It's easy.
....for you.
I don't dislike AIRII because I feel it poses dangers
for me.
I don't use one because I don't like the aesthetics and functionality of them... but I don't see any particular personal
risk in it.
That said, when considering their
general usage, I apply my experience of dealing with the lowest common denominator standard of
novice divers and consider the potential risks that it may pose
in the worst case scenario to divers of that skill/ability and with that level of psychological threshold.
In that respect, it does not bode well....
I look around the dive boats now and see more integrated octos than regular inflators now. They're becoming the standard.
In your region. I wouldn't share that perspective based on what I've seen in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
what? It will "destroy swimming." Please, for the love of all that is good, explain that one to me.
Just sit in on an OW class and enjoy the fun of watching novice divers conduct short air-sharing swims. The concept of reduced mobility and interference from having a buddy in
forced close proximity is easy to grasp once you've seen how novice divers cope in those circumstances.
