Do get a co analyzer or not?

[DandyDon]

Tank air is supposed to be clean and free of CO, but we know that sometimes it's not.

If you don't want to do anything about that, fine. Some of us do.

 

[TomZ]

As someone who tests, good luck (no bad air) means I didn't need to test, wasted time and money. Bad luck (bad air) means I don't dive that tank.

As someone who doesn't test, good luck means I never have a problem. Bad luck means I die.

I don't like trusting my life to an unnecessary roll of the dice.

(edit 03/08/2012 15:32: bold added for clarification)

 

[Mossman]

As someone who tests, good luck (no bad air) means I didn't need to test, wasted time and money. Bad luck (bad air) means I don't dive that tank.

As someone who doesn't test, good luck means I never have a problem. Bad luck means I die.

I don't like trusting my life to a roll of the dice.

You might want to take up another hobby, then. I hate to break it to you, but there is a definite risk of DCS each and every time you dive even if you follow the parameters of your computer/tables. It's basically rolling the dice.

 

[TomZ]

You might want to take up another hobby, then. I hate to break it to you, but there is a definite risk of DCS each and every time you dive even if you follow the parameters of your computer/tables. It's basically rolling the dice.

DCS risk can be mitigated by using tools. CO poisoning risk can be mitigated by using a quick, simple relatively inexpensive tester.

If you don't want to use a CO tester, that's your business. If I do, that's mine. I assess my risks and react accordingly. Telling someone they might want to take up another hobby is rather unpleasant.

 

[Mossman]

DCS risk can be mitigated by using tools. CO poisoning risk can be mitigated by using a quick, simple relatively inexpensive tester.

If you don't want to use a CO tester, that's your business. If I do, that's mine. I assess my risks and react accordingly. Telling someone they might want to take up another hobby is rather unpleasant.

I didn't mean to sound unpleasant, just suggested that your comfort level might be better with a hobby that doesn't involve rolling the dice each time you get in the water. You most definitely cannot mitigate all the risks of DCS by using a dive computer. That's false confidence. It's roughly a 1 in 10,000 chance you'll get an "undeserved" hit on any particular dive. There are probably 10,000 dives every week in Cozumel. If CO poisoning were as dangerous as rolling the dice with DCS, there would be at least be one CO incident per week. Sure, it's up to you to assess your own risks and mitigate as you choose, but it's up to me to point out when someone is making an irrational assessment.

 

[grantwiscour]

It sounds like a good piece of gear to have in the dive bag. Something that we'll probably add for safety.

 

[cruiser]

...there would be at least be one CO incident per week.

One CO incident a week doesn't sound that far fetched. Cozumel doesn't talk about scuba deaths--it's bad publicity. The info we get about fatalities is what is posted here on scubaboard.com by divers who have personal knowledge of the event, and choose to share that info.

Out of those who die from CO poisoning, it wouldn't likely be revealed that CO poisoning was the cause of death unless a blood test was done on the deceased. Since awareness of CO contamination is still in its infancy, it's doubtful divers are being tested for CO poisoning, or if such a test is even available on the island.

Out of those who get sick from CO contamination, it's usually blamed on the flu, or food poisoning, especially by divers who are unaware that CO in their tank could be causing these symptoms.

 

[DandyDon]

It sounds like a good piece of gear to have in the dive bag. Something that we'll probably add for safety.

Yep. You gotta wonder about someone who would argue against improved dive safety huh? Whether one chooses to get involved in the solution or not is a personal call, but if I ever have an operator challenge my testing - I'll find a new Op then and you'll hear about it here.

 

[BettyfromToronto]

I have been reading this thread and wondering if it is a new tool I need to buy...and then this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Husband seeks answers in wife's Mexico scuba death | CTV News

Calgary women dies in Mexico and they're saying it's from a bad tank with CO because both of the other two divers with her got sick.

Now I am really thinking this is something we need to buy before our net Coz trip in 4 weeks. Is Analox the one to buy?

 

[DandyDon]

I have been reading this thread and wondering if it is a new tool I need to buy...and then this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Husband seeks answers in wife's Mexico scuba death | CTV News

Calgary women dies in Mexico and they're saying it's from a bad tank with CO because both of the other two divers with her got sick.

Now I am really thinking this is something we need to buy before our net Coz trip in 4 weeks. Is Analox the one to buy?

While the evidence is not in on that case, it's been a good idea to test since the technology became affordable.

I've tried the Pocket CO, the Toxirae 3 and the Analox and the latter is certainly the best value I think, easiest to use and understand, etc. with the Analox company there. to help.