Emergency ascent training -- What depth?

[tstormdiver]

is it essential to teach an emergency ascent in open water sessions (SSI standards) ?

Teaching by SSI's standards, yes, it is required to teach both the Emergency swimming ascent (in both pool & Open Water) & the Emergnecy buoyant ascent (pool only). When I teach these I teach these techniques with the understanding that these are the least desirable methods to deal with an OOA situation (the most desirable techniques being watching your gauge/ following gas planning to avoid the situation altogether & if there is a need,.. to share air to get to the surface safely) & that it could increase the risk of DCS.

 

[Hallmac]

Expanding air in the hoses due to the drop in ambient pressure as you ascend may well get you another breath from the regulator on the way up, so taking the regulator out potentially reduces your chances of success.C.

Don't forget that at 30 meters you still have gas in the cylinder, the pressure inside has only equalized to the pressure outside. During your ascent the pressure differential changes, thus your regulator will begin to deliver air allowing you to slow down your ascent and breath all the way to the surface.

That is as long as you don't get stuck with a cylinder like Dr. Bill did or have the second stages open due to one of a few issues. That is when breathing the bag is really an appreciated skill.

Dr. Bill glad you are still with us.