I have been reading up on gas management and calculation procedures and have learned a lot from various websites (thanks, DevonDiver, for all of your resources)!
I have a question regarding "rock bottom" gas management. I understand the concept, and have even done a few calculations for some different dive scenarios. The amount of gas required is surprisingly more than I expected, and I am glad I have taken the time to begin learning this concept.
The "rock bottom" concept is based on the worst case scenario of having to breathe two divers all the way up from depth if there is an OOG situation, through all necessary stops and still having 300 psi at the surface. We dive single tanks (HP 130s), and some of my scenarios show that this would cut the dive short of the planned dive time (including ascent and deco stops).
I see, however, that you can also calculate what I will call your "individual rock bottom" based on what it would take to get yourself to the surface (and still have 500 psi reserve). Same for your buddy.
I think that the rock bottom idea is great for dive planning in anticipation of an emergency. However, what if you and your buddy are a close team, and routinely check your own and each other's air supply? If all is progressing normally and both of us have sufficient air to complete our dive plan as we hit the "rock bottom" pressure, should we still thumb the dive , or can we continue our dive until we hit our deco limits (or until one of us hits their "personal" rock bottom pressure)?
Thanks,
Guy
I have a question regarding "rock bottom" gas management. I understand the concept, and have even done a few calculations for some different dive scenarios. The amount of gas required is surprisingly more than I expected, and I am glad I have taken the time to begin learning this concept.
The "rock bottom" concept is based on the worst case scenario of having to breathe two divers all the way up from depth if there is an OOG situation, through all necessary stops and still having 300 psi at the surface. We dive single tanks (HP 130s), and some of my scenarios show that this would cut the dive short of the planned dive time (including ascent and deco stops).
I see, however, that you can also calculate what I will call your "individual rock bottom" based on what it would take to get yourself to the surface (and still have 500 psi reserve). Same for your buddy.
I think that the rock bottom idea is great for dive planning in anticipation of an emergency. However, what if you and your buddy are a close team, and routinely check your own and each other's air supply? If all is progressing normally and both of us have sufficient air to complete our dive plan as we hit the "rock bottom" pressure, should we still thumb the dive , or can we continue our dive until we hit our deco limits (or until one of us hits their "personal" rock bottom pressure)?
Thanks,
Guy