Out Of Air -- Simply Unacceptable!

CaliforniaDivingNews · Feb 17, 2011

by Ken Kurtis

Let's start with this: Running out of air is the single stupidest thing that a diver can do. It's eminently preventable and new research indicates that it might drastically increase your chances of becoming a fatality statistic.

A recent D.A.N. study looked at 947 fatalities over a 10-year period. In roughly half of those cases, the initial trigger--the problem that started everything on a downward spiral--was identified. In 41% of those instances, out-of-air was the culprit.

And let's debunk a myth right now ... Read More

drbill · Feb 18, 2011

Ken, I agree... in these days of SPGs it is unacceptable for a diver to lose track of their remaining gas supply. Of course as you know, back in the days of no SPGs and J-valves, it was more excusable.

The only time I've found myself OOA unintentionally since I started using an SPG was when my dip tube in the tank valve clogged. My gas supply went from 2800 psi to zero in a few gulps.

Rhone Man · Feb 18, 2011

CaliforniaDivingNews:
Let's start with this: Running out of air accidentally is the single stupidest thing that a diver can do. It's eminently preventable and new research indicates that it might drastically increase your chances of becoming a fatality statistic.

I'd suggest a small change. I've deliberately run myself out of air before for both good reasons and bad. It is never ideal, but sometimes it can be a decision you need to take. And I think some PADI manual or other actually recommends it in certain circumstances.

Tortuga68 · Feb 18, 2011

Rhone Man:
I think some PADI manual or other actually recommends it in certain circumstances.

Really?

(there's already a thread about this article BTW)

fdog · Feb 18, 2011

Having run out of gas from a blown tank o-ring, which took me from 1/2 gas to empty in about 30 seconds, I am surprised to find myself stupid.

All the best, James

Rhone Man · Feb 18, 2011

Tortuga68:
Really?

(there's already a thread about this article BTW)

I saw that other article. I'll recommend a merge.

I am pretty sure one of the PADI manuals says at some point: if you computer dies, just go to 15 feet and breathe your tank dry. I'll see if I can dig out a more exact reference.

PS. Not ragging on Ken, whom I like and greatly respect - but just saying that sometimes you have to look beyond the simple statement.

drbill · Feb 18, 2011

The only times I have deliberately run myself OOA was when I was in shallow water and wanted to continue videoing an unusual critter or behavior.

merxlin · Feb 18, 2011

fdog:
Having run out of gas from a blown tank o-ring, which took me from 1/2 gas to empty in about 30 seconds, I am surprised to find myself stupid.
All the best, James

The statistics that spurred the comment is based on divers who run low/out of air, not due to mechanical or equipment failure.

calicant · Feb 18, 2011

I ran out of air during the safety stop on my first OWD which I think was stupid of me even if I was a novice. Nothing should be grasped more quickly than the need to monitor my own tank pressure. The instructor shared air with me for the last minute of the stop.

I have a different instructor now.

Selchie in LB · Feb 18, 2011

calicant:
I ran out of air during the safety stop on my first OWD which I think was stupid of me even if I was a novice. Nothing should be grasped more quickly than the need to monitor my own tank pressure. The instructor shared air with me for the last minute of the stop.

I have a different instructor now.

I think what happens is a false sense of security develops because I have a buddy or instructor or dive master who will risk every thing to save me - NOT! I just took rescue and it was stressed over and over do not put yourself at risk to save/retrieve a diver because then you have two divers requiring rescue.

I have always heard that an OOA diver will grab your regulator. I have yet to have any one tell me this happened to them. I have heard that OOA divers panic and hit the elevator button, aka BCD inflater thus risking DCI or worse embolism.

Calicant got right that I am responsible to monitor my own tank pressure, but I can also remind my buddy!

Out Of Air -- Simply Unacceptable!

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