Also, this never would have happened if the divers had planned their dive and dived their plan correctly and responsibly.
I never say never. Conditions can change.....ianr33 describes just such a scenario in #26.
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Also, this never would have happened if the divers had planned their dive and dived their plan correctly and responsibly.
I never say never. Conditions can change.....ianr33 describes just such a scenario in #26.
[h=3]con·tin·gen·cy/kənˈtinjənsē/Noun[/h]1. A future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.
2. A provision for such an event or circumstance.
Dive plans should include contingencies.
A blackout like that will stress the untrained diver and cause RMV/SAC to increase. This will increase buoyancy and lift the diver above the siltout. So problem will resolve itself.
The senario is. Lake dive. Actual lake bottom is at 180 feet. There are 3 distinct and sharp thermoclines. at 30 60 and 90 feet.Temps start at 15 degrees but drop sharply at the first thermocline At the 90 foot thermocline the combination of temp/pressure creates a distinct and clear "fake bottom" almost making it look like you are as deep as you can go.
Dip your fin into it and BANG almost instant blackout as the disturbed water/silt mixes with the water above it.
So now you are at 90 feet. Cant see hand in front of your face and can't even see your own bubbles.
First reaction is to look for your dive buddy who although close by instantly disapears.
In looking for your buddy your sense of direction has gone and you can't read your gauges the blackout is that complete.
You have got yourself there. What would YOU do to get yourself out of the situation?
THANK YOU--AND Devondiver !!!!!I don't think you can ever fully predict visibility, or how it will change. And it seems to me that the OP is ASKING how he should create a dive plan that includes very low visibility as a contingency; he IS planning.
The OP, I think, has learned that most people think a strong light is a necessity where such conditions are possible, but that that may not suffice, and a separation protocol needs to be in place. Those are good lessons to learn, BEFORE you need them!