RAID Cave 1 - Good Course?

[PfcAJ]

Can you provide a couple of examples? I assume you mostly mean instances where the isolator was closed and a diver breathed the whole tank down. I could argue that these were diver error and complacency—not checking tank pressure even one time 5-10+ min into a dive. As a friendly debate, I’ll give you these “manifold” failure deaths, but then I get the sidemount roll-off deaths—starting with the one in Peacock a couple of years ago.



I’m one of those right tool for the job guys, but I will admit SM has a purpose and is a necessity for certain divers. The one argument I won’t accept is that SM is EASIER off a boat. Manageable, sure—equipment lines, bolt snaps, etc, but BM anything is easier, especially in rough seas.

There was a double fatality about 10 years ago at Wayne’s World where a closed isolator was a contributing factor.

 

[helodriver87]

There was a double fatality about 10 years ago at Wayne’s World where a closed isolator was a contributing factor.

That was the one with the intro dude and his AOW buddy, right?

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

fixed it for ya..

if you SM and expect the tanks handed and taken from you, you are correct. If you know how to use them and enter and exit with them, MUCH easier than doubles in rough seas

There is the lower center of mass with SM than BM. I think the issue lies in the fact that the exit/entrance of most boats is not wide enough for SM. That's the case of every boat charter I've been on in the Puget Sound. There are two I haven't been on, but I'd be surprised if those are any different.

I think another issue with regards to rough seas is how long of a leash is on the bottom of the tank. I don't have a leash. Bolt snap is right against the cylinder, so the amount of swim of the cylinder is minimal at best.

 

[rhwestfall]

anybody seen the OP since post #1?

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

anybody seen the OP since post #1?

Isn't the norm for an OP to disappear while half of SB yammer away for pages on end?

 

[PfcAJ]

That was the one with the intro dude and his AOW buddy, right?

Yeah. Intro and maybe cavern? I don’t recall.

Bad situation though. Challenging cave to begin with.

 

[DeepSeaExplorer]

It has occurred to me that SM could be an advantage for dive travel.

Show up in a place like Bonaire with a SM rig and two stage kits for AL80s. Put the stage kits on a couple tanks from the dive op, and hit the reef with doubles. Then, move the stage kits to new tanks and repeat.

Less travel time out and back = more quality dive time.

 

[Lorenzoid]

anybody seen the OP since post #1?

Hey @CaveSloth , have you made any decisions about which agency/instructor you want to continue your training with?

 

[CaveSloth]

Hey @CaveSloth , have you made any decisions about which agency/instructor you want to continue your training with?

Not really a decision per se. I am diving regularly working on the skills to complete my TDI Intro to Tech certification and will start some form of cave training after that is completed.

 

[wetb4igetinthewater]

It has occurred to me that SM could be an advantage for dive travel.

Show up in a place like Bonaire with a SM rig and two stage kits for AL80s. Put the stage kits on a couple tanks from the dive op, and hit the reef with doubles. Then, move the stage kits to new tanks and repeat.

Less travel time out and back = more quality dive time.

I’ve been called lazy by one of the back mount extremists on this board for the same reasoning. But when I go on vacation I want to be able arrive at night, get as much sleep as I can, and show up in the morning and set up my kit. I can dive through any dive op as all I need is bottles. I don’t need to bother with the hassle of a twin set. Therefore sidemount is my configuration of choice. It isn’t about a fad, but consistently diving the same configuration so I’m always proficient at it. It’s that simple.