AOW Complete

[Scuba Lawyer]

Ok, I have to ask a Scuba Legend what makes California divers so special?

Don't get my old dive buddy @Sam Miller III started, we'll be here all month

 

[txaggie08]

I was a public safety diver for several years. I got entangled very badly, coupled with a comms unit failure, in a trotline during a remains recovery. I came within 300psi of drowning that particular dive, and it changed my outlook on a lot of things, including entanglement hazards and being a more deliberate and cautious diver.

Like I said, I will never put another one on myself, but if they're turned to the inside, they're vastly better. I know the op said he didn't swim through: not the hard bits you worry about, it's line that wraps and you cant get cut that will kill you. Be safe, and I'm glad you had a good.day diving and learning

 

[Bob DBF]

Ok, I have to ask a Scuba Legend what makes California divers so special?

No legend here but to paraphrase another well used phrase, "It's not the diver, it's the coast".



As for the BFK, been wearing one since the '60's on the inside my right calf, never had an issue. I still wear it, if I didn't I'd probably just swim in circles to the left. Since I'm old no one bothers to criticize, one of the few perks of getting old.



Bob

 

[Johanan]

Regarding the selection and placement of a knife - I liked John Chatterton's solution. He carries big knives and I observed that the sheath is hidden under the suit pocket, i.e., between the suit and the pocket.

 

[Khrissi]

Completed AOW today. Everything went well and my buoyancy is starting to become second nature.

I chose the following 5 dives:

- Peak Performance Buoyancy
- Navigation
- Night
- Deep
- Wreck

I did a 6th dive of an hour to practice my Buoyancy and we discovered I needed to shed 4 pounds.

Now I am at 14# in a Hollis 8mm semi- dry with boots gloves and hood using an HP80.

Going to do Nitrox next, followed by Dry suit.

(Yes, I took the knife with me on my last dive of the day to see if I would notice it on my leg. I forgot it was there until after I emerged from the water.)

View attachment 540436

Passes AOW an puts his dive hood on backwards !?!? !? but seriously mate - well done dude ! . An dive safe.

Off to Red Sea soon and may do my AOW there too so fingers crossed. K

( HK guns Heckler n Koch)

 

[DeepSeaExplorer]

I was a public safety diver for several years. I got entangled very badly, coupled with a comms unit failure, in a trotline during a remains recovery. I came within 300psi of drowning that particular dive, and it changed my outlook on a lot of things, including entanglement hazards and being a more deliberate and cautious diver.

Like I said, I will never put another one on myself, but if they're turned to the inside, they're vastly better. I know the op said he didn't swim through: not the hard bits you worry about, it's line that wraps and you cant get cut that will kill you. Be safe, and I'm glad you had a good.day diving and learning

Back in the day, I carried the stereotypical big dive knife strapped to my leg. Just in case... Everyone did... It was what you were supposed to do to be a responsible diver.

I eventually ditched it and replaced it with a pair of shears. I’m no longer prepping for an encounter with Jaws. Entanglement is a more realistic concern, whether it’s wrecks, caves, or just random fishing line. Shears are the best tool for that, especially since they can be used one-handed.

 

[TMHeimer]

My brother carried a huge knife (until he lost it a while back). He used it to dig up clams. I carry a small one on my leg & haven't used it in over 800 dives. Well, I did lose my first one somehow--now it's attached to the holster with fishing line.

 

[txaggie08]

Back in the day, I carried the stereotypical big dive knife strapped to my leg. Just in case... Everyone did... It was what you were supposed to do to be a responsible diver.

I eventually ditched it and replaced it with a pair of shears. I’m no longer prepping for an encounter with Jaws. Entanglement is a more realistic concern, whether it’s wrecks, caves, or just random fishing line. Shears are the best tool for that, especially since they can be used one-handed.

I've actually replaced my shears with the seatbelts cutter style trilobite cutters. They're smaller, and work pretty well.

 

[tursiops]

The BIGGEST reason to put the knife on the inside of the calf is so you can reach it with either hand.
Or, carry TWO cutting tools.
Congrats to the OP.

 

[Bob DBF]

I've actually replaced my shears with the seatbelts cutter style trilobite cutters. They're smaller, and work pretty well.

I wouldn’t replace, just add. Each tool has its function, although some uses overlap.

I started with the BFK, and since added shears, Trilobite line cutter, and small sharp knife over time. None are located together so one should be accessible if entangled. Other implements of destruction come and go, as needed.

Some of the paranoia is because I’m a solo diver, the rest I was born with. YMMV


Bob