DevonDiver
N/A
1) Rig that pony bottle DIR style and clip it on. Not sure when slinging a pony became a 'DIR style', but the concept of slinging a redundant air source, rather than back-mounting it, is certainly a valid option. I think it adds more flexibility and options.
2) Leave the reg/hose on the AL40 stowed, not around your neck or on a necklace. Yep, more flexibility in approach and less chance of confusion. I know of a fatal incident in the UK several years ago, caused by an intial confusion between pony/backgas regulators.
3) Turn on the tank to pressurize it then turn it back off when you dive. I think this is debateable. You aren't dealing with the preservation of critical deco gas. If the pony was ever going to be needed as an emergency/redundant air source, then it would be needed quickly. I don't believe in adding unnecessary steps to time-critical OOA contingency drills. In this respect, Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) - have the pony charged and ready to rock in an instant.
4) Practice the gas switch steps so that should you find yourself in need of that gas you already have the process of deploying it worked out and second nature. You don't want that emergency situation to be the first time. Again, at a recreational level, there is no need for complex gas switch procedures. These drills exist to protect technical divers from accessing an inappropriate deco gas mix at depth, which is a potentially (likely) fatal error. A recreational diver should be using the same mix in both their backgas and pony. KISS. That said, any diver should be familiar with the operation and function of any kit they carry. That is especially true of emergency management equipment. When preparing contingency measures for emergency situations, you should assume that you will be operating at a considerable reduced mental and psychological performance. Never assume that any emergency drill is so simple and straightforward that it doesn't need to be practiced and ingrained.
2) Leave the reg/hose on the AL40 stowed, not around your neck or on a necklace. Yep, more flexibility in approach and less chance of confusion. I know of a fatal incident in the UK several years ago, caused by an intial confusion between pony/backgas regulators.
3) Turn on the tank to pressurize it then turn it back off when you dive. I think this is debateable. You aren't dealing with the preservation of critical deco gas. If the pony was ever going to be needed as an emergency/redundant air source, then it would be needed quickly. I don't believe in adding unnecessary steps to time-critical OOA contingency drills. In this respect, Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS) - have the pony charged and ready to rock in an instant.
4) Practice the gas switch steps so that should you find yourself in need of that gas you already have the process of deploying it worked out and second nature. You don't want that emergency situation to be the first time. Again, at a recreational level, there is no need for complex gas switch procedures. These drills exist to protect technical divers from accessing an inappropriate deco gas mix at depth, which is a potentially (likely) fatal error. A recreational diver should be using the same mix in both their backgas and pony. KISS. That said, any diver should be familiar with the operation and function of any kit they carry. That is especially true of emergency management equipment. When preparing contingency measures for emergency situations, you should assume that you will be operating at a considerable reduced mental and psychological performance. Never assume that any emergency drill is so simple and straightforward that it doesn't need to be practiced and ingrained.
