Experienced and technical divers -- Checking buddy's pressure

[TSandM]

I can't find a place to put this question, either here or on TDS.

When I started diving, we all checked with one another regarding remaining pressure frequently throughout the dive. As I've gotten to diving with more experienced and more highly trained people, it seems as though the gas plan has been discussed carefully before the dive, but people have mostly monitored their own gas (maybe a quick question at a point which would be a like dive-turning time). I've sort of figured that, once you get to a certain point, you can be trusted to monitor your own pressure.

But I did a couple of recreational dives with three tech divers this last weekend, and I was surprised to see my buddy querying the others regarding their pressures. (They all have the same training.) And I got to wondering what usual practice is (if there is any) among particularly technical divers regarding checking one another's pressures during a dive.

 

[BabyDuck]

i can't answer for all by any stretch, but i've never asked my buds nor been asked by them. we *have* had underwater discussions along the lines of 'i'm getting close to turn - will we make the place we're kinda trying for in the next couple of minutes?' but that's the extent of our gas chit-chat.

 

[dlndavid]

no rock paper scissors?
When diving with a more experienced diver learning drysuit diving in Catalina, he always checked up on my pressure, nothing wrong with everybody being on the same page.

 

[TheRedHead]

I was trained that the deco captain will monitor the team's pressure by tapping on the spg and pointing to each team member. The dive can be turned on gas if rock bottom is reached before time. My instructor expected us to know our pressure within 200 psi without looking at the spg. Yes, I will ask my buddy for his pressure at some point in the dive just to make sure we are on track.

 

[spectrum]

With a seasond buddy we each monitor our own air. If I'm with somebody new we'll plan a turn pressure and exit strategy. If I have any doubt I'll check mid dive and read the gauge myself if they are not clear or come back with a surprisingly low value.

Some just don't get it!

Pete

 

[rjack321]

I was trained that the deco captain will monitor the team's pressure by tapping on the spg and pointing to each team member. The dive can be turned on gas if rock bottom is reached before time. My instructor expected us to know our pressure within 200 psi without looking at the spg. Yes, I will ask my buddy for his pressure at some point in the dive just to make sure we are on track.

Ditto.

Diving with new people at a new site (for them even if it was only 35'), I felt somewhat responsible to check in with folks. Habit for me, regardless of the training or experience. Shoot I have done this with instructors way more experienced than I, "just to keep us all on track". Maybe its me who's way ahead of the rest of the team on consumption? Don't know unless you ask.

As I get more familiar with people's habits and consumption this becomes less and less common and necessary (for me). Maybe once or twice in a dive as a double check, esp. when the plan is rather vague. Stay out longer or time to turn and start in?

At this specific dive site, I personally would hate to surface swim in.

 

[boomx5]

One of the nice things about having a regular dive buddy is always being on the same page. Obviously,the dive is pre-planned before hitting the water. However, monitoring your buddy's gas is as simple as looking at your own SPG if you have any time underwater with them. I find my buddy and I are usually within 100psi of each other on a regular basis. So, when I look at my spg and it says 2000psi, then I know he's got about the same amount. Another thing that is nice to know is how much gas you are using without even looking at your spg. You will eventually get to the point where you may not even look at your spg for 15-20 minutes, but you'll know about how much gas you and your buddy has left.

 

[ChrisA]

With an experianced buddy I will still track their tank pressure because I want to know how much time we have. I know how long untill I hit my turn around pressure but I want to know how much time he has and who will hit turn around first. Aside from saftey thing I just want to know if maybe I can use more energy and blow off air or if I should try and conserve or if I need to hurry up with what I'm doing. Many times I know my buddy well enough to know which of us will hit turn around first. but even so it is good to let buddy know your rate of usage.

 

[Lone Frogman]

When I dive with a buddy. I check my buddies SPG before every dive. After I have used 1000PSI I will show my SPG to my buddy and I expect to see theirs. Now we will have a idea of each other's air consumption

 

[BabyDuck]

one point - and i know it's been written about before, but...

if diving with new folks (new to diving or just new to you) and you *are* checking gas, make sure you're clear what method you are agreeing to use. we've been very confused before by a new guy using the 'flashing 5's' method. we thought he was saying he had 550psi left!