I'll tell you my biggest fear having just completed the requirements for my PADI c-card. My biggest fear is not being able to dump air from my BCD, causing a sudden acceleration to surface.
Two things have happened that have caused this concern. First, a friend with many dives under his belt, told me of the two times he has had a sudden, uncontrolled ascent from depth, the last one resulting in DCI. He ascended, air expanded, and it set off the chain of events. Why he couldn't dump air, I don't know.
The second thing happened on my last check out dive. I was wearing a brand new BCD, and my dump valve would not work at depth. In fact, neither the dump valve or thumb valve worked. Fortunately, I was able to hang-on to a rock, get my instructors attention, and let him know I was having a problem. After he repositioned it, it was fine. Had I been alone, I am not sure. I guess I could have made myself upside-down and grabbed the lower rip-cord.
So, my question is: How many of you have rapidly ascented to surface due to inability to dump air? What drills can I work on for this emergency?
By the way, this concern is not affecting my new love for this activity. I am officially hooked - BIG TIME!
Thanks.
Scott
Tampa
Two things have happened that have caused this concern. First, a friend with many dives under his belt, told me of the two times he has had a sudden, uncontrolled ascent from depth, the last one resulting in DCI. He ascended, air expanded, and it set off the chain of events. Why he couldn't dump air, I don't know.
The second thing happened on my last check out dive. I was wearing a brand new BCD, and my dump valve would not work at depth. In fact, neither the dump valve or thumb valve worked. Fortunately, I was able to hang-on to a rock, get my instructors attention, and let him know I was having a problem. After he repositioned it, it was fine. Had I been alone, I am not sure. I guess I could have made myself upside-down and grabbed the lower rip-cord.
So, my question is: How many of you have rapidly ascented to surface due to inability to dump air? What drills can I work on for this emergency?
By the way, this concern is not affecting my new love for this activity. I am officially hooked - BIG TIME!
Thanks.
Scott
Tampa