Reminder: Always do an S-drill before or at the beginning of your dive

[BluewaterSail]

Continuing this a little off the initial topic - When I signed up for a rescue class this spring, I discussed with the owner of the shop what the desired gear configuration was. He basically said didn't want anything different from the "norm" they taught (octo on a 40"). Later at the classroom portion, and as it was a different person teaching, I dared to ask the question again as to how they wanted the equipment rigged for the class (I was prepared to use whatever they wanted). When I told him I was diving a BP/W, and a long hose configuration, he quickly said "bring it". He is a caver by hobby, and a tech trainer for the shop, but regrettably that isn't happening much. At the skills portion of the class, he spent a good period of time going over my rig with the class, explaining the benefits, and later on broke out his tech set-up. During the class, the others involved seemed to appreciate this gear configuration.

Yes, it should be included as an option in O/W. If it wasn't for SB, I still likely wouldn't know of it......

now back to your original program.....

If it weren't for SB, I wouldn't know what BP/W, long hose or DIR are.

I actually moved my shop of residence starting on the occasion of my Rescue class, to be somewhere that knew about BP/W and long hose. I had previously been diving out of a shop with great facilities, but no tech and limited variety of experience of staff. I used to get lot's of strange comments from the staff on my gear at the old place.

I figured that is what I dive, that is what I want to know how to handle.

 

[XS-NRG]

Before I get into the water with a reg I grab my primary with my right hand and reach up as high as I can with it to make sure it's on top and not tangled. If it is I sort it out or get my buddy to. It takes 2 seconds. I usually ask my buddy every time just in case too (Even if I think I've got it right)

 

[FinnMom]

I was taught to do a mod s-drill as one of the very check-items before descending
BUT
I was also taught to do the drill again any time I clipped something onto myself, such as the lamp-portion of my canisiter light or a deco tank. Since doing so, I have discovered more than once that I had indeed just secured something over my long hose. Glad I didn't discover that when I was in a hurry => Now I'm a believer.