Quote:
Originally Posted by texarkandy
Quote:
Originally Posted by fire diver
This year I solo-ed to 102 in an area I am very familiar with. My next dive in that spot will be to about 120, then the next will be to the river channel bottom at 134.
FD
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Just curious what concerns you have re: narcosis (never having been narc'd it's just theoretical to me)
Not that I have any intention of solo-diving myself anytime in the near future (and I have no criticism whatsoever of those who do it thoughtfully & with experience), I was just trying to make up a comprehensive list in my mind of the safety concerns of solo and how they can be addressed/mitigated:
1. Air supply - free flow, just ran out (should never happen!), etc
resolved with redundant air of course
2. Entanglement hazards
know your area - cutting tools - what else?
3. Other equipment malfunction (bcd?, weights)
4. Dive related health problem (narcosis,cramps, what else?)
5. Other Health problem requiring assistance to the surface (impending heart attack symptoms, extreme nausea/illness, etc)
6. What else? ....
I'm sure a lot of this is covered in the SDI course, but for those of us who haven't taken it........ |
Narcosis effects vary depending on the diver and the diver. I think I was a tiny bit narced on that 102 dive. I didn't feel completely comfortable. THe little voice was saying "OK, you've pushed a little deeper than before, don't get carried away. You're doing good, lets go back up and play in the shallower water for while."
But that's to be expected. I try to always pay attention to my surroundings, my body and my emotional state.
Air supply, yes redundant is the way to go is you solo
entanglements, 2 cutting tools, on opposite areas of your body. Know your area. Proceed VERY slowly if you are in new territory with trees, debris, line, or any other hazards.
Equip malfunctions, check every piece of gear thoroughly before the dive. Have a plan for every item that could fail.
Any health problems that can't be solved in the water (narcosis, ear clearing problems, cramps) get to the top as fast a SAFELY possible. Don't make a bad problem twice as bad because you did an impression of a polaris missle.
FD