Out of Air v1.0 Out of Air AIR/1 May 2007

Out of Air v1.0 We Will Cover Causes of Out of Air situationsCauses of Out of Air situations Options availableOptions available AIR/2

Out of Air v1.0 Why do divers run out of Air? Four main reasons: MiscalculationMiscalculation DistractionDistraction OverloadingOverloading Malfunction of equipmentMalfunction of equipment What are our options when/if it does occur? AIR/3

Out of Air v1.0 Monitoring Air Consumption Surface before reaching reserveSurface before reaching reserve TimeTime DepthDepth Estimating with experienceEstimating with experience AIR/4

Out of Air v1.0 Monitoring Air Consumption Example Dive: 20 mins at 10m. Start Pressure: 232bar, Final Pressure: 132 bar. 12litre cylinder Total Consumption 100 bar (1200 litres) per 20minsTotal Consumption 100 bar (1200 litres) per 20mins Dive: as above but to 20m (i.e. 3 bar) Deeper depth means higher ambient pressureDeeper depth means higher ambient pressure Deeper depth means higher consumptionDeeper depth means higher consumption AIR/5

Out of Air v1.0 Octopus Regulator AIR/6

Out of Air v1.0 Octopus Regulator Advantages Quick, simple, easyQuick, simple, easy Breathe normally on octopusBreathe normally on octopus Uses buddy systemUses buddy systemDisadvantages Not every diver has an octopusNot every diver has an octopus If one buddy is out of air, the other is likely to have a limited supplyIf one buddy is out of air, the other is likely to have a limited supply AIR/6a

Out of Air v1.0 Pony Cylinder AIR/7

Out of Air v1.0 Pony Cylinder A complete independent dive cylinder with its own regulatorA complete independent dive cylinder with its own regulator Safer, more dependable than octopusSafer, more dependable than octopus Independent rescue without aid of buddyIndependent rescue without aid of buddy AIR/7a

Out of Air v1.0 Buddy Breathing AIR/8

Out of Air v1.0 Buddy Breathing Advantages Sharing one regulator and air supply between two diversSharing one regulator and air supply between two divers Like other methods, it has been used successfullyLike other methods, it has been used successfully Uses Buddy systemUses Buddy systemDisadvantages Some times it has not been so successfulSome times it has not been so successful Proper training and practice requiredProper training and practice required AIR/8a

Out of Air v1.0 CO 2 Cartridge AIR/9 Banned by CFT for SCUBA* (O.K. for snorkel)Banned by CFT for SCUBA* (O.K. for snorkel) *As per CFT Rules & Regulations Inflates Buoyancy Device when activatedInflates Buoyancy Device when activated Cannot breathe from buoyancy deviceCannot breathe from buoyancy device Discard used cartridge and replaceDiscard used cartridge and replace

Out of Air v1.0 Buoyancy Device Mini Cylinder AIR/10 Used to inflate buoyancy device in an EmergencyUsed to inflate buoyancy device in an Emergency Rate of ascent can be controlledRate of ascent can be controlled Ensure neck extensionEnsure neck extension Cylinder contains breathable airCylinder contains breathable air On some buoyancy devices breaths can be obtained via buoyancy device mouthpieceOn some buoyancy devices breaths can be obtained via buoyancy device mouthpiece

Out of Air v1.0 Free Ascent AIR/11 Drop weight beltDrop weight belt Fin towards surfaceFin towards surface Retain regulator in mouthRetain regulator in mouth –(more air may be released on ascent to surface) Neck extensionNeck extension Exhale slowly and attempt every few seconds to breathe from the regulatorExhale slowly and attempt every few seconds to breathe from the regulator

Out of Air v1.0 Which is Best? No best methodNo best method All tried and provenAll tried and proven Circumstances dictate needsCircumstances dictate needs Training essentialTraining essential AIR/12

Out of Air v1.0 Summary CausesCauses –Miscalculation –Distraction –Overloading –Malfunction OptionsOptions –Octopus regulator –pony cylinder –buddy breathing –buoyancy device mini cylinder –spare air –free ascent AIR/13

Out of Air v1.0 Summary Check Gauges Regularly AIR/13a

Out of Air v1.0 Questions

Should your dive plan always be rigidly followed on a dive? (a) Not when it can be safely changed (b) Yes (c) Don't Know (d) No Question 1

Out of Air v1.0 Should your dive plan always be rigidly followed on a dive? (a) Not when it can be safely changed (b) Yes Plan your dive and dive your plan (c) Don't Know (d) No Question 1

Out of Air v1.0 How often should you check your contents gauge on a dive (a) At start and end of dive (b) Whenever you think of it (c) Only a couple of times as the dive leader will keep an eye on it for you (d) Every few minutes Question 2

Out of Air v1.0 How often should you check your contents gauge on a dive (a) At start and end of dive (b) Whenever you think of it (c) Only a couple of times as the dive leader will keep an eye on it for you (d) Every few minutes Make a habit of regularly checking your instruments. Question 2

Out of Air v1.0 Which is the best method of rescue in an Out of Air situation? (a) Pony bottle with own regulator (b) There is none (c) Buddy breathing (d) Free ascent Question 3

Out of Air v1.0 Which is the best method of rescue in an Out of Air situation? (a) Pony bottle with own regulator (b) There is none Each situation requires different methods (c) Buddy breathing (d) Free ascent Question 3

Out of Air v1.0 If you are ascending rapidly in a free ascent situation, should you:- (a) Hope you reach the surface (b) Hold your fins out to slow down, to prevent an air embolism or decompression sickness (c) Maintain neck extension and breathe out slowly (d) Hold onto your mask to prevent it coming off your face Question 4

Out of Air v1.0 If you are ascending rapidly in a free ascent situation, should you:- Question 4 (a) Hope you reach the surface (b) Hold your fins out to slow down, to prevent an air embolism or decompression sickness (c) Maintain neck extension and breathe out slowly Avoid over-pressure in the lungs and prevent air embolism (d) Hold onto your mask to prevent it coming off your face

Out of Air v1.0 When commencing a free ascent it is important to first:- Question 5 (a) Drop your weight belt (b) Stop and think about it for a few seconds (c) To ensure your buddy knows what you are going to do (d) Get a good start by pushing off the bottom

Out of Air v1.0 When commencing a free ascent it is important to first:- Question 5 (a) Drop your weight belt To obtain positive buoyancy (b) Stop and think about it for a few seconds (c) To ensure your buddy knows what you are going to do (d) Get a good start by pushing off the bottom