|
Back to diving tips page->
Scroll down for photo gallery
A HANDS FREE DIVE
-
If the current is
running, make sure you keep both hands free. I even have a carabineer clip
attached to my BC by 12 inches of nylon webbing.
-
The clip is there so
I can clip onto the ascent line just in case I need to use both hands.
You might need both hand to put your mask back on if it is knocked off by the
current!
It is kind of
hard to put your mask on with one hand.....
-
Clipping to the ascent line can prevent
being swept away by the current.
Note use caution - - - Clipping to the buoy line
should be done only in extreme circumstances when you got to have both hands
free or can't hold on any longer. And definitely not too close to the
buoy. Some dive shops carry SS clips.... Also, I have wrapped my leg
around the line in a "S" configuration to stabilize myself if I clip to the
line, if you don't you can twist all over the place in the current. The "S"
configuration wrap is handy even when not attached to the ascent line when you
have long safety stops when ascending..
Another note: When using this
type of clip be
careful not to jam a big ascent line into the clip. If it is difficult
to put the line into the clip because of tight fit, it will be difficult to
get the line out of the clip. However, remember that there are three (3)
chances to quickly get away from a ascent line that you are clipped to;
- open the clip and remove the line
- use the quick release on the webbing of the clip
- use the quick release
on your BC's shoulder adjustment webbing.
There is no substitute for being very familiar with your equipment through
training and practice. And there is certainly on substitute for common
sense....
In any event, this info is offered to promote safety while diving the
Spiegel Grove or any other offshore dive because of the STRONG currents that
you may encounter. Diving in strong current is a diving
circumstance that offshore divers need to be prepared for. In my
opinion, a strong current is probably the most difficult environmental
circumstance that diver will face while diving offshore.....
Clip Pics and Info - Click to enlarge the pics!!
Diving Safety Tips
Disclaimer; No one should assume these Diving Safety Tips are all the
precautions that one needs to take to dive safely. There are a tremendous number
of precautious that need to be taken in order to dive safely on the Spiegel
Grove or any place else. All the conditions and circumstances of a dive
need to be considered. So, diving is inherently a dangerous sport and one
should not dive beyond one's own training, capabilities and the circumstances at
the time of the dive. I offer this advise based on 40 years of diving
experience. I am not a dive instructor. Dive at your own risk.
I would caution
that the Spiegel Grove or Duane dive can be a very difficult & dangerous dives. The current off
the Keys can get strong enough to rip your mask
off, much less swim against it.
Glenn Patton PADI certifications AOW,
Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Nitrox
| 
