Podcast
Newsletter
We value your information and will not disclose it without your consent.
Privacy Statement
Gallery Images
Quick Links
United Divers is our favourite dive shop
ILB Computing hosts Bluebeyond.com.au
Search BlueBeyond
Being Streamlined
If you think back to your first dive course, you’ll probably recollect your instructor telling you to locate and secure your alternate gas source (octopus) somewhere in the "triangle" formed by your chin and the sides of your rib cage. You may also recall vaguely something about clipping your gauges to your BCD. These two bits of information are the start of our quest to be a more streamlined diver.
Lets take a look at why we would locate this gear in such a way. I can think of at least five reasons for doing so, lets look at each of these in turn.
The Equipment is in a Known and Accessible Position
Every diver should monitor their gauges throughout a dive, avoiding an out of gas situation. To do this quickly and effortlessly requires instinctive knowledge of the location of the gauges. If there is an out of gas situation, every diver should be able to effortlessly locate and prepare their alternate gas source for use by their buddy (or by themselves if it is a redundant gas source). Securing equipment in a consistent manner allows location of vital equipment instinctively and effortlessly.
Protecting the Environment from Being Damaged
Dangling equipment can damage the delicate underwater environment. Gauges are heavy objects, and it is disturbing how often we see someone swimming over a reef with otherwise adequate buoyancy control, only to watch them knock sponges corals, nudibranchs and other small life with a dangling gauge. Correct gear configuration requires an awareness of your diving skills, especially buoyancy, and an aware diver will work hard to not damage the environment.
Protecting the Equipment from Being Damaged
Most dive equipment is pretty sturdy, and will withstand knocks and bumps within reason. Like anything, however, dive equipment will work better when it is looked after. An alternate gas source is a little thought about piece of equipment, and is often left dangling only to be chipped and scrapped and to get sand and other sediment in its internal works. Ordinarily this wont be a problem, because ordinarily it is not used. However, its not very comforting to find out when it is needed most that it is damaged, performing sub-optimally and is full of sand.
The Diver is more Streamlined
Back in our initial training, we all learnt that it is better to be streamlined and reduce drag, as you will be able to exert less energy during, reducing stress and also your breathing rate. A streamlined diver who knows where all equipment is by instinct can best respond to problems. A diver who is streamlined will be able to enjoy longer bottom times due to improved gas consumption that results from less drag in the water.
The Diver Gets to Keep the Equipment for Another Dive
The first rule of dive equipment suggests that "If its not securely attached to you, sooner or later it’ll be lost". You have a much better chance of keeping equipment longer if its configured properly, and as we saw above, chances are it will be in better working condition when needed, due to minimising damage to it.