Posted by Chuck Tribolet on January 16, 2003 at 19:41:02:
In Reply to: What would you have done? posted by Ken Kurtis on January 16, 2003 at 19:04:12:
Ken, exactly what is your OOA policy? You say
"running out of air", which could mean a lot of
things. Running a tank to 200 PSI, in full
awareness of how much gas was left, is one thing.
Zooming to the surface with 450 PSI in a panic is
far worse.
If you policy is "surface with 500 PSI", and I surfaced
with 500 PSI, and then used 300 more ducking under
some kelp, or just in lieu of a snorkle, then I
met your policy, and I'd expect to be allowed to
continue to dive.
If it's "back on the swim step with 500 PSI", it's
more stringent that they usual "don't take the tank
below 300 PSI" or "surface with 500 PSI so you have
some gas to duck under the kelp", and I'd do
business with someone else (which I would anyway
because of your Nitrox policy).
And if the policy was not made known when I made
the reservation, it don't mean jack. At briefing
time is WAAAY too late.
Note: on open circuit I'm usually back on the boat
with about 1000 PSI.
Chuck