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Identify and Avoid


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#1 Landlocked Dive Nut

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Posted 26 August 2009 - 07:17 PM

Re-printed from Dive Training Magazine, authored by Robert N. Rossier

Introduction
Diving is a pretty safe sport. Most divers are cautious and attentive in the way they prepare for and conduct themselves while diving. They know the rules and limits, they check their equipment over carefully, and they don't push the limits too far or too often. When it comes to injuries, we're probably more likely to get hurt playing softball or soccer than we are to suffer an injury on a dive. But when that unusual circumstance comes along, it's important to have a plan. After all, we can't stay underwater forever, and some problems need to be resolved pronto. We need to think about what could possibly go wrong on a dive, and have a plan for what to do if that "worst-case scenario" should arise.

With this in mind, we'll take a look [individually] at some of the most challenging situations a [recreational] diver can encounter. For each one, we define the scenario, identify the risk factors, examine the likely causes and suggest strategies for avoidance. Then we'll explore the various tactics to deal with the problem just in case it sneaks up on us.

Scenario #1: Stuck Autoinflator Valve
Pausing to make that minor adjustment to your buoyancy, you gently press the autoinflate button of your buoyancy compensator (BC). Instead of adding just a "puff" of air, the valve jams and begins to empty the contents of your cylinder into your BC. It's think fast, or face an uncontrolled ascent.

Risk Factor: Rapid or uncontrolled ascent, with attendant risk of pressure-related injuries.

Likely causes: Probably the most common cause of a stuck BC inflator valve is poor or neglected maintenance. Some divers just don't give their BC the post-dive attention it deserves. If a BC is not rinsed or soaked after diving in salt water, salt crystals and mineral deposits can form that can later cause the valve to stick in the "on" position. Another potential cause of a stuck BC inflator valve is sand, silt or other sediment in the valve mechanism. This can occur if the device isn't properly secured and drags on the bottom.

Avoidance: Proper care of your BC goes a long way toward preventing stuck inflator valves. After each dive, or each day of diving, thoroughly rinse and/or soak the BC in fresh water to dissolve any salt crystals and to remove sand, silt and other debris.

Dealing with it: The fastest way to solve the problem of a stuck inflator valve is to disconnect the low-pressure hose from the inflator. Failing that, grab the lanyard for the dump valve and hold it open. Should an unwanted ascent begin, continue venting the device, and flare your body to maximize drag and slow your ascent. Grabbing hold of a stationary object such as an anchor line might allow you to sort the problem out and regain buoyancy control.

Discussion? Comments? Additional advice or alternative solutions?
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#2 Hipshot

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Posted 27 August 2009 - 04:59 AM

Dealing with it: The fastest way to solve the problem of a stuck inflator valve is to disconnect the low-pressure hose from the inflator. Failing that, grab the lanyard for the dump valve and hold it open. Should an unwanted ascent begin, continue venting the device, and flare your body to maximize drag and slow your ascent. Grabbing hold of a stationary object such as an anchor line might allow you to sort the problem out and regain buoyancy control.

Discussion? Comments? Additional advice or alternative solutions?


Very good info, Tammy. One can only hope that someone who finds themself in the situation has the presence of mind to do this.

Rick


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#3 hambergler

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Posted 02 September 2009 - 07:58 PM

The auto inflator valve, under the fancy-schmancy cover, is a simple Schrader valve, the same as is on almost every car/motorcycle/bicycle tire inflator in the world (unless you are a bicycle fanatic and have a Presta valve). The cover to the valve is a plastic gizmo that can be easily popped off with a thumb or a screwdriver, and you will see the Schrader valve underneath. Go to a bike shop or auto supply and buy a Schrader valve key (get a deep one) to keep in your dive toolbox. Pop that plastic cover off once or twice a year, wash out the area around the valve with fresh water, then check the valve itself for tightness with the key (finger tight plus a quarter turn is about right).

Then go take an Equipment Specialist course. Most of the equipment we dive with is stupidly easy to maintain/repair, with the proper tools. Why spend more money at a shop if you don't have to?
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#4 WreckWench

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Posted 02 September 2009 - 08:27 PM

Great thread and KUDOS TO DIVE TRAINING MAGAZINE for allowing you to reprint this great article. :wakawaka:

This magazine is not only FREE at your local dive shop but is a WEALTH OF INFORMATION! :respect:


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#5 ScubaDadMiami

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Posted 06 September 2009 - 08:09 PM

I service the Schraeder valve on inflator hoses as part of their annual service that I do on their regulators for customers. I take out the valve, give it a clean in the cleaning solution, and I clean the hose connector as well. While this will not completely eliminate the chance that the valve will stick, it is a good preventative measure.

The entire wing/BCD inflator mechanism can also be serviced on some, but not all, wings/BCDs. Some manufacturers even make a service kit for the inflators. (For example, Scuba Pro is a unit that a diver can service in this way.) Some manufacturers treat the item as something to disgard if it starts to fail. The great thing about having the units that the diver can service is that the kits take up almost no room in the diver's spare parts kit. So, if the inflator starts to stick or act up, the diver can service the item even if at sea on a live aboard trip.
"The most important thing is not to stop questioning." Albert Einstein

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