Diving With Dangling Gear Is Dangerous

As we know, diving requires toting around various types of gear and equipment. Therefore, proper gear management is a must.

It is really easy for a diver to inadvertently dive with dangling gear, given the amount and types of gear required for a typical dive.  Dangling gear is a clear example of poor gear management.

Among the common danglers are combo gauge units, octopus regulators, torches , SMBs and slates. Dangling gear can catch or hit the boat on entry and ladders on exit,  as well as hit wrecks or reefs underwater. That being said, your gear can become damaged and/or contaminated with sand and mud or even dislodged and lost.

Dangling gear also makes emergency situations more tenuous for your dive buddies. Dangling gear is more difficult to locate especially during an emergency when your dive buddy may be required to locate and deploy your gear for you.

Every diver has their own preferences  about storing and managing their equipment while diving. However,  the following guidelines are suggestions..

Octopus regulators
Do not just let them hang. They should be attached to the front of your body in an area we call the AIR TRIANGLE. This is the triangle formed by your mouth at the apex, and your nipples.

There are numerous ways to attach your octopus regulator, but whatever you use:
• The octopus regulator should be easily accessible for YOU and your buddy.
• The attachment is secure, yet it is easy to remove the octopus regulator for use.

HP gauges and combo gauges
They should be clipped close to your body and onto the BCD near your waist or armpit where it is still easy to lift the gauge up to read it.

Torches, SMBs and slates
These should be stowed in waist or leg pockets, or clipped directly onto your BC harness with no lanyards.

Read for more details here on Underwater 360 – Asia

Fortunately there are a number of products available the market that makes proper gear management a snap.

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