Quote Originally Posted by Bobby View Post
The same gas management rule applies to independents as it does with manifolded doubles. 1/3 of your gas supply in, 1/3 of your gas supply out and 1/3 in reserve for emergencies as a minimum.

How you do on independents is only important that each cylinder has the above rule applied separately. IE 1/3 from each cylinder on the way in, etc. How you do it is not as important IMHO. Personally I switch regs every 200-300 psi. It is not needed to switch that often it is just the habit that I developed. I rarely look at my gauges before I switch it just becomes habit.

Bobby
This is why I told you Bobby that your technique (I do not speak about configuration, i speak about gas manangement), is perfect for solo but not for a team emergency. Because you frequently change the regulator for each tank, so when an emergency arises you may not breathe the long hose. Secondly you speak for a personal habit, there is not such in team procedures.

My main concern is:
1. To minimize regulator switches
2. Always have adequate gas for sharing and exit.
3. Most time to breathe from the long hose for tolerating emergencies.

With the minimum gas switch one can do:

a. Initial penetration 1/3 of tank (1/6 of total penetration gas) from the left tank (short hose). If there is a problem with my own regulator (right) at the switch I can return using the 2/3 of the remaining gas in my left tank. The same applies to my buddy.

b. If there is not any problem then I can switch to the right regulator and now i am on long hose. Breathing 1/3 of the right tank and then return back and exit cave. Now if the is a problem at the further point of penetration I have 2/3 on my tanks to return. The same applies to my buddy.

c. Half of return to surface I can switch back to left cylinder and exit cave with 1/3 from every tank.

The same procedures are followed by my team buddy.

I do not think that you can achieve this accurately especially when you do not check your gauges frequently.

You use the world habit and personal remember team diving is a reciprocal process both parts should be able to perform with each other. In the above procedure I am confident with my team buddy about the results, we practice as modified safety drill every dive. Are you and your buddy confident with your way?

I am sorry if my description is not clear (my English is not perfect), if someone can explain it better please do.

Again I am not arguing or confront anyone. We are discussing and within discussions there are different points and opinions, otherwise would be a lecture or monologue.

Regards,
Argyris