eagles nest question

[Walter Pickel]

Have you been to Mexico? How long have you been cave diving? How many real (as opposed to simulated or supervised) true zero visibility exits have you made through complex systems?

I think what you are saying is demonstrating some inexperience. I think you will find many very experienced cave divers will admit to having made exactly the mistake you are deriding. Yes, an error. I am inexperienced compared with many here but I will put my hand up first.

Even highly proficient cave divers make errors. Because they are human. In some divers the unexpected realisation that they have made a navigational error when they come back to a jump they missed can derail them enough to lead to a fatal accident. This has happened in Mexico.

The question is, what system of line connection is best to minimise the chance of a simple slip due to distraction or whatever causing a significant navigational problem. One possible solution (as Charle, jcr, says) is the well-marked T, used in many caves worldwide. Another is a significant gap, which is what Jim is advocating. Both in my opinion are superior to a shorter, more convenient gap.

No system that relies on a diver being perfect will be as reliable as a system that doesn't.

Andy Pitkin

Very well stated Andy!

[gsxr1997]

I think that one is more cognizant of their route if they have to make a conscious decision to place or remove a reel.