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ahar · January 5th, 2006, 02:16 PM

Been running through some stuff in preparation for DIRF at the end of Jan, and one thing has stuck me as odd - the requirement for two backup torches. I understand the need for one backup torch per team member but why two?

The two backup torch thing is mandated at the DIR F level so there has to be a reason at every level of diving, even those dives to 30m or above in open water. If two backup torches are not needed for DIR F type dives, then why make it mandatory, as one of the precepts of DIR is only taking the kit that you need along. I can't see its a configuration issue needed for later training as the way that the DIR kit is rigged there is already space for two torches.

Given that all resources are team resources, why two per member - in a team of three that'll be six backup torches! In the very very unlikely event of both your primary and backup torch failing, you would stop. The team member(s) would quickly realise that your torch cannot be seen and stop, so you could swim to them and get their backup. If that then fails, someone up there doesn't want you to be able to see where you're going (!) and you could just ascend anyway keeping in touch contact - remember, this is DIRF level so no overhead and no deco.

Also, remember the DIR requirement for kit maintenance and testing backup torches before the dive - one of the precepts of DIR is that kit mustn't make up for poor technique - making the failure of a primary and secondary light that much more unlikely.

What have I missed?

January 5th, 2006, 02:16 PM	#1 (permalink)
ahar(Offline) New Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Harrow - NW London Posts: 42	Why two backup torches as a minimum? Been running through some stuff in preparation for DIRF at the end of Jan, and one thing has stuck me as odd - the requirement for two backup torches. I understand the need for one backup torch per team member but why two? The two backup torch thing is mandated at the DIR F level so there has to be a reason at every level of diving, even those dives to 30m or above in open water. If two backup torches are not needed for DIR F type dives, then why make it mandatory, as one of the precepts of DIR is only taking the kit that you need along. I can't see its a configuration issue needed for later training as the way that the DIR kit is rigged there is already space for two torches. Given that all resources are team resources, why two per member - in a team of three that'll be six backup torches! In the very very unlikely event of both your primary and backup torch failing, you would stop. The team member(s) would quickly realise that your torch cannot be seen and stop, so you could swim to them and get their backup. If that then fails, someone up there doesn't want you to be able to see where you're going (!) and you could just ascend anyway keeping in touch contact - remember, this is DIRF level so no overhead and no deco. Also, remember the DIR requirement for kit maintenance and testing backup torches before the dive - one of the precepts of DIR is that kit mustn't make up for poor technique - making the failure of a primary and secondary light that much more unlikely. What have I missed? __________________ There are 10 types of people in this world - those that understand binary and those that don't.