Something funny my regulator did last weekend

[Chuck_Northrup]

First of all on the O-ring issue:

Elkman from your post I can't gleam any indication the you, personally, did anything to cause the failure.  One of the steps I encourage all of my students to practice is a pre-dive bubble check to identify problems like this ahead of time.  This will not, of course, prevent a traumatic in-dive failure but it is a good first step 

As was mentioned DIN valves are less prone to this type of failure because of a captured O-ring.  Unfortunately these are only popular among the "tech" crowd 

Springs, flooding, or any type of internal malfunction (which are best dealt with by a professional) would have absolutely no bearing on an O-ring seal.  Some possible causes include: 

Warping of the seating surface on either the tank or regulator (which can be caused by dropping, rolling around in a truck bed, or other cases of missuse and abuse)  :'(

Faulty O-rings (my personal opinion of the dilemma) although rare it would not be unreasonable to see 3 or more tank O-rings fail, especially if these are rental cylinders.  This is a good reason to carry a properly stocked "save-a-dive" kit.  If the O-ring appeared flat or "chewed up" it is probably just a case of average wear and tear  8)

Missalignment of the first stage (although this would be almost immediately identifiable by the audible loss of gas)

In some cases the lock nut on the first stage can become loose and create similar symptoms.  This is usually a result of twisting the first stage to remove the yoke nut when the regulator is still pressurized.  Be sure ALL of the gas is depleted from the first stage before removing  ;D

There may be other instances I'm not thinking of I'm sure others will chime in  :

On to the training issue:

SDI (and some other agencies) view the advanced as a rating not a class.  PADI, as you know, gives out the Advanced Card after a 5 dive specialty course consisting of dives in 2 required and 3 chosen categories.  There is absolutely nothing "wrong" with this process and I commend you on choosing to continue your diving education.  With proper training and opportunity you will have many enjoyable years in the sport (although I would second an earlier comment of getting your own equipment sooner rather than later  )

In the SDI process a diver is required to complete 4 specialty courses (of their choice) and log 25 dives before they receive the Advanced Card.  I believe this process produces a more "well rounded" diver.  Not only is there more education involved, but by having a 25 dive requirement it encourages the diver to get out and experience the diving world without the guidance of an Instructor or DM.  Even though the dives may not be as smooth or comfortable as a guided dive they are often the dives that will teach you the most about your personal ability and comfort in the water 

I hope this opinion reads as unbiased as I intend it to (I am an instructor for both agencies) after all there is very little difference in the content of courses agencies offer, it is more a difference of philosophy/politics.  The most important thing is to keep diving and keep learning.  I always say money spent on education is never wasted  >

Safe Diving,

CN3