Spare Air

[lrmoll]

<br>I was just reading some interesting threads about spare air yesterday on scubaboard.  <br><br>I play with computer servers all day long so I like the redundancy aspect.  But, the problem with spare air seems to be its lack of air.  It sounds like a pony bottle is a more reasonable solution.<br><br>Ultimately your buddy should be your spare air.  Or, you should think about running twin tanks for redundancy.

<br><br>I am not sure what you meant about twin tanks. Do you mean twin tanks on a maniford to one reg. If so you still have the single point failure of the one reg. Or did you mean a standard tank being used like a pony would be with its own reg? This would give you lots of researve time. <br><br>I know divers who don't carry an octopus or any other support air. And even does solo diving this way. If you can afford it go with the Pony but the Spare Air is better than nothing even with a Buddy. I like the idea of my own redundant air that does not depend on the buddy. Even a good buddy can get separated in low vis. However I do not currently dive this way.<br><br>In order of safety I would think the following:<br>1 Standard Tank being used like a Pony with own reg (But maybe extreme overkill)<br>2 Pony bottle. If you are trapped somehow the extra time could be critical to escape.<br>3 Buddy breath with Octo.<br>3.5 Spare Air. For simple dives. Spare air will get you to the surface comfortably unless you like to push the deco times . Are you an aggressive diver?<br>4. Buddy breath without Octo.  Practicing the procedure at the beginning of dive.<br><br>