You want me to put my octopus where?
Here comes a controversial take. Today, we’re going to talk about your alternate air source placement. We might ruffle some feathers (and scales) in the process, but by the end we think we will convince you we have a good point. The standard practice you will find in many places is a right side placement. Meaning you will take the alternate air source from your right side with your right hand. You may have been taught this during your open water certification.Â
The question we are faced with here is whether or not this is done just because that’s the way it’s always been done or because it is functionally better. We would argue there is a better way then the traditional right side placement. It is worth another look at what really might be best when deciding your alternate air source location.
The Status Quo: Right-Side Placement
In many dive circles, you’ll find the alternate air source sitting comfortably on the right side. This is typically known as the standard in the dive industry. But why is that? Is it because it’s functionally superior, or are we all just playing a game of “follow the leader” without questioning the reasons? We’re here to stir the pot a bit and suggest that there’s a better way.
What Exactly Is an Alternate Air Source?
So there are a few different kinds of alternate air sources. For the purpose of this article, we’re zeroing in on the octopus. This setup includes an additional regulator that’s ready to jump into action should your dive buddy run out of air. But where you place it can make a huge difference and enhance safety during an emergency.
Making the Case for Left-Side Placement
So, why rock the boat and move the octopus to the left side? Chances are as you get deeper into your diving career, maybe as you complete your divemaster course, you will understand why a left placement is the superior. Running through practice scenarios you’ll quickly find out why we feel a left placement is worth a try. Overall what we see as a less cumbersome placement which leads to a more direct line of donation is the only reason we really need. However we went into a few more details below that explain why we think that left hand placement is best. Â
Safer and Simpler Donation
Placing the octopus on the left side means you can donate air without the awkward crossbody donation. It’s all about straightforward access in a pinch.
Ease of Movement
In the unlikely event that you need to swim a bit while sharing air, positioning the octopus on the left avoids the dreaded S-bend in the hose. This reduces the risk of kinking or pulling the reg right out of your buddy’s mouth—not a good look mid-crisis. Plus, there’s zero chance of the reg being upside down, which is always a plus.
More distanceÂ
It’s the hose routing around the body and the extra length that you get from the standard hose that makes it safer in a real out of air situation. This results in a straight line between the donor and receiver. While in an effective distance.Â
Benefits of Left Over Right
By routing the hose around the left side and utilizing the standard hose length, we ensure a safer setup in real out-of-air scenarios. It’s a straight shot from donor to receiver, reducing complications and increasing efficiency. There is also no need to change the configuration of your set up as the hose can simply be put on the left side of the body.Â
Time to Switch Your Alternate Air Source Placement?
It’s clear that while tradition has its place, effectiveness in emergency situations should rule the roost. If a left side placement is safer it surely must be the better choice. As safety is our main concern it’s important to lean into practices which enhance it. For even more safety tips you should check out DAN’s emergency management resources. It can never hurt to find out more practices that you can put in place to help enhance your dive experience and ensure safety underwater. So next time you head out into the deep, consider placing your octopus on the left, and remember no need to change the configuration either! Happy diving!
