Key Principles

 

Generally speaking if we are diving tech we dive dry or at least with tech shorts over a wetsuit so we have a left and right pocket. In Sidemount we have a nice pouch or bumbag/fanny pack depending on which side of the Atlantic you are on! But what should go where. In addition we usually have a rear crotch strap D ring, or in Sidemount often drop D or B rings to which we clip the pouch but also can clip reels and spools.

 

All pockets and pouches should have a bungee loop that all contents are clipped to using installed boltsnaps or double enders if needed (eg spare mask). This way nothing gets accidently pulled out and lost when extracting items. In addition you can pull the entire contents out on the loop and into line of sight where you can select the required. If in an emergency, drop the rest of the then unneeded items, knowing that even though dangling like an ugly dangling thing, they will still be there. Tidy up when the stress is over!

 

Backmount V Sidemount

 

As I have the real estate behind me, I keep all my reels and spools clipped to the drop rings in Sidemount, so out of the pockets. I also keep my main reel (sidewinder type) clipped behind, centrally in both backmount and Sidemount.

In Sidemount I treat the pouch as an emergency pocket, as with a bit of practice it’s easier to get hold of than getting into the pockets. NB; Those who dive with me will note my pockets are offset on my custom suits to be clear even in Sidemount or in backmount with stages, however not everyone can arrange this, so this article is for the majority.

 

 

 

 

Right Pocket

The Dexter or Dextrous side – look up your latin if you are like most people right handed. If not think about the benefits of standardisation of kit config across the team v your right hand abilities! In a DIR style config should also be the clearer side to get to. Because of this it’s the emergency pocket.

 

Contents

Emergency (yellow) DSMB – don’t forget note on top!

Spare Spool

Spare Mask

Wetnotes – containing

Dive saver multi tool

O Rings for DIN to Cylinder

Cable ties – assorted

I use a 6b mechanical pencil so if it breaks, turn top and works again

Backup Deco plan

Emergency Procedures – missed stop etc

Map / guide to site/cave

Mirror for surface signalling

 

Left Pocket

Usually a bit harder to get to due to stages and it being the non-dominant hand. However accessing contents should be planned and practiced and time can be allowed. Not always the case with an emergency as per right pocket.

 

Contents

 

Routine (Orange) SMB – name on top

30m spool

Backup Torch if not on harness

 

 

Pouch

Contents

Emergency SMB

Spare Spool

Spare Mask

Wetnotes – containing

Dive saver multi tool

O Rings for DIN to Cylinder

Cable ties – assorted

I use a 6b mechanical pencil so if it breaks, turn top and works again

Backup Deco plan

Emergency Procedures – missed stop etc

Map / guide to site/cave

Mirror for surface signalling

Plus

 

Spare Sidemount Bungee

Spare cutter

KISS

 

Matt

Matt Jevon, M.Sc. F.IoD is a Full Expedition level Trimix and Cave instructor on OC and CCR with TDI and ANDI. He is the JJ-CCR and Divesoft Liberty Sidemount instructor and dealer for Ireland. Matt’s personal diving has included cave exploration in the Philippines, wreck projects in Croatia and Ireland as well as being one of the inaugural dirty dozen in Truk! Matt has held accreditations as an interdisciplinary sports scientist, sports psychologist with BASES and was a British Olympic Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach and invitee on the Olympic Psychology Advisory Group. Matt works in high performance business as a board advisor and non-exec, high performance sport and is a partner in South West Technical Diving in Ireland. www.swt.ie and writes the Facebook page Psychological Skills for Diving

 

 

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