Enter the Left-Mounted Octopus

In the 1970s, someone came up with the brilliant idea of sticking a conventional, right-handed, alternate-air-source second stage on the left side of the donor’s regulator. Why? In this position, it would tend to be right-side up when passed to or taken by an out-of-air diver — providing that both divers are directly facing one another (as with a right-mounted octopus, it is possible for a panicky diver to put a left-mounted octopus in upside down as well).

As we said earlier, this was done with the best of intentions. At first glance, it seems to be a much more logical way to set up an octopus. But, what the heck, isn’t the road to Hell paved with the very best of intentions?

The problem with mounting an alternate-air-source second stage on the left is that doing so creates three, very significant problems.

• Most divers expect to find your octopus on your right side.
• The left side of the regulator is already where most of us have our BC low-pressure inflator hose and instrument console. Adding a third hose to this tangle does not exactly simplify matters.
• Most seriously, putting a conventional, right-handed second stage on a potential donor’s left-hand side violates one of the most basic principles of lifesaving. That is: Never attempt a rescue in a manner that puts the rescuer at risk.

Why is that?

The Three Stooges approach to air sharing »

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