10 TIPS FOR STAGE USE

While there are more detailed protocols for stage and deco tank use that are taught and practiced in various GUE classes, we can touch upon some of the basic principles for managing stage and deco tankes here.

1. ENSURE that the bottom bolt snap pigtail is not threaded through the loop of the hose left at the bottom of the tank.

2. PRACTICE stowing the stage regulator neatly after use.

3. ALWAYS get confirmation from a teammate before switching gas.

4. PRESSURIZE the stage, but leave it closed during the dive.

5. INCLUDE the stage tank(s) in your flow checks.

6. CAPTURE the mouthpiece under the regulator hose to keep it in place.

7. PUT your finger in the loop of the bolt snap when handling the tanks.

8. ALWAYS carry stages on the left side or on a leash between the legs to keep the right side clear for long hose deployment.

9. CHECK the SPG and hoses for leaks or damage, and replace or repair them as necessary.

10. VERIFY that the all stage tanks are properly labeled with clearly visible and correctly placed MOD information before the dive.

Carry stages on the left side or use a leash between the legs to keep the right side clear for the long hose deployment,

To prevent the regulator from dangling or moving around, the mouthpiece is secured under the regulator hose.

The retaining rubber bands on the stage kit hold the stage regulator in place when it is not deployed. However, they can be hard to grip when they are sitting snug against the tank. To make it easier to stow the stage regulator hose after use, the upper rubber band should be placed on top of the hose. This creates a space that allows a thumb to get a grip underneath. The lower rubber band should sit under the hose clamp and under the pigtail.

Take special care that the bottom bolt snap pigtail is not threaded through the loop of the hose that is left at the bottom of the tank, thus making proper deployment practically impossible. This is also something other team members should look out for and call attention to during routine situational checks during the dive.

Divers and support crew should be trained to handle the equipment correctly to prevent damage and ensure that it is in good working condition for future dives. Explain the proper handling and why gripping the hose is not a good idea.

Stage regulators

On a Tech 1 dive, for example, you are likely to spend an equal amount of time breathing from your stage regulator and the primary back gas regulator attached to your twinset. Also, the gas in your decompression tank will likely be denser than your helium based back gas. So, do not make the mistake of thinking that your stage regu- lator could be of lesser quality. Don’t grab any old retired first and second stage you happen to have lying around. You need a high-performance regulator with good breathing characteristics, just as you do on your back gas.

To set up the stage regulator, use a submersible pressure gauge (SPG) attached to the first stage with a short high-pressure (HP) hose. The SPG is tied back with cave line to keep it in place and ensure easy readability when mounted on the tank. The second stage is connected to a 100 cm/40 in low-pressure (LP) hose, which is attached to an LP port on the first stage. It’s important to note that the stage regulator should not be mounted with a bungee necklace (as on a backup regulator or bolt snap on a long hose) as it’s essential for team members to be able to identify which tank they’re breathing from.

For rebreather divers, an inflation hose or whip may be added to allow onboard gas to be fed into the loop in case of a gas failure in the primary gas delivery systems.

While not necessary, a desirable feature is a first stage with a swivel turret that allows the LP hose to route upward more naturally when deployed and to be stowed sition when not in use. Before the dive, the stage regulator is folded in two and run through the retainer loops to keep it securely