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Got chewed out by a salvage diver in Galveston for my umbilical routing
Working a job on a sunken barge, had my umbilical running over my shoulder and down my back like I always did. This old-timer on the boat, after my shift, pulled me aside. He didn't yell, just said real quiet, 'Son, you're gonna get that hose caught on every piece of rebar down there and they'll be fishing you out with a crane.' He showed me how he runs his under his arm and across his chest, keeps it tight to the body. Tried it the next dive and it was a night and day difference. Way less snagging, felt more in control. What other little gear setup tips have you guys picked up that seem obvious once you know them?
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joseph_torres6mo ago
Honestly, the real trick is learning to read the wreck first. @vera_hill's rubber band idea is solid for slack, but if you don't spot that snag point before you commit, no routing will save you. That old timer was teaching you to move like you're part of the structure.
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caleb_ross126mo ago
Yeah, that chest routing is a game changer. I started clipping a small carabiner to my belt to take up any extra hose slack, keeps it from floating around and getting hooked on stuff.
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vera_hill6mo ago
Oh man, @caleb_ross12, that carabiner trick is smart. I tried that but kept snagging it on my own gear. What finally clicked for me was using a simple rubber band to loop the extra hose back on itself, kind of like a loose coil. It doesn't add any bulk and it breaks free with a tug if you need the length fast. Took a few dives to get the tension right so it's not too tight. Your way is probably cleaner for a quick release, though.
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