Quote: (Originally Posted by Genesis)
HOWEVER, Farallon did what I consider to be a particularly evil thing in that they put in TWO "PINs" in the handset. The first unlocks it, which your instructor gets if you don't have a cert (yet). Ok. I disagree with this on principle (I buy it I should own it - uncrippled) BUT I'll put up with that.
But that PIN only unlocks NITROX - no Helium. Not only does Farallon want what I consider to be an insane amount of money for the upgrade, they won't issue the PIN without proof of a formal Trimix class. Former DIVING Trimix doesn't count.
No formal CCR Trimix class, no PIN. Period.
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Personally I think the pins are a good thing.. The first pin that enables the basic functions is good for safety ion my opinion..
Normally CCR manufactures ship units to buyer minus 1 critical component so they cant use thr rig until trained.. This usually works..
I am aware of 1 CCR death where, someone bought a CCR, started training which was put on hold for medical clearance.. The instructor removed critical components.. anout 6 months later (the diver just got medical clearance and was going to strat training again) decided not to wait.. He managed to get a hold of replacment components.. This diver only had classroom, and 1 pool session 6 months prior to his SOLO dive on a unit with just introductory training..
The Helium pin, I have mixed opinions about.. BTW the CIS did the same thing, no training, no pin.. Overall I like the idea because I have seen too many divers using their CCRs on mix that have no business doing the dives they were doing.. I have seen trained divers that fit this same boat as well, but if the He pin saves even 1 life I am all for it..
I would not mind seeing a compromise which limited the He to about 20% max, this would still make an END of ~30m for a 50m dive., or better yet 15% which would give an END of ~30m for a 40m dive (actual END will depend on setpoint).. This keeps the divers a bit clearer, and doesnt help them go deeper..