Jon line - why not to use

[daviddemarneffe]

Hi,

I am new here, I just completed my DIR-F with Richard and Olly in Oman a couple of weeks ago. We touched on the subject of jon lines with Richard but we did not have the time to elaborate, he just said it was a dangerous option and that people were getting killed using them.

I would just like some more input and maybe experiences you've had with jon lines.

I understand it can be a risk, but can't it be mitigated if you are ready to free yourself off?

Also, what is the alternative in ripping current if drifting deco is not an option?

[Ali Fikree]

Hello David,

In my opinion, they dont really stay stable and divers get into the habit of clipping themselvels to it which is what I suppose can be considered dangerous. You also have to remember that they can be dislodged very easliy and cause a nuisance.

A better option is to use your spool and just " weave" through. I will show you tonight at the dive club if you are coming.

Cheers.

-Ali

[Ali Fikree]

Sorry David,

One last thing I promise:). You should have the shot/anchor line at arms distance always. I would imagine that with the Jon line you would be more than a meter away?

-Ali

[Richard Lundgren]

Hi,

I am new here, I just completed my DIR-F with Richard and Olly in Oman a couple of weeks ago. We touched on the subject of jon lines with Richard but we did not have the time to elaborate, he just said it was a dangerous option and that people were getting killed using them.

I would just like some more input and maybe experiences you've had with jon lines.

I understand it can be a risk, but can't it be mitigated if you are ready to free yourself off?

Also, what is the alternative in ripping current if drifting deco is not an option?

Hi David

Good to find you here. I'm glad that you had fun in Oman, I had a good time too.

Regarding Jon-Lines, I don't consider them unsafe but rather un-usefull. If current exists, I rather drift deco compared to being tied into a line. This if the environment allows.

Take care
Richard Lundgren

[daviddemarneffe]

Howdy Richard? Thanks again for the great training. I like the site and the forum, all expedition and exploration oriented. Some kewl projects you have there! I'm looking forward to participate to one of these if I get to the level I need to do that!

Yes around here we mostly anchor the boats on the wrecks and it becomes a big hassle when people start drifting because the agreed way is to come up the anchor line. However I have some painful souvenirs of hanging on lines in the current like a flag in the wind with for consequences a sore arm that lasted days afterwards...

Ali, I understand I can use my spool, and that I should be within reach of the anchor line, and that I should be prepared to cut myself free if need be. Just looking for a way of avoiding the above situation... The way we dive the Energy, with pairs going in one after the other (lack of space on the boat to kit up all at the same time) and each boat having up to four pairs in the water at a time, and the ripping current, it seems to me drifting deco would be a serious risk of loosing people.

[Ali Fikree]

Howdy Richard? Thanks again for the great training. I like the site and the forum, all expedition and exploration oriented. Some kewl projects you have there! I'm looking forward to participate to one of these if I get to the level I need to do that!

Yes around here we mostly anchor the boats on the wrecks and it becomes a big hassle when people start drifting because the agreed way is to come up the anchor line. However I have some painful souvenirs of hanging on lines in the current like a flag in the wind with for consequences a sore arm that lasted days afterwards...

Ali, I understand I can use my spool, and that I should be within reach of the anchor line, and that I should be prepared to cut myself free if need be. Just looking for a way of avoiding the above situation... The way we dive the Energy, with pairs going in one after the other (lack of space on the boat to kit up all at the same time) and each boat having up to four pairs in the water at a time, and the ripping current, it seems to me drifting deco would be a serious risk of loosing people.

David,

As Richard says, its easier and less painful to do drift deco rather than cling on the the anchor line. Its one reason I have tried to enforce our club to use a shot line instead of anchor onto it, so that we can have a chase boat.

Besides, the incident you mention above, you saw how easy it was to confuse anchor lines and come up the wrong one. Mozi and I were on your boats anchor line, thats how I managed to give you hand.

It comes into play with many things as unfortunalty, the club does not regulate who comes on the Energy Determination ( 22-83m) so in those terms, you have alot of beginers and novices that want to come along on this dive. Which is dangerous, especially when they are all on air and a current picks up or comes along. Now you sort of know why I dont marshal dives to these wrecks and if I do , from now on, it by private charter and invites only. I know It puts me in the "anal" category , but safety is important to me aas well as a good time.

I hope you come along to the virgin wreck trip I will arrange end of the month :)

Anyway, I can imagine being questioned at our next club meeting regarding this post as we have a few lurkers here :)

Best.

Ali

[daviddemarneffe]

Indeed, as I said, I'd rather do drift deco too...if I am allowed to.

I'm free at the end of the month and ready for anything. You can put me on the list. PM, email or call me.

[Ali Fikree]

David,

That the sort of challenge I have. The being " allowed to "policy that hinders divers. People are allowed to smoke before and after dives but we cant do drift deco or take scooters :)

I will call you about anything I plan end of the month.

Ali