AboutJesse Scott Expertise I can help you with questions about what to expect when learning how to SCUBA dive; how to select a good instructor and dive shop; and how to begin diving after you have been trained. I can help out with gear questions. I am always happy to discuss topics you learned in training but would like to know more detail. I can recommend additional training and books on SCUBA diving. I can discuss NC wreck diving also. I can also discuss what`s involved in learning becoming more involved in the sport and being a rescue diver, dive master, or instructor. NOTE!! I cannot answer medical questions because I am not a doctor.
Experience I am an SSI Master Instructor and a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. I have over 500 dives in a wide variety of diving environments and scenarios. I have been diving for 10 years. I also teach numerous specialties including Nitrox.
Organizations PADI, SSI, NSS-CDS, DAN, NACD, PSI
Education/Credentials PADI OWSI (Open Water, Advanced OW, Rescue, Divemaster)
SSI MI (OW, Advanced OW; Night, Deep, Wreck, Boat, Nitrox, Navigation, Night, Computer, Search and Recovery, Dry Suit, Advanced Buoyancy Specialties)
Emergency First Response CPR and First Aid Instructor
DAN Diving Emergency Management Provider and Instructor
PSI Visual Tank Inspector
NACD, NSS-CDS Cavern Diver
TDI Advanced Nitrox and Decompression diver
Awards and Honors SSI Master Instructor
SSI Gold 500 Instructor
SSI Gold 500 Diver
SSI Century Instructor
SSI Century Diver
Question I was reading a previous question in which a woman asked about the Mini O2 Tanks you commonly see in movies. I do understand the need for you to be careful with the info you provide. And in her question you never really gave an answer. My interest isn't for the personal usage she wanted in the mini tanks, but rather a safety feature in my vehicle. Do they make these mini tanks for people to store in a vehicle in case, by some chance, they're in an accident/situation where they find themselves underwater?
Answer Hi Bobby, that is an interesting question. I don't really know know if they make them for that specific reason. I don't have much access to accident statistics to even evaluate the likelihood of such events (as compared to other severe life-threatening accidents). Since you brought it up however, you must feel some concern about the possibility so let us consider your request as met with a SCUBA cylinder and regulator.
A popular SCUBA cylinder company makes cylinders that hold as little as 6 or 13 cubic feet of air. I mention these because the size would at least be reasonable to carry inside a vehicle. That size cylinder would give you around 10 to 18 minutes of air time respectively. You would also have to have a regulator already attached to the cylinder to be able to breath from it; and, be in a condition that you could turn on the gas, put the regulator in your mouth and breath from it.
There are numerous considerations.
1) mounting the tank in such a manner that it does not become a projectile and hurt you or passengers in the vehicle in the event of any kind of crash; yet still remain accessible after the crash
2) what about passengers in the vehicle with you; do they get any?
3) storing compressed air in a vehicle is extremely unwise as the temperatures in a parked vehicle in the sun could get hot enough expand the gas past the load limits of the cylinder resulting in an serious explosion risk.
4) filling the cylinder would likely require a SCUBA certificate from one of the agencies
5) training is recommended any time you plan to breath compressed gas underwater
6) costs compared to likelihood. A small cylinder and regulator would set you back about $350 - $500. You must also have the cylinder emptied and visually inspected each year by a professional (about $25, plus another air fill); and every 5 years a hydrostatic test is required (about $35, plus another visual and another air fill). The regulator (1st and 2nd stage) also require annual inspections at around $25 to $45 per stage.
7) you may also wish to consider the likelihood of even being able to retrieve the device after this kind of accident (for instance if you were unconscious or the vehicle severely damaged).
Hopefully this helps in your decision making. As a SCUBA professional, I would not recommend this course of action especially in light of #3 above. Jesse
