My drysuit inflator valve stuck open at 60 feet last Tuesday - what's your worst gear failure story?

I was doing a hull inspection on a barge in the Gulf near Port Arthur when my drysuit inflator valve jammed open. Air kept pouring in and I started floating up fast. I had to crack my exhaust valve wide open and swim down against the lift to keep from rocketing to the surface. Got it under control, but my ears were ringing for an hour after. Anyone else had a close call with gear that just gave up on them mid-dive?

3 comments

3 Comments

paul_ramirez14d ago

Car stuck on cruise control going 85 near Baton Rouge. Had to pop it in neutral.

stella2213d ago

Second gear shift is great advice, @ward.anna nailed that safety move.

ward.anna14d ago

Oh man, that's terrifying! It's wild how the gear you trust to save you can suddenly turn into the biggest hazard. I've noticed this same pattern in everyday life too, like when my car's cruise control got stuck on the highway and I had to ride the brakes for a mile. Makes you realize how much we rely on systems that can fail at any moment.