Which side should my octo be?

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My dive centre/agency/club (delete where applicable) taught me to rig my octopus from the left/right (delete where applicable).
Is it wrong for me to rig it from the right/left (delete where applicable)?

No
Both are correct...
Ask yourself, "Is the backup for me, or my buddy?"
Answer that one (honestly) and you'll be half way there; below are some pros and cons for rigging it from either side. My preference makes most of the debate null and void but in it's own way brings more questions than answers.


If it's rigged from the left:
  • Pros
  • It's a lot easier to present your buddy with the octopus when they are opposite, if they find themselves in an out of air situation, because the hose and second stage are naturally aligned for this purpose.
  • Should your primary slip from your mouth (how???) it (the primary) will be easier to locate as there will be less hose clutter on the right hand side.
  • Cons
  • If you need it, due to a failure with your primary, the hose will be kinked and may obstruct gas flow or pull the regulator away from your mouth.
  • You increase clutter from the left hand side of your first stage and increase the risk of entangling your octo with other hoses - LP inflator, SPG.

  • If it's rigged from the right:
  • Pros
  • Gas on the right, gadgets on the left... any gas problems for you or your buddy - run your hand down the right hand side of your BC, anything you grab must be gas!
  • If it's you with a problem, the hose won't be kinked.
  • Keeps kit configuration clean and simple.
  • Cons
  • When face to face with your buddy; the hose may be kinked, obstructing gas flow when they need it most or pulling the reg out of their mouth.