Out of Air Method

[Dewit2it]

I was wondering about how the DIR method for out of air ascent compares to what I learned with NASDS.

My rig:
Right side: primary reg, console/comp, drysuit inflator line
Left side: octopus, inflator
BC: front adjust or stabilizer jacket

Training:
When you see the diver approach giving the sign for out of air, grab him with the left hand and try to keep him away from you.  At the same time you should grab the octopus reg with the right hand and offer it to him.  Once he has it in and has a chance to calm down, give him the hand signal for "are you okay?".  Once he replies with an OK, ask him if he is OK to surface.  Once he gives the OK, then bring him closer and have him grab onto both sides of your BC.  Then dump his BC and then take your console/comp in your right hand and grab his BC.  In the left hand grab your inflator, and grab his BC.  Then take him to the surface on your BC.  Once on the surface, have him inflate his BC before you let him go.

I can understand the need for a long hose on wreck penetration/cave dives, but for rec use 40" seems fine if not a little long using this method.  A couple of the things that I like about this method is that you do not become seperated without both divers letting go.  Also the gear configuration keeps a panicked diver away from your primary reg as much as possible.  It also allows you to check your instruments and the diver easily. 

The reason I bring this up is, I have watched the way PADI is teaching it, and also saw the same thing on a video.  In both cases the students became seperated in the water, with regulators getting yanked out of mouths.  That scares the sh :o out of me that they are getting taught that way. 

I'm all for bringing back the old 10 week course!  You have time to learn more and become a better diver.