The TDS or Tether Deployment System is an efficient tool for transporting tether. The nicest thing about using a TDS is that it does not introduce twists in the tether while using it. It does have its drawbacks because the case adds more weight and space than the tether alone, and for the constant unspooling and respooling of tether during operations, it may be easier to manage the tether by hand coiling techniques that we will look at next.

There are a couple of dos and don'ts when using a TDS:

Dos

• Pull the tether off the reel and use the crank to rewind it.
• Use a rag to clean the tether as you rewind it.
• Rinse the case out when necessary.

Don'ts

• Do not drop the case. The tether is heavy and its momentum on impact can damage the reel or bearings and slip ring.
• Do not pinch the tether when closing the lid.
• Make sure the deck cable is not in contact with the reel. The reel can wear through the tether jacket if the cable is in contact with it.
• Do not unwind the tether using the hand crank. This will cause the tether to "bird's nest" or tangle.
• When cleaning, do not use a powerful spray of water clean near the slip ring.