Deaths due to Backplate/Wing or Rear Inflation BCDs

[swinchen]

Hi All,

My friend is in the process of picking out his first BC. I have a backplate/harness/wing that I love so I am of course suggesting that. He is very concerned about floating face down if he becomes unconscious. So two questions:

Do any of you know of deaths directly related to backplate/wings or rear inflation jacket style BCs?

How much more protection does a jacket style BC really give you in terms of drowning on the surface?

Thanks all,
Sam

 

[PerroneFord]

Tell your friend to buy a life jacket. That's the only thing that will float him face up on the surface. Says so right on the tag of BCs.

 

[BKP]

Considering the amount of time you're on the surface (either getting ready to descend, or re-boarding the boat), this shouldn't even be a consideration.

If you lapsed into unconsciousness while at depth, I wouldn't too worry too much about being unconscious at the surface.

If you were at depth and felt yourself passing out, and slam inflated your bc to *get* to the surface, staying face up probably would be the least of your worries.

If you were doing an extended surface swim, again, staying vertical is a non-issue.

If you're on the surface, conscious and happy, with a back inflate wing, you have no problem staying vertical.

Bottom line... if you *are* for some reason passed out on the surface, a jacket style BC *might* keep your face out of the water, if you were leaning in the right direction, if there were no swells, and if the sea gods were smiling down at you... However, for the other 99.99999999% of the time, you're certainly not going to be as comfortable, or as easily trimmed as a rear inflate (IMHO)...

P.S. -- I agree with Perrone... if he's worried about this, tell him to buy a life jacket.
P.P.S. -- I don't think DAN (or any other agency) keeps statistics on what type of BC style was employed during a diving incident (unless it's relevant to the cause of the incident).

 

[redacted]

Tell your friend to buy a life jacket. That's the only thing that will float him face up on the surface. Says so right on the tag of BCs.

And even there, most life jackets are NOT designed to float an unconscious person face up. Check the tags.

 

[swinchen]

I suggested getting a small lift bag and attaching it to the D-ring on the crotch strap if he was that freaked out I personally don't even feel like I am getting pushed face forward with my rig. I do not really understand what the big fuss is over, maybe people just want a reason to defend not getting a backplate. Oh well.

 

[deep.dude]

Hi All,

My friend is in the process of picking out his first BC. I have a backplate/harness/wing that I love so I am of course suggesting that. He is very concerned about floating face down if he becomes unconscious. So two questions:

Do any of you know of deaths directly related to backplate/wings or rear inflation jacket style BCs?

How much more protection does a jacket style BC really give you in terms of drowning on the surface?

Thanks all,
Sam

I personally dive with a back inflate BC and wouldn't give it up for any reason. However for a first BC I would highly reccomend a standard jacket. My reasoning is that while back inflate BC's may not be listed as a cause of any deaths it does make it easier for a new diver to stay upright on the surface while waiting for a pickup.

I have seen numerous cases where lesser experienced divers have had close calls while struggling on the surface. In fact, if anyone had stats I would bet that far more problems occur at the surface than down below. So why not make it easier to be ontop.

 

[Walter]

Perrone is correct. No BC is designed to float an unconscious person face up.

 

[ahava]

I have seen numerous cases where lesser experienced divers have had close calls while struggling on the surface. In fact, if anyone had stats I would bet that far more problems occur at the surface than down below. So why not make it easier to be ontop.

In this instance the diver should have his second stage in his mouth. So if he is being pushed foward there should be no problem. Recommending a vest style jacket for just this purpose only does not make sense. IMO

 

[crpntr133]

I do not really understand what the big fuss is over, maybe people just want a reason to defend not getting a backplate. Oh well.

Don't you know that you put one foot on the dark side if you us a back inflate. Then when you go to a BP/W you put the other. Once you go doubles you can't go back.

After using mine for years I have never understood this crap of face planting.

 

[Web Monkey]

Hi All,

My friend is in the process of picking out his first BC. I have a backplate/harness/wing that I love so I am of course suggesting that. He is very concerned about floating face down if he becomes unconscious. So two questions:

Do any of you know of deaths directly related to backplate/wings or rear inflation jacket style BCs?

How much more protection does a jacket style BC really give you in terms of drowning on the surface?

As has been mentioned, neither is guaranteed or (even likely) to keep an unconcious person face-up in the water. That's your buddy's job.

However I can say with great certainty, that a SS backplate, a set of steel 95's will keep you flat on your back on the surface if you position yourself that way. It's amazingly stable and relaxing, and I plan to spend a lot of time in the water after dives this summer.

Terry