Having taken OW in 1998, I also don't "remember" this skill being taught. Also have never thought about this problem before.
Now that I know the remedy, it leads me to a question regarding my gear. I have the Aqualung Airsource 3. If the inflator becomes stuck in the open position, there is a 'slide valve' that closes the hose and cuts off the air supply. I would then be able to slide the valve open when air was needed in the bc. Would this be accomplishing the same thing as detaching the hose?
Wheter it was taught depends on the agency.
Wheter it was remembered depends on the student.
Yes, the slide shut-off will do the trick, but now you have a slide shut-off that also needs to be kept working.
---------- Post added September 25th, 2015 at 12:32 PM ----------
We rinse our gear daily while on dive trips and then give it all a thorough cleaning when we get home - put warm, fresh water inside the bc and flush it out - soak gear in warm fresh water.
See post #35...again.