BP/W setup during Divemaster training

[Finch]

I'm an SSI dive control specialist student. The shop I am training with have no problems with me using a backplate and wing with a long hose, unless I'm unable to demonstrate or perform a skill.

Fortunately, they also have a tech shop so similar configurations are seen on a daily basis. Some of the other students have asked WTF I'm wearing but they seem to get it when I explain what's up.

If I'm assisting in a course or following/buddies with a group of fun divers I take some time to explain my configuration to my buddy before we go through the buddy check. Some seem interested, some seem to think it's no big deal, others get it.

 

[Islandheart]

When I see this type of thread come up it is usually a fun discussion but truthfully there is not a "One Correct" answer.

My .02 comments here are based on my 295 certifications for 2011 and 2012. I don't work for a shop and I provide everything for students ie BCDs/Regs etc. on my dime.

In a group of say 6 students, if you base all the group's equipment on that #1 ...perfectly relaxed, comfortable in the water, coordinated and smart student... use what ever.

BUT, in reality that's not the way it is. I base my student's equipment and what I wear too, on the lower rated student of the group and what they are able to process.

When I have someone that wishes to become a DM canidate with me, I explain I want them in similar gear to the students ie, no Air2's only/ no BP&w.
- Backinflates are ok.
- If they have an Air2, I ask that they add a standard length yellow hosed Octo in a holder (no necklaces) to their unit.

We discuss these facts before they start with me.

If they don't agree with my reasoning, that's ok too, they can go to another instructor.......... really does not hurt my feelings.

 

[hypertech]

I wore my BP&W in my DM class and it was fine. If I'm on staff, sure, put whatever restrictions you want on my gear. If I'm a student, I'll use whatever I please unless there is a safety reason as to why that gear is not appropriate. If an instructor wants me in different gear but can't articulate a reason why aside from conformity, frankly I'd question their suitability to be my instructor and find someone else.

 

[Islandheart]

Frankly it's plain to see some don't have the experience to understand the difference in what they see as conformity and what is actually student safety.

Most professionals will seriously question someone's suitability as even a DM, much less if they ever make it to the Instructor level based on such.

Easy to see their comments are based on their over-sized wanta-be egos, and not real experience teaching.

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I don't see where if the gear is safe and the student can perform the skills or DM demo them why the gear they were in would make any difference. I have OW students in jackets, back inflates, BPW's and long hoses along with conventional reg set ups before they get to open water. Then it's up to them what they want to dive on their checkouts. In Rescue classes I want to see as many different setups as possible. Including doubles and sidemount if I can get someone who dives it. The key is to explain the setups so they understand what they are seeing. And don't put them in open water until they can perform in the gear that they choose. I don;t like to dictate what students use. Making them independent thinking divers that don't need to come back for more training, unless they want to, needs to start as soon as possible. Including helping them to decide the best gear set ups for them. Do this and by the time they start thinking about DM they should be good enough in their own gear that they can do whatever we ask. All that needs done is a little polishing to get them to demo quality in that gear. Theirs skills should be exceptional before they are allowed to start DM. By the time they are done though they should be able to take any BC -jacket, back inflate, or BPW - even if it doesn't fit perfectly and perform as if it did. They are supposed to be professionals and professionals are able to adapt.

I advise anyone wanting to persue a professional route to beg or borrow gear whenever possible and just dive it. Doesn't matter if it fits. Wear a medium BC? Borrow or rent a large or extra large and take it for a spin. Used to a jacket? Rent or borrow a BPW and dive it. Even if those dives never go deeper than 20 feet. You can do some long dives at those depths and really work on learning the rig.

That way when they get to DM they look like they shoud be there.

 

[Midge907]

Lots of good replies on here. I have decided to sell my back inflate KnightHawk, and just keep to the BP/W setup. I will borrow the LDS's Jacket inflate on days that I think its needed, or borrow a back inflate. Who knows maybe once I decide to do the divemaster training, I will do it while at a warm water location. I do know that I dont like how the LDS seems to roll people right out of there OW/AOW class to be DM canidates and have them as helpers, when the DM canidate hasnt gotten a good grasp on their own skills yet.

 

[DBailey]

I wore my BP&W in my DM class and it was fine. If I'm on staff, sure, put whatever restrictions you want on my gear. If I'm a student, I'll use whatever I please unless there is a safety reason as to why that gear is not appropriate. If an instructor wants me in different gear but can't articulate a reason why aside from conformity, frankly I'd question their suitability to be my instructor and find someone else.

This.

You are a student when you are a DMC. A student should be allowed to take the course in their personal gear if they so choose.

 

[jar546]

The only reason that I don't wear my wing in the pool is because most students don't wear a wing during OW training so I need to demonstrate in the gear they wear, especially removing and replacing a BC underwater. When we go to OW, I have my wing. The shop I recently affiliated with her in Florida said they could care less what brand or type I use when teaching. That's a good attitude.


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