Air release options

[hazmat]

So I recently got my Cressi Travelight BC recently, but until now have used rentals with only the deflator hose. The Travelight also has two more dump valves. Any general tips on when you would use which for dumping air from the BC?

Thanks.

 

[ScubaRich]

The other dump valves are "primarily" emergency dumps, Not saying you can't use them but they are not used regularly. Their location, I'm assuming one on the lower right side is so if by some chance you were inverted while assending you could dump air. Air will always seek the highest point in your bc so if you were inverted your low pressure hose wouldn't work.

 

[hazmat]

Thanks. Yes, there's the one at the lower right side and another at the right shoulder. That one is still only as an emergency?

 

[mkutyna]

They're not really emergency dumps, just dumps for you to vent from various positions in the water. If your right shoulder is higher in the water or your BC has a tendency to catch air there, then use that one. If you're oriented head down in the water, dump air from the "bottom" dump.

 

[ScubaRich]

I used the term "Primarily" emergency dump. Maybe "alternitive" dump valves would be a better term. They simply allow you to dump air in various positions. Most divers do not use them on a regular basis. Some believe they are just another fail point to the BC.
But to answer your original question, No, it doesn't have to be an emergency for you to use it.

 

[helimvee]

Actually, I use the lower dump valve on a regular basis both on my BP/W and the jacket BCD I had before. I find it much easier to use when horizontal in the water than the hose. Just be careful as some vent faster than others.

 

[Splitlip]

Actually, I use the lower dump valve on a regular basis both on my BP/W and the jacket BCD I had before. I find it much easier to use when horizontal in the water than the hose. Just be careful as some vent faster than others.

I have a donut. I use the lower dump more often during the dive than my inflator.

 

[Damselfish]

I've never thought of these as emergencies or alternates, or heard of them referred to that way.

I have top and bottom dump valves and always use them rather than the inflator hose. I find dump valves much more convenient than lifting a hose. And if I'm near horizontal I use the bottom dump, as it's an easy motion to stick my butt up a little for a moment and have that be the highest point, rather than changing orientation. Personally I wouldn't even buy a BC without top and bottom vents.

I also never use an inflator hose integrated pull dump. Pulling on a hose has always seemed like a really bad idea to me. I've seen a couple of these break, and had them apart, and they don't look like particularly sturdy designs.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

My wing has only 2 options to dump air: The inflator, and a single lower or "butt" dump. The lower dump works quite well when horizontal. I use it at depth, and use the inflator to dump air only if ascending in a vertical position (versus horizontal).

Damselfish: I agree with you about the the inflator "pull-dump". Not the swiftest of design decisions in my opinion. I specifically made sure my wing did NOT have one.

Best wishes.