BC without weight integration.

[av8er23]

That is a good idea and I have seen those on the net. But my point is the only time you need to make an emergency ascent is if you are out of air right? And dennis made the point of if the bc has a hole in it and it leaks out as soon as it is put in. If that is the case you will be droping your weight integrated be anyways. So I just do not understand why it is so forbidden among the diving community.

 

[ShakaZulu]

I'd be more concerned about keeping the weight in the BC pocket (accidental fallout). Ebay the BC, get a new one, or use a weight belt designed for softweights.

 

[RDP]

Sounds like you have your mind made up. It seems that there are enough things that can go wrong without adding to the possibilities. :06:

 

[av8er23]

I would not say I have my mind made up. I just thought I would discuss it with some of you guys because you all are more experienced than me. I was interested in some of the points that you all brought up in the discussion.

 

[av8er23]

I think I have found an integrated bc from a friend. thanks for the tips guys. check out the for sale forum if you are interested in a scuba pro glide 500

 

[tedwhiteva]

I think I have found an integrated bc from a friend. thanks for the tips guys. check out the for sale forum if you are interested in a scuba pro glide 500

Wise Decision - nuff said

 

[ifukuda]

How much weight are you using? Even if you're perfectly weighted, i.e. neutral at the surface with an empty tank), you'll still be almost 5 pounds negative at the beginning of the dive. If you're overweighted (like many new divers), you'll be negatively buoyant that much more.

If you're negative at the surface, low on air, and can't get back to shore or the boat quickly, you will have to dump some weight.

Also, If I were find you incapacitated and swim you up to the surface, but could not inflate your BC, don't count on me to dig around in your storage pockets to see if you have lead there. If I can't get you positive quickly, I'm dumping your entire rig.

It probably isn't absolutely necessary to dive with ditchable ballast, but I think it's good practice.

 

[mstudley]

What are the chances of the bc getting torn at the same time you run out of air. you would have to be an idot to run out of air in the first place.

Comfort should not come before functionality when it comes to life support equipment. Get a weight integrated BC or some sort of harness tyoe weighting system like the one DUI makes.

Lots and lots of factors could contribute to running out of air that does not require you to be an idiot. An OOA emergency doesn't necessarily mean that your tank is empty either...

Also, not to be a pain in the neck but the phrase "what are the chances" makes me cringe more than a little when it comes to diving. I for one want to go home after the dives I make and plan accordingly.

 

[Blackhawk9898]

whats an emergency descent? i have never heard of one of those. are you talking about an emergency ascent?

 

[rollinssm]

There is one issue that must be addressed, what would happen if you were in a panic situation on the surface. Your Dive Buddy may have to get you positive but can't find how to dump your weight. Damsel and DeepTrip have good points, as do everyone else in this thread..... There are non ditchable weight systems but they are designed to be for trim only. Once the ditchable weights are gone you should be positive! I would have to agree with MechDiver.