BP/Ws and dive boats ?

[JW]

After much research I have decided to go BP/W (only thing left todo is to try one). I have read many advantages and disadvantages of them, but still have a question that I didnt see covered. Although widely supported here, I know bp/w setup is not seen as nearly as often as a standard bc on recreational dives (what I will be doing mostly for now as I eventually head to wreck diving). So...has anyone ever been told or heard about someone being told by a diveboat that they would perfer them to dive a standard bc? In other words they were not familiar enough with a bp/w in case a rescue situation arose or they were worried about your buddy not being familiar. Or any other reason? Would this ever be justified? At first this sounded silly, but the more I thought about it the more I wondered.

 

[The Chairman]

I have had my set up looked at with suspicion, but have never been denied access because of it.

 

[jeraldjcook]

In other words they were not familiar enough with a bp/w in case a rescue situation arose or they were worried about your buddy not being familiar.

If they had any worries I'd show them the knife on my belt and explain that in an emergency they are free to cut the webbing to their heart's content. IMO, that isn't really a valid concern. It takes all of one minute to become familiar with one's gear.

 

[TSandM]

I've dived in Australia, Maui, the BVI, Indonesia and Cozumel, as well as off boats up and down the West Coast. The BP/W has only occasioned comment once, and that was by a fellow diver who admired it. The long hose HAS come in for comment.

 

[Scubakevdm]

I'm okay with them.

 

[Rockhound76]

Once, long, long ago, I got "briefed" by a Cap'n on the hazards of my rig (this was in the early 70's). He didn't want me to dive it, but didn't stop me from jumping in.

Again, a few years ago in Cozumel, I had two divers on the boat refuse to allow me to insta-buddy with them because my old BP/Wing setup was "unsafe" (it would apparently and miraculously bring my unconscious buddyless body to the surface, only flop me face down in the water to die there ingloriously bobbing around..). The DM took me with him. Everyone else had to sit on the boat whiel we had a really LONG dive.

I have had more complaints about my weight integration than back floatation (Zeagle) or BP/Wing (AT PAC). Mostly, just criticisms about the weight of such systems when they have to move them around.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

I have had my set up looked at with suspicion, but have never been denied access because of it.

Are you sure it was the setup they were looking at with suspicion? :mooner:

 

[pennypue]

I really doubt anyone would deny you a dive based on a bp/w.....and if they did, frankly, I'd be a bit concerned about their safety and knowledge of diving.

On a dive trip, the crew usually eyes our set up a bit at first. We show them how it's set up, including long hose, after that, no problem. My SO donated his rig at the end of a trip to one of the crew at CCV. I wonder if they're enjoying it?

 

[JW]

Thanks for all the quick replies! To me it would have seemed silly to deny a person with the bp/w setup to dive. But I was just curious.

 

[evil_xander]

If they had any worries I'd show them the knife on my belt ...

Me too, that would probably close the conversation.