Deaths due to Backplate/Wing or Rear Inflation BCDs

[captndale]

In the 50's and 60's there were no BC's. Divers used inflatable Mae West (horse-collar) style life jackets that were designed for airplane passengers. These life jackets were strictly for emergency use at the surface and were inflated by a small CO2 cartridge.

In the 70's Buoyancy Control Devices were being developed for use by divers. Most were adaptations of the front mounted horse-collar life jackets. They were made a little larger, equipped with an over-pressure valve and a corrugated hose with a mouthpiece for inflation. Some had automatic inflators so the diver could inflate them without taking his regulator out of his mouth.

Jacket style and back mounted BC's also started to show up. Competition developed between the manufacturers of the differing designs. Makers of the front-mounted BC's claimed that other designs would not turn an unconscious diver face-up and were therefore unsafe. This argument resonated with many instructors who were used to the older front-mounted safety vests.

My instructor, in 1973, did not trust any BC's and taught against them. He did not think a good diver should have to rely on such a "crutch." He later relented but never would accept anything other than a front-mounted, horse collar style.

 

[Ayisha]

If someone is tipping forward at the surface with a back inflate, it is due to incorrect trim. Just move some of the weight from your front toward your back or even your sides. Do not add extra weight if you are correctly weighted. Just transfer some of the existing weight toward your back and you will be able to easily control your position at the surface.

 

[Paco II]

Definitely agree with deep.dude. If this is a new diver that is already worried about such things, a jacket BC will likely make them much more comfortable on the surface.

I personally dive with a back inflate BC and wouldn't give it up for any reason. However for a first BC I would highly reccomend a standard jacket. My reasoning is that while back inflate BC's may not be listed as a cause of any deaths it does make it easier for a new diver to stay upright on the surface while waiting for a pickup.

 

[ShakaZulu]

I do believe the only death I've witnessed is the death of the jacket style BC.....

 

[dkktsunami]

Remaining afloat with head out of the water in a bp/w should be as easy as riding an inner tube down a river - lean back, pull up knees, relax, and fall asleep.......... The idea that a plate and wing will "push you face down" is a total myth.

 

[Paco II]

Maybe on ScubaBoard, but definitely not in the dive shops.

I do believe the only death I've witnessed is the death of the jacket style BC.....

 

[UnderSeaBumbleBee]

I actually find that I am more stable on the surface in my bp/w. I spent my first season in a jacket and had a horrible time on the surface. Now with the bp/w I just kick back and rest on the wing.

If you do a search on my username, from a couple of years ago, you will find a thread where I posted about feeling a little panic on the surface. That was with the jacket. Now everything is good

 

[NancyLynn]

Hi All,

My friend is in the process of picking out his first BC. I have a backplate/harness/wing that I love so I am of course suggesting that. He is very concerned about floating face down if he becomes unconscious.

Anyone very concerned about floating face down in the water probably should spend more time in the water swimming and getting comfortable in the water before progressing to diving.

 

[vladimir]

I generally don't add much air to my wing on a typical dive, which for me means warm water. The difference between a backplate and wing and a vest is barely discernible underwater. I generally don't use the crotch strap. If I inflate the wing at the surface it will tend to lean me forward. It is not an issue if you use the crotch strap and inflate judiciously, but it is not a myth.

 

[Bratface]

If these are his concerns, maybe he should reconsider scuba as a sport. He SHOULD always be diving with a buddy who is there to keep him floating upright and helping save him in the event there is a mishap. Tell him to start off with a jacket so he will feel more stable in the water. My Ladyhawk (back inflator BC) has never dumped me face first in the water. Dive more, worry less!