AfterDark
Contributor
My 2 cents is that the BC is a good idea that was unfortunately implemented in about the worst possible way. The modern BC leaves a lot to be desired to the point where many recreational dives can actually be conducted better without them.
@AfterDark , if you are diving in cold water with a wetsuit, your position makes sense. For me, I live in the desert. I mostly dive warm water and I need to travel to dive. The weight and space savings with the luggage situation when using a simple harness instead of a BC are huge plusses. Then there are the benefits in water of better mobility as well. There can be many reasons to go no-BC, just as there can be many reasons to use one in other diving situations.
No disagreement with any of this. Cold water is my element. I'll will add that the one time I traveled by air to dive (pre-911) I took my BC packed in a hard case with my mask, fins, snorkel and regulator hoses. The 1st and 2nd stages and console were carry on. It wasn't a big deal...then. These days I don't think it's worth the hassle to even fly. Last time I flew was 2003, no dive gear, never again. If I can't drive there, then I'm not going.
Diving without a BCD is a skill worth learning and honing if, you have the conditions to dive that way. If that's what fits your needs then enjoy, there is nothing unsafe about it. Carrying some kind of inflatable device for surface use if needed in an emergency is a good practice. Something I do in addition to a BC.
Last edited: