Equipping a BC with the proper things & how to attach

[sullivan]

Hopefully this is the right place to post this question. I’ve see lots of posts about gear one should have when they dive and different posters’ preferences for attaching various items with surgical tube, old inner tubes, bolt snaps, etc.

Can someone point me to an article, book or website that explains how to best attach the various essential things you take diving with you (I’m most concerned about securely attaching for ease of access and in accordance with “best dive practices”.) Based on my reading, I have already purchased dive whistles, EMT shears, and small flashlights; a dive knife will be ordered shortly. I’m not one to try making a bunch of stuff myself and don’t mind spending a little extra if the correct bolt snaps, bungy cord, etc help get the job done easily.

For background, my wife and I were certified last fall and our diving will consist mostly of 2 week long trips to the Caribbean. We may later try diving on the coast of Massachusetts in the summer.

 

[DevonDiver]

What sort of BCD do you have?

 

[Jorgy]

Are you considering a surface marker (AKA DSMB or see me tube)?

I think that is one of the the more critical items that all divers should carry......

Post you gear, you will get lots of great tips from SB....

These tips will lead you the what works for you......

M

 

[TSandM]

How and where you attach things will depend a great deal on what your equipment offers in the way of attachment points. I would say that a good general rule of thumb is that everything you carry should be attached in some fashion - just putting something inside a pocket means that, if the pocket isn't securely closed, you may lose it, and you may lose it while trying to fumble it out.

 

[sullivan]

Are you considering a surface marker (AKA DSMB or see me tube)? M

I had not considered so if this is critical, any link to a good item would be a great help.

I just saved my gear under my profile (Aqualung Pro QD BCD, Aqualung Titan LX regulator)

 

[Jorgy]

Well, not trying to be a scuba alarmist, but I think it is a valuable and essential piece of dive gear......

Biggest benefit is making you easier to see if you are floating on the surface far from your dive boat.....great for drift dives.....

You can also use it to hang on for an open water safety and/or surface more safely in a high boat traffic area.....just add a small spool if cave line.....

You can use it help retrieve a lost item (such a very heavy weight belt).....

Finally, it can serve as an alternate lift device if you have a BCD failure....

I would not dive without one, period......M

Some links......

Diving Safety Equipment -Surface Marker Bouys

Diver Alert Markers | Halcyon Dive Systems

uk.rec.scuba : UK Diver

 

[Rob9]

SMB's are a must where I dive, close to shipping channels, cold water and strong currents. however if your diving in the opposite conditions to these its not so much of a must have but a good safety feature (IMO).

As far as everything else is concerned you will find the balance with what you like to carry and how to carry it. I personally don't like the thought of carrying a lot of excess stuff with me underwater and like to keep things free from dangling, the type of diving you do will also dictate what you are required to carry.

My current personal setup...

Seaquest Balance
Suunto D6 - so I am not carrying a bulky computer - my personal preference
Halcyon Brass SPG - small, streamlined - cipped off on left hip D-ring
SMB - required for safety in my area - inside pocket
Finger Spool - for SMB, I don't like bulky reels and for my SMB this perfect - chest D-ring
Halcyon Scout - back-up torch, wreck/night/low-vis dives -clipped of on chest d-ring with a rubber ring securing it flat
Halcyon EOS - primary light - clipped off on chest D-ring
Very small stainless steel whistle (also very loud)- probably not required but I like to have it with me where I dive.

I have played with my set-up quite a bit, swapping different things to different sides/pockets etc to see what is more comfortable and practical. You will find what suits you the best, my personal opinion is to take whats required, keep everything free from getting tangled but also making sure its easily accessible, i have seen some people take 10mins+ to try in wrench their SMB from a back pocket and also spend another 5mins untangling things. Also have a look at what other divers carry and how they secure it, you might see some good ideas.

Just my opinion - I am relatively new to diving.

 

[scubadiver888]

sullivan,

Go diving. Look at how other people are wearing their gear. Ask them why they are wearing the kit that they are. Talk to people at local dive shops about this sort of thing. The items and skills needed are sometimes different for different areas. Hopefully the people in your area will be able to guide you better than someone half way around the world. Additionally, talking to the various shops should help you to determine which shop you like the most.

 

[cloudflint]

Determine the type of diving you want to be doing, then you can determine what equipment you need For instance, i would say a strobe is absolutely essential since alot of my diving is in pitch black zero vis water and sometimes all you have to go on is a little blinking light to tell where your buddy is. On the other hand if im diving in crystal clear bright water id say a strobe isn't needed.