New diver, new BCD, now need weighting advice

[GRH]

I could use some advice on the weight options for the Mares MRS Plus, Integrated Weight Pockets.

I completed my OW certification last weekend and am now putting together my diving gear. For now I will dive with a full 7mm wetsuit with 7mm step-in hooded vest. As a Seattle diver, I might consider a drysuit once I can control my buoyancy in a wetsuit.

I wasn’t crazy about the sediment oozing out of the soft lead filled bags and would like to use some coated solid lead weights that fit the MRS Plus pockets.

As a new diver they put 40 pounds of weight on me. I’m 6’, 192 pounds, and assume I will be able to drop weight with experience.

The secondary question; how should I distribute my weight? Should I add a belt as well? How much in the front BC pockets, back BC pockets, belt? Lots to learn.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DevonDiver]

I wasn’t crazy about the sediment oozing out of the soft lead filled bags and would like to use some coated solid lead weights that fit the MRS Plus pockets.

Hopefully, you won't be spending much time face-down in the muck - so that problem shouldn't be a big concern in the future?

I'm guessing this was due to 'fin pivots' on your OW training?

As a new diver they put 40 pounds of weight on me. I’m 6’, 192 pounds, and assume I will be able to drop weight with experience.

I won't second-guess your instructor, but it is pretty much normal to end your open water course a little (or a lot) overweighted...so your assumption is probably correct.

A novice divers' weighting requirements normally decrease as they become more relaxed in the water - increasing relaxation tends to normalize the breathing - so the diver has increasingly less unwanted, consistent buoyancy from their lungs.

The best way to determine your fine-tuned, ideal weighting is to conduct a buoyancy check in shallow water (5m); hover horizontally with an empty BCD, breathing normally and your tank at minimum reserve gas (300-500psi). Remove the weights in small increments, until you reach a stage where you can barely maintain the stop because of positive buoyancy. That is your maximum required weighting.

For more details, check out my article series on buoyancy: Scuba Buoyancy Masterclass

The secondary question; how should I distribute my weight? Should I add a belt as well? How much in the front BC pockets, back BC pockets, belt? Lots to learn.

This is really about the issue of TRIM.

You should aim to distribute your weight so that it naturally encourages/supports you to attain and maintain a streamlined, horizontal position in the water. Using the 'back' BCD pockets (trim pockets) may help encourage your upper body to lower into a more horizontal position. Splitting weights between the integrated pockets and a weight belt won't have much trim benefit (worth experimenting though) but it may make things more comfortable/manageable if you are carrying lots of weight.

The best way to work out your trim is through simple experimentation. You are aiming for a flat, horizontal hovering position that doesn't require constant effort to maintain. Get into a flat, horizontal hover position. Relax...stop compensating with your arms/legs...and see how your body naturally orientates. Close your eyes in the hover, feel what is happening to your position.

If you are head-heavy... move weight lower on your torso. If you are feet-heavy (more common), move weight higher. Experiment with your body positioning, arm and leg positioning, head positioning...

Here is what you should be aiming for:




Bear in mind the three emergency issues that involve weighting:

1) You need to be able to immediately and easily ditch weights at the surface, to prevent sinking in an emergency.

2) You need to be able to ditch enough weight to conduct a buoyant emergency ascent to the surface.

3) Your weights need to be secure enough to prevent accidental loss - causing runaway ascent. Splitting them can reduce the extremity of weight loss - but all storage options must be secure.

Splitting the storage of your weights can have distinct advantages when it comes to buoyant emergency ascents..and minimising the impact of weight storage loss. The drawback is that it can complicate efforts to attain immediate positive buoyancy on the surface in an emergency.

 

[GRH]

Good information, thanks. We did go over these concepts in my OW class but I obviously need to dive and practice. I will need to buy some weights before I practice.

The ooze I referred to was coming from the weight bag after I was out of the water. That is why I was asking for weight suggestions.

Thanks again.