Proper BCD set up?

[DavidHickey]

I apologize if this appears twice. I hit enter the 1st time and my screen froze up. Not sure if it went or not, so I had to re type it.
How do you guys set your BCDs up? As far as what essential items do you keep on the BCD at all times such as, knifes, mirrors, whistles, spare masks, safety sausages and such. And were do you keep them in the pockets, attached to D rings. Also what type of connectors do you use for gauges and Octo ? Retractors or just regular clip type connectors? Basically, I ordered a new Zeagle Ranger LTD and it should arrive soon, just want to start getting it Dive ready, and being new to diving just not sure of the proper set up or if there even is such a thing. Looking at the shelfs full of gadgets and connectors and such at the Dive Store, I figure you would not even need weights if you bought all of that stuff. You would sink from the weight of the accessories. So far all I have bought is the Zeagle tool pouch which includes a Stainless Steel dive knife and a pair of surgical shears which attaches to the BCD. Any advice would be appreciated. Also I have a Suunto Cobra computer. I've been told you should still have a regular pressure guage for back up. Do most people actually do this, or just rely on their computer.
Thanks
David

 

[jonnythan]

The part of my BC that actually touches my body looks like this: http://www.omsdive.com/images/bp-166.jpg minus the right waist D-ring.

All clipping is done with bolt snaps. I keep my SPG clipped to the left waist D-ring. I have two backup lights clipped to each shoulder D-ring and attached to the webbing with bungee so they stay out of the way. I have a knife in a plstic sheath on the waist strap just to the left of the main buckle.

My backup regulator is on a bungee necklace and on a very short hose so it stays right under my chin. It's my backup. My buddy gets my primary regulator if he needs air.

My bottom timer/computer is on my right wrist, and when I have a compass it's on my left wrist. If I carry a safety sausage it's in a pocket.

Simplify simplify simplify. You don't need every gadget and gizmo in the store

BTW, I wouldn't worry about a backup pressure gauge. Keep one in your dive bag, but you won't need it on a dive. If your computer fails you're going to surface anyway.

 

[The Kraken]

That's a rather broad question that requires an even broader answer.
The answer, in a nutshell, is "it depends upon the type of dive you're doing and the nature of the diving environment".

Try not to get caught up in that new diver syndrome of "gadgetitis". I think every diver, when entering the sport, is fascinated by all of the new things. I think men, especially, are prone to fall into the gadget trap, we're just that way by nature.

Retractors look very appealing, but in the end can be real pains in the gluteous maximus. They will malfunction at the moment they're needed most.

Most emergency signaling devices are associated with ocean type diving, to include the Great Lakes and like dive sites, wherein a scenario can arise whereby you must attract the attention of a distant observer.

A small knife should always be present and some type of light source. Mostly associated with entanglement issues, a knife can also be a life saver in the rare occurrence in which a diver would have to have his BC cut away in order to prevent a life threatening situation. Some extra light is always welcome.

With respect to a back up SPG for your computer, taking that it is air intergrated, that is a topic of some debate that has been discussed in another thread.

Right now just focus on becoming comfortable in the new environment. Get comfortable in your BC. Work on your buoyancy. If there is a pool available where you can get some extra practice, by all means avail yourself of it.

For the present dive with just your essentials, SPG, depth gauge, timing device or computer and get used to using them. These can be attached easily to your BC with bolt snaps. These snaps are inexpensive and easily replaced. They're used primarily to prevent "danglies".

Just remember, the more stuff you have hanging on you, the more stuff you have to take care of on the boat. The more stuff that can become defective. The more stuff you can forget and leave at home. The more stuff that can be stolen.

As you progress just take note of how other divers are configured. Decide for yourself what YOU feel is necessary for your safety and your diving conditions. Discuss this with your primary dive buddy, if you have one.

Safe dives . . .
. . . safer ascents!!!

 

[moneysavr]

Hi David,
You will still need lead! I agree with Kraken the more stuff the more problems you can have, as a newer diver=try to keep it clean and easy.
If you do a boat dive you need the signal items,if you do a quarry dive-take the stuff off,
A knife or shears,the "EMTshears" is my pick on the great lakes in case you get caught in line,my bud did=and the EMT shears is the way to go.
a cheap whistle i have on my BC inflator hose [zip tie on],
a reg dive knife strap on my SPG hose [zip tie on] seen a guy slice his drysuit at depth trying to replace a dive knife on his lower leg,
shears in BC pocket,saftey sausage on lower D-ring side,if on a lake/ocean dive,
And im allways changing things as i see other divers set ups,Thats the fun thing about this sport there is no [1 ]way or right way to do it!! there are hundreds of ways to do it.That depends on the dive enviroment,each one dive is not the same!
Brad

 

[divad]

BTW, I wouldn't worry about a backup pressure gauge. Keep one in your dive bag, but you won't need it on a dive. If your computer fails you're going to surface anyway.

Assuming you're both talking about about a back-up depth gauge, I've had my computer "act funny" and just switched to the watch and analog depth gauge. Even if you're going to the surface, Its nice to know the depth and duration of your safety stop. I couldn't possibly rely solely on a computer, but that may be more a function of Luddite-istic paranoia than reason.

 

[The Kraken]

Nope, a submersible pressure gauge.
The SPG give you your breathing gas volume remaining. A depth gauge give you your depth.

 

[divad]

Nope, a submersible pressure gauge.
The SPG give you your breathing gas volume remaining. A depth gauge give you your depth.

I didn't know his computer was air-integrated.

 

[jonnythan]

If a piece of equipment fails or act funny often enough to have you switch to analog equivalents frequently, it seems like a good idea to me to get rid of the item that acts funny and use what's reliable instead.

 

[jonnythan]

And yes, if I were diving with a Cobra (air-integrated hosed computer) I'd almost certainly have a separate bottom timer or computer on my wrist. I talked about backing up the pressure gauge function of the Cobra and neglected to mention that I would back up the computer function.

 

[divad]

If a piece of equipment fails or act funny often enough to have you switch to analog equivalents frequently, it seems like a good idea to me to get rid of the item that acts funny and use what's reliable instead.

That's the question.