Dave Bevan
Contributor
So, the answer is that 'many have mistaken . . '. I agree with your point, Dave, that the DIR wording is crystal clear. So, I do have to wonder, how could such a disconnect arise?
Maybe, it is a question to which no satisfactory, informed answer is possible. But, hopefully this thread has alerted many divers to the fact that 'balanced rig' is NOT synonymous with 'no ditchable weight'.
Because many people think you can copy something without understanding the reasoning behind it. They think you can put a formula for a good diver that you can follow that works in all situations and set ups but the horrible and scary fact is that there isn't. It just isn't simple like that. You have to go out and dive different places, try different techniques and equipment configurations until you can establish a paradigm that works for you.
Diving is about risk management and sometimes there isn't a clear answer. So you remove ditchable weight and now you increased your drowning risk at the surface. So you fit a weightbelt and now you increased your likelihood of accidental ascent. Unfortunately all you can do is use you experience and common sense to judge the safest option and ensure that you are are well informed of both the advantages and disadvantages of any decision you take.
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