Reasons for aluminum b/p with single aluminum tank?

[VTWarrenG]

devjr,

Do you dive BP/wings? Do you have a problem on the surface?

Do you know anyone who dives BP/wings and has a problem on the surface?

- Warren

 

[Scubaroo]

Isn't the face forward in the water issue only of concern to an unconscious diver, who is not controlling their attitude in the water while at the surface? I had a perception that the face-down problem related mostly to people drowning on the surface while unconscious, because if their wing was inflated, it pushed them forward?

Can someone clarify?

 

[VTWarrenG]

bengiddins,

That's exactly "the problem." However, I don't think there's ever been a case where the backplate and wings system distinctly killed someone, and a jacket-style BC distinctly would have saved them. Typically it's one of those "non-problems" that detractors make up to attack DIR.

In reality, the backplate/wings system has so many advantages over jacket-styles underwater that this one minor (and as yet unproven) shortcoming on the surface is not really worth discussing.

- Warren

 

[Scubaroo]

Yeah, I think I read that the face-down thing prevents BP/wings from being classified as a life preserver by the US coast guard or something, rather than divers actually dying as a result.

 

[chris_b]

Originally posted by bengiddins
Yeah, I think I read that the face-down thing prevents BP/wings from being classified as a life preserver by the US coast guard or something, rather than divers actually dying as a result.

Is this any different from jacket-style bouyancy devices? I thought that they were also not classified as life preservers

Chris

 

[VTWarrenG]

chris_b,

Yeah, I wouldn't think a jacket-style would be much of a life-preserver either... and I'm not convinced that jacket-styles DON'T push you face down. The ones I've used have way too much "slop" in them. You can roll around and get the big air bubble to migrate all over, from the chest to the back to the side. If you happen to surface with that air buble stuck up around your neck, I don't think it'd treat the diver any differently than a BP/wings.

- Warren

 

[Campana]

I just put minimal air in my wings to hold my head out of the water. If you have a really big wing, and you blow it up to the bursting point, it'll be a struggle. If you need to put more air in, like in large waves, lie back on your wing. This problem is greatly exaggerated and results in scaring off divers who haven't experienced the bp/w setup.

 

[Lost Yooper]

I agree with Campana. I find that the tank can act like the keel of a boat and actually keep you facing upwardly pretty good. I have no problem laying on my back with wings and have never had a problem with being forced face down on the surface.

Mike

 

[Rick Murchison]

Originally posted by Lost Yooper
I agree with Campana. I find that the tank can act like the keel of a boat and actually keep you facing upwardly pretty good. I have no problem laying on my back with wings and have never had a problem with being forced face down on the surface.

Mike

Most recreational divers are using single rental AL 80's, and the face-down problem is real with that tank, especially with a bit of a sea. And while with a little practice one can learn to handle it, diving a back inflation BC in the "typical" recreational scenario (one to three dive trips a year to warm, clear water) just isn't as relaxing and fun as a jacket.
So it depends.
Rick (I use both back inflation and jacket - depends on the dive)

 

[DuckDive]

Originally posted by Rick Murchison

Most recreational divers are using single rental AL 80's, and the face-down problem is real with that tank, especially with a bit of a sea. And while with a little practice one can learn to handle it, diving a back inflation BC in the "typical" recreational scenario (one to three dive trips a year to warm, clear water) just isn't as relaxing and fun as a jacket.
So it depends.
Rick (I use both back inflation and jacket - depends on the dive)

Are you saying that you have found that no type of BP setup will float upright with an empty(ish) standard AL80 (without hanging weights off of it, I guess)?

Does this include a SS BP + STA? (Sounds like it does but I just want to make sure).

Mark.