Removing weight integrated BC

[thyuen]

I was taught how to remove and don the bc (non-WI) underwater during my OW class. I've got my own WI bc now, is there any difference in the proceudure?

 

[sharkbaitDAN]

You do it the same way. I do not find it any more difficult to remove and replace.

 

[waterdaughter]

I was taught how to remove and don the bc (non-WI) underwater during my OW class. I've got my own WI bc now, is there any difference in the proceudure?

While the procedure is similar...the first time is a little disconcerting if one does not remember to keep the BC firmly in your grasp and close to you.
The first time I tried it, (in the pool, with a Morphos Pro), I discovered very quickly that without a weight belt, (now your BC) your natural bouyancy results in a quick trip away from the equipment, if you are not prepared. After a couple of practices, you figure your own way....but if you were taught the L arm through, R arm through, you will find that it is not quite so simple with your body seeking the surface. It's comical at 8-10 feet...but I am glad my first attempt wasn't at 30.
As long as you remember that the BC is your only weight source...you won't let go (obviously) and from my experience as a new diver changing to W.I. (I did this immediately after getting my OW) , I definitely reccomend a trip or two to the pool. IMHO

W/D

 

[scubatoys]

You actually should find it to be much easier, as the BC will not want to float away. The only thing that could make it harder, is if you are wearing a heavy wetsuit, in which case, you will have a tendency of floating away!

Of course the good news is... You will probably never in you life have to use this skill for any reason. I've done it a few times, tank slip or something... but would have been just as easy to get my buddy to fix it.

 

[thyuen]

Thanks all.

 

[jonnythan]

As said, you'll go from holding the BC down while keeping yourself from sinking to keeping the BC from sinking and holding yourself down.

Don't let go

 

[carbon]

When I wear a very thick wetsuit, I settled on wearing a weight-belt with enough weight to approximately compensate for the wetsuit. I then put the remainder of the weight in the weight-integrated BC.

If you ever have to dump your weights, there is another potential advantage. You can dump some of the weight (for a slower trip to the surface), or all of the weight.

Of course, you need to make sure your buddy knows you're using two weight systems and how to release each of them.

Here's a link that member rcohn pointed out for me when I raised the question. Once the newsletter opens, find the article "I guess it wasn't my time to die" by Art Laramee.

http://www.neadc.org/newsletters/neadc_news_08-2001.doc

Regards,
Carbon

 

[H2Andy]

yes... make triple sure you do not let go of the weight-integrated BC, otherwise,
pretty much the same.

however, not to be a contrarian, it's actually easier for me to remove a non-integrated BC than an integrated one, don't ask me why. maybe beacuse i learned on a non-integrated one.

 

[jbisjim]

I too learned on a weight int Bc. When i help with classes I don a weightbelt and teach it both ways.

As posted above it is a good skill incase your belt slip or you need to adjust underwater. But typically not a widely used skill

 

[DementialFaith]

Well, when you first remove the bc, you'll find your wetsuit-protected body wants to cloat, particualrly your feet(since your arm(s) would be hold on to the bc, right?), when that happens, just dont let go of the bc, and start kicking to move your body down, do whatever is needed to be done, and that's all. Just think about your sisuation every step of the way and modifiy as you go and you'll be fine.