Replacing Transpac XT on Surfface

[Mayyad]

Hi All,

I am currently taking the PADI Rescue Diver course and have recently got a Transpac XT BC with quick buckle weight system and a 2 in Crotch Strap.

Donning the unit on surface seems to be difficult as compared to recreational BCs.

With the integrated weight and the back inflation bladder, the BC tends to attain a vertical position on surface the thing that makes it difficult to put on. Secondly, the Crotch Strap is difficult to locate and insert in the waist strap.

Any tips or movies that you can share showing how to Don a Tech BCD on surface.

Thanks,

M.A.

 

[mtngoat2674]

I dive the Transpac XT as well. Although I've had no problems donning/doffing the BC by any method I've ever seen demonstrated, you may try the overhead method. This may work better for you. See here: Over the head donning of BC [Archive] - ScubaBoard - Scuba Diving Forum - Diving Social Network

When doing this with the Transpac, hold the tank, not the BC. I've seen more than a few divers make the mistake of donning their BCs in an overhead fashion by holding onto the material of the BC instead of the tank. This can cause the tank to 'flop' around, especially when using a soft backplate, potentially causing injury. Another tip is to not intentionally TRY to keep your head above water while doing this. Inflate the BC (at least partially), and let buoyancy of the BC do some of the work for you so you don't land the thing right on your head. My local instructor teaches this method in all his basic courses, it's neither difficult nor inherently dangerous as I've heard some mention. It's a matter of what works best for you.

And by the way, good luck with Rescue. I'm a NAUI diver, but regardless which agency, the skills taught are great to know. They've come in handy for me more than once.

 

[victorzamora]

I think you're overthinking it. I also think most people try to do too much work. The first time I tried out Sidemount, the guy told me I was thinking like I was on land and not in water. I had to remember that I was in the water. First of all, slightly deflate your BCD. Too much air will make it hard. Second, it's a scuba unit. Don't be afraid to put your reg in. I like to "roll" into my bcd. Arm through one side, roll it around (or roll myself around it), and then get the other arm through. Reg in, face down to reach the crotch strap and I'm done.

 

[CurtSchu]

I think you're overthinking it. I also think most people try to do too much work. The first time I tried out Sidemount, the guy told me I was thinking like I was on land and not in water. I had to remember that I was in the water. First of all, slightly deflate your BCD. Too much air will make it hard. Second, it's a scuba unit. Don't be afraid to put your reg in. I like to "roll" into my bcd. Arm through one side, roll it around (or roll myself around it), and then get the other arm through. Reg in, face down to reach the crotch strap and I'm done.

Exactly, I have not had a traditional OW BC in Years and when my Daughter took her OW class I did a swim along so in the interest of being a good dad I did a lot of the drills too. Working with my nomad as a single back-mount was good practice.

 

[geoff w]

I have the TransPlate harness, which is just like the Transpac, but has a metal backplate. When I help with rescue classes and play victim, I usually don't use the crotch strap. Most rescue students have enough trouble getting the skills down, and in their general diving the chances are if they ever rescue a diver, statistically it's unlikely a crotch strap will be involved

Depending on conditions, I'll either don my rig horizontally, fully inflated with the tank between my legs and just lean back putting your arms into the shoulder straps, or partly inflated horizontally, putting one arm into the strap, then turning to get the other into the strap. Make sure the black plastic quick releases for the shoulders are connected and not twisted first. After your arms are in, do your waist harness, then at your leisure do the crotch strap and sternum strap. The trick is not to rush; just relax, think through the steps and take deliberate movements.

Taller tanks are actually easier than shorter tanks, so if you're using an Al63 or steel HP80, try something taller

 

[mtngoat2674]

Most rescue students have enough trouble getting the skills down, and in their general diving the chances are if they ever rescue a diver, statistically it's unlikely a crotch strap will be involved.

Not trying to hijack the thread, but I'm curious what region you do your training in? For my area, your statement would be untrue as many divers are using bp/w setups, even just recreationally. Many other divers are going to the i3 BCs, and I'm wondering if your courses are incorporating training for this as well with regard to rescue? I also assist with rescue courses, so I'm curious how others are approaching this.

 

[geoff w]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but I'm curious what region you do your training in? For my area, your statement would be untrue as many divers are using bp/w setups, even just recreationally. Many other divers are going to the i3 BCs, and I'm wondering if your courses are incorporating training for this as well with regard to rescue? I also assist with rescue courses, so I'm curious how others are approaching this.

LA / southern California area. In rescue classes, students around me usually have rental gear or recreational BCs. Dive buddies on the weekend are roughly split bp/w and recreational BCs. When I lead fun dives for LDS, 90+ percent of divers who come out are in recreational BCs with no crotch strap. When I've participated in IDCs, one recurring comment is that at the IE nobody wants to buddy up with someone wearing a bp/w for the skills.

No specific training for i3 BCs, or bp/w, for the rescue class. When I took the rescue class as a student, my instructor was pissed because I had a jacket BC (old Scubapro Classic) with no quick releases on the shoulders and no integrated weights - much more difficult to get the victim out of that on the surface that the Transpac / Transplate

The original question was about donning a Transpac on the surface. I'm not sure if a continuous webbing harness with a bp/w would be more difficult or not, since the Transpac allows you to adjust the shoulder length, so you can loosen everything before putting the rig back on, then tighten up once you're wearing it. Like everything else, the first time is a struggle, and it gets easier the more times you practice

 

[RJP]

Hi All,

I am currently taking the PADI Rescue Diver course and have recently got a Transpac XT BC with quick buckle weight system and a 2 in Crotch Strap.

Donning the unit on surface seems to be difficult as compared to recreational BCs.

With the integrated weight and the back inflation bladder, the BC tends to attain a vertical position on surface the thing that makes it difficult to put on. Secondly, the Crotch Strap is difficult to locate and insert in the waist strap.

Any tips or movies that you can share showing how to Don a Tech BCD on surface.

Thanks,

M.A.

practice... practice... practice...

 

[AWMIII]

I use a Transpac and frequently put my gear on in the water. With the tropical wing, it is easy. I generally do not use the crotch strap with this setup. With doubles and the big wing, it can be hard because the bladder pinches the shoulders together. The main secret is not to use too much air in the bladder. Get it buoyant, but to no inflate to the point when it pinches the shoulders. Don't be afraid to grab the crotch strap after you are under water and hook it up then. Or sometimes, I just let it trail behind me and forget it all together.