SparkySFD
Guest
Okay I had an idea today. Rip it apart and tell me if wont work.
Here's my situation. I'm a Fireman and a member of the Water Rescue Team. The problem with most BC's is they tend to float you face down on the surface. Most training agencies advocate jacket style BC's. Now before you DIR types start ripping into me, Ive heard it before, and I dont buy it.
In my situation I dont have just myself to worry about. Swimming by yourself is one thing. But try swimming on the surface carrying a (hopefully) live body. Unfortunatly most of the time its a body recovery. Lucky for me I am inland and sea state is usually not a problem. But there are plenty of guys out there like me that do have the added worry.
While a DIR BP&wing setup is super underwater they suck for me on the surface (which is where most public safety divers drown). The BP&wing has added benefits for us. We firmen are legendary for our ability to break stuff. Backplates are pretty tough and if one component gets broken we can replace them without having to buy an entirely new BC. Makes it easier on the Chief and the taxpayer.
Here's my idea: Could a guy make a flotation device for the front of a diver wearing a DIR rig? What I invision is a bladder secured to the belt and possibly running up the shoulder straps to the d-rings. Would be bolt-snapped on so its easy to remove. Would have to utilize sometype of bungie (I know its a sin) to keep it all in and tight while not being used. A hose for a power inflator and would have to have a dump valve.
This would only be used for surface flotation. This is why I think the bungie thing is not a huge sin. It would be fairly tight to the body and I think not so bulky if done right.
What I dont know is how much buoyancy you would need. You would of course use the wing for most of the lift. But how much do you need to counteract and ensure a face up position. Cant be to big because you still have to be able to swim and perform work on the surface.
This wouldnt be for everyone. But I think it could solve a problem for some people. Tell me what you guys think.
Thanks
Here's my situation. I'm a Fireman and a member of the Water Rescue Team. The problem with most BC's is they tend to float you face down on the surface. Most training agencies advocate jacket style BC's. Now before you DIR types start ripping into me, Ive heard it before, and I dont buy it.
In my situation I dont have just myself to worry about. Swimming by yourself is one thing. But try swimming on the surface carrying a (hopefully) live body. Unfortunatly most of the time its a body recovery. Lucky for me I am inland and sea state is usually not a problem. But there are plenty of guys out there like me that do have the added worry.
While a DIR BP&wing setup is super underwater they suck for me on the surface (which is where most public safety divers drown). The BP&wing has added benefits for us. We firmen are legendary for our ability to break stuff. Backplates are pretty tough and if one component gets broken we can replace them without having to buy an entirely new BC. Makes it easier on the Chief and the taxpayer.
Here's my idea: Could a guy make a flotation device for the front of a diver wearing a DIR rig? What I invision is a bladder secured to the belt and possibly running up the shoulder straps to the d-rings. Would be bolt-snapped on so its easy to remove. Would have to utilize sometype of bungie (I know its a sin) to keep it all in and tight while not being used. A hose for a power inflator and would have to have a dump valve.
This would only be used for surface flotation. This is why I think the bungie thing is not a huge sin. It would be fairly tight to the body and I think not so bulky if done right.
What I dont know is how much buoyancy you would need. You would of course use the wing for most of the lift. But how much do you need to counteract and ensure a face up position. Cant be to big because you still have to be able to swim and perform work on the surface.
This wouldnt be for everyone. But I think it could solve a problem for some people. Tell me what you guys think.
Thanks