Taking Advanced certification, had some questions

[Paco II]

I will be taking my Advanced certification course in a couple of weeks, and was hoping to get some 'advanced' knowledge. One of the big questions I had has to do with lights. For the night diving portion, I will have to have my primary and secondary lights. As I have never dived with two lights, I am wondering were people typically attach their lights to their BC? As a lefty, is it acceptable for me to attach the primary to the D-ring under my AirSource hose? Where best to attach the secondary (it is on a retractor)? In general, I'd love to know where people typically attach their lights, as well as their compass, and anything else they usually bring.

Another question I had is regarding a new mask I bought. I will not be able to use it before the class. I've been told that new gear should be avoided for the class, but do you all think a new mask is ok? I'll be sure to do some testing of it in my bathtub first

P.S. If this is in the wrong forum, I hope a mod can move it to the correct one. Thanks!

 

[Steve_Dives]

You will probably be required to bring lights. I clip the primary to my BC so I can drop it and have both hands available. The back-up I stuff in a pocket. If you are naturally lefty, you might try the light in the right hand if you normally use the left for all the buoyancy adjustments.

Just clean the inside of the mask with toothpaste before using it in class!

 

[spectrum]

Hi Paco II,

Lets start with the lights....
Personally I hang them both from a right shoulder D-ring. My primary is on an 18 inch cord with a bolt snap. There is a second bolt snap that is up close for stowing it. This is an 8 cell PT E-LED. From the same ring I have a 4C PT Tec-400 that is a day light as well as my nightime back-up. In Bonaire it was as big a light as I wanted to use.

They want to be accessible and they want to be high enough to safe from bottom damage when not in use.

A lot will depend on your BC and your lights.

As for the mask and new gear that is good advice. You can get a fair idea about the fit in the tub. Be sure to include your snorkel or regulator in the test, they can change the fit.

Be sure to clean your mask, the film on new masks is most common cause of virgin mask woes.

Pete

 

[shurite7]

You may put the light where ever you chose. Make sure it isn't interfering with any other piece of equipment and it is easy to get to.

Mask issue. Your comment seems a little strange regarding the use of new equipment. If you can't use a new piece of equipment on a dive, when can you use? It is best however, if you can take it into the pool before you dive. Be sure to clean out the inside of the mask with old fashion tooth paste or soft scrub. You will need to do this at least 4 or 5 times.

Cheers

Chris

 

[Twiddles]

Your primary should probably be attached to your wrist and in use for most of the dive . Secondary is wherever your comfortable and wherever you can get to it in total darkness. You will need three lights, dont forget your tank light. Lightstick or LED light for tank is great.

You should be fine with a new mask just make sure you have checked it for seal in water prior to use.

 

[marcienko]

I belive you will also need a tank light, but this probaly a instructor call.

 

[Paco II]

Some great comments here. Thanks! I do have the tank light, but thanks for the reminder!

shurite7 - It was recommended to me to not use new equipment in the course, as I will already be dealing with learning a lot of new things.

I'd like to further inquire about placement of the primary light. It sounds like the right side D-ring may be better, since (as mentioned) it will keep my left hand free to deal with my inflator hose. However Twiddles mentioned having it attached to ones wrist. The light I bought came with a quick-release coil lanyard designed to be attached to the BC. Should I stick with that, or is using a wrist lanyard somethign I should be considering?

 

[mfalco]

I leave my secondary attached to a D ring on the left side. I use to leave it in the pocket, but I tried finding the pocket with my primary off, and it was a PITA.
My primary is attached to my wrist. That way if I drop it, it is right there.

 

[Paco]

Hello Paco II. Just wanted to say hi. Nice user name.

Paco (I?)

 

[IceIce]

I carry my back up light on my right shoulder, attached to the BC harnest with rubber cut from inner bicycle tyre, it's good and safe (won't drop) and come in handy when I need it and it doesn't interfere my equipment and keep me streamline, I can also use it without taking it off, help me shine my way.

As for primary, I attach it to my wrist and hold it all the time during night dive. It can be tedious when I'm taking picture, but getting used to it because it would be more tedious to clip it on the BC or put it in the pocket (It's UK C8, bloody huge!), but it come in handy when I need to anchor on sandy bottom.

Anyway, if I dive in big group and everybody else was around and it starting to look like star trek or anything with all the beam of lights arounds, I like to off my light (it's not good practice btw) but it's getting very uncomfortable with too many lights sometimes esp when your fellow group is kicking here and there and they are attracted with lights!

For your course, maybe you can pay more attention to navigation part, it's more crucial. Compass, you can buy the wrist type or the one you can attach to you Gauge. Make sure you buy good one.

About mask, toohpaste and magic white spons are good friend, baby shampoo few minutes before you jump is great. Repeat every dive.

Good luck.