Taking BCD off and putting back on again

[D Powell]

In the pool (on surface and underwater) I found this to be really difficult.

Is this common.

 

[dlndavid]

Under water it's very very hard if you are in a full 7 mil suit and integrated weights.

 

[creamofwheat]

I found it really, really difficult when I was in my drysuit and had gloves on...can't do a dratted thing with gloves on.

So yes, it is common to find it hard...especially if it's full of weights.

 

[JeffG]

In the pool (on surface and underwater) I found this to be really difficult.

Is this common.

Is what common?

The fact that it is difficult or the act itself?

 

[dpbishop]

Yes, that's why you practice it in the pool. Not to common in an actual dive unless your tank comes loose & your buddy isn't available to re-attach it.

 

[Penopolypants]

It was the hardest thing of all for me. Even mask clearing wasn't as bad.

One of my class divemasters said that you do it most in the real world when you kayak dive.

 

[Paco]

In the pool it shouldn't be that difficult. Make sure you relax when you do it and pay attention to the instructor when she/he demonstrates it. Try to make sure you have a weight belt, even if you use a weight integrated bc. It can be difficult if you float away from a weighted bc, so that is really important. Also make sure you slide it off your right arm last so that you can keep your regulator in while doing the skill. And lastly, make sure you instructor knows you are having difficulty with these skills so that he/she can give you some personalized attention. It is not unusual for students to feel uncomfortable with bc removal skills because they feel like their life support equipment is going away. But it is not going away; you simply have in in your hands for a short time rather than on your back .

Hope this helped some.

 

[Manta Aria]

Don't go killling yourselves before you get in the H2O :nonono: . If you have integrateds, leave them out while you put on the BC, have a Buddy help you don it ( I was taught this.). Once you have it adjusted and secure to your body, Then put the integrateds in ( make sure they are secured!) ,THEN put gloves or mitts on.. You will find this MUCH easier. In the water is easier with your BC inflated but this is not always practical in a real world environment (surge, waves).
Now I admit, I know next to nothing about dry suits. I've zipped many, plugged in a few LPI hoses...but that's it. The last guy with a dry I helped, put his gloves on AFTER I helped him rig up.

Underwater is a pain like david said: I had to do this once during a Search and Recovery task, looking for a mooring block once. I had to do this because I didn't strap my Tank on tight enough. It came loose and started rocking back and forth and sliding at 35 feet :huh: . When my DM found me, I had the rig off and was restrapping it, while trying to stay down . Not fun :cussing: . He helped me and all was good. Boy, did I learn a lesson.
Don't kill yourselves, we have all done it at one time or another...:icosm03:

 

[Paco]

Oh, and when you practice this on the surface, try to do it so that you slide the bc off and sit on the tank. Then you simply let it slide up your arms to get it back on. Again, have your instructor give you more pointers so that it will be easier for you.

 

[drm]

Practice, practice, practice. Take your time and get the procedure down. Once you nail the technique, it won't be hard anymore no matter where you're diving or what exposure protection you're using.

David Miner
www.divingindepth.com