PerroneFord
Contributor
I surfaced... but not by choice! WIth a 5mil on.. I was pretty buoyant. I made sure not to let go of the shoulder of my harness! I don't think I would have EVER gotten back down there!
Taking BCD off and putting back on again
- Thread starter D Powell
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I've found that the easiest method is doff and don over the head. This works equally well on the surface or at depth. No struggle or twisted hoses and everything falls right into place.
This method works very well at depth, especially with integrated weights. It can also be done quite easily mid column. It works with harness or jacket. I've not tried it with doubles, but I 've not tried anything with doubles.
It probably looks a little intimidating to a new diver, but those I've shown the technique to have adopted it and found it easier to perform, while having less problems like trapped hoses and straps. It is nearly effortless to do in deep water, on the surface. In fact, it can be done while moving across the surface.
I'll also use this method when on the boat or land, but make sure there is clearance and you have a strong back.
Thing is, I have not seen anyone else doff and don like this, so there is probably something I'm overlooking which makes this a really bad idea.
This method works very well at depth, especially with integrated weights. It can also be done quite easily mid column. It works with harness or jacket. I've not tried it with doubles, but I 've not tried anything with doubles.
It probably looks a little intimidating to a new diver, but those I've shown the technique to have adopted it and found it easier to perform, while having less problems like trapped hoses and straps. It is nearly effortless to do in deep water, on the surface. In fact, it can be done while moving across the surface.
I'll also use this method when on the boat or land, but make sure there is clearance and you have a strong back.
Thing is, I have not seen anyone else doff and don like this, so there is probably something I'm overlooking which makes this a really bad idea.
PerroneFord
Contributor
I gear up all the time like this with my single tank. Doing it in doubles was very hard undwater, and nearly impossible (or at least ill-advised) on the surface.
Lisa0825
Contributor
The part that was difficult for me was finding the right straps and their corresponding buckles. If I was more familiar with the BC, if it was one I'd used more than twice before, I think it would have been easier to match them up.
cleung
Contributor
Most new skills in the water are difficult at first, after all, they are new skills. You will get better at it as you do it more. Don't worry, you will get there.
PerroneFord
Contributor
I'm curious if anyone has every found a real need for this ditch and don skill. I can see for the cavers maybe. Has anyone gotten tied up in fishing line and found this helpful?
Its primary use is confidence building. It works really well for that.
As you mention, it would also be very useful in an entanglement situation.
Most recently, I used it about a month ago while diving a river. There was a log across the river which I could not get under. I doffed, put my kit in the overhead donning position and then kicked it through the opening under the log. I donned the kit as my knees were just clearing the restriction. This was at 13' wearing a 7mm with about 800 lbs in an AL80. It would have been easier to swim over or around the log, but where's the skill in that?
I think it's an important skill that could save your life. It could also cost you your life or health if done wrong, so it's a good thing to practice imo.
As you mention, it would also be very useful in an entanglement situation.
Most recently, I used it about a month ago while diving a river. There was a log across the river which I could not get under. I doffed, put my kit in the overhead donning position and then kicked it through the opening under the log. I donned the kit as my knees were just clearing the restriction. This was at 13' wearing a 7mm with about 800 lbs in an AL80. It would have been easier to swim over or around the log, but where's the skill in that?
I think it's an important skill that could save your life. It could also cost you your life or health if done wrong, so it's a good thing to practice imo.
Lisa0825
Contributor
Now that I think about it... the mask I had on at that time leaked everytime I looked downward, so I had to find the straps and clip them without looking at them. That could have been part of the problem!
Lisa0825:Now that I think about it... the mask I had on at that time leaked everytime I looked downward
Snorkle caught under a strap?
The problem with the straps you describe is another reason in favor of a simple harness. Aside from that, it's good to spend time learning your kit by feel. Find a D ring or something you can hit every time and use that as a land mark. Then work out from there to learn each piece by feel. Unless you dive DIR, each kit will likely be a bit different from the next and will take time to learn.
Lisa0825
Contributor
dherbman:
Nope, just a loaner mask that didn't fit quite right. I treid another one the next time in and ended up buying it. I haven't started shopping for a BC yet. I want to rent for my first dive trip to make sure I will be able to pursue this before I buy much more.
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