Tucking console into the belt

[spog]

Hello,

I went on a diver this weekend using rental gear.

I was trying to find a clip to attach the console hose to my BCD, when the instructor tucked it under my weight belt.

It did keep it nice and to hand and stopped it from dragging around (though slightly harder to read).

Are they any downsides to stowing it like this?


spog

 

[El Orans]

It's easier to put the hose of your console between the velcro cumberbund and the second belt with the console facing you. That way, it won't be in the way and you can still read it easily.

 

[Bretagne]

I do not use a console, but I always put the hose of my air gauge under the belt (as El Orans describes). As I do not have my own BCD yet, I am sure it is always at the same place and I find it easily>

 

[SamDiver14]

Do you think there could be a safety issue with having the console in the weight belt? What if you needed to ditch and the console hung up on the weight belt? What about adjustment and possible wet suit compression? etc. etc. etc....

 

[DandyDon]

Do you think there could be a safety issue with having the console in the weight belt? What if you needed to ditch and the console hung up on the weight belt? What about adjustment and possible wet suit compression? etc. etc. etc....

Could happen. If you ditch the belt, use both hands to make sure it's clear of you and everything else before dropping.

Still, for your situation, I like sticking the console back thru the left arm hole of the BC, so it'll be readily available to look at.

Finally, I like the idea of buy your own gear, and get out while you're alive!

 

[garyfotodiver]

One of my BCs has slash pockets and I have stuck my console into the left-side pocket.

Otherwise, why not use a clip/lanyard setup?

 

[pt40fathoms]

Clips for consoles on rental BCD's routinely break, fall off, or are lost. This is a simple fact that we deal with all the time. Tucking the console under your Velcro cumberbund is the best place for it. I would avoid tucking it under your weight belt, simply because if you tug on the console and loosen the belt, you may just be setting yourself up for a fast ride to the surface.

 

[RICHinNC]

On both my SQ PRO QD and my bp & wing I put the console under the left strap and it is positioned right in front of me. Easy to find...easy to read...not flailing about. As long as it does not become a hazard where ever you have it in an emergency I would think would be fine.

 

[Charlie99]

When using rental gear I just bring along a snorkel keeper and a couple of big rubber bands. Very versatile.

Need an octo holder ---- just feed one loop of the snorkel keeper through a d-ring then back thru the other loop. THen just jam the octo mouthpiece into the loop.

If the console doesn't fit nicely under the cumberbund or into a fold below and behind the pocket, then a big rubber band and a little ingenuity should work to restrain the console while at the same time leaving it accessible.

 

[spog]

Hmm, interesting replies - thanks.

It was a little less easy to read compared to having it free, but then it was easier to find in the first place - I guess it's swings and roundabouts.

I was concerned that it could affect the weight belt causing it to undo prematurely, but thinking about it suggests that it is a benefit. If the belt is properly fastened, then the hose isn't going to unfasten it. If the belt is not securely closed to start with, then it is most likely to open when I tug on the console - ie when I am concentrating on that part of the kit and my hand is right next to the buckle - thus I can resolve the situation easily.

I liked the fact that it was not dangling and potentially dragging on coral. I think I'll try all your suggestions the next time I am out.

spog