Types of BC's

[Teamcasa]

My point exactly. Unless specifically counterweighted, a wing will float an unconscious diver face down on the surface. That is why I do not advocate the use of BP/W for novel divers and it is why I do advocate that the use a jacket style BCD, preferably with counterweights on the the tank strap.

The reality is that any diver that has spent anytime working on their buoyancy and trim is close to being properly counterweighted. Add to that, if I'm unconscious, on the surface, I already have a problem that no BC is going to help me much.

 

[TSandM]

If I'm unconscious, on the surface, and WITHOUT MY BUDDY, then I am having a probably irretrievably bad day. I just don't plan for those.

 

[shellbackdiver1]

My point exactly. Unless specifically counterweighted, a wing will float an unconscious diver face down on the surface. That is why I do not advocate the use of BP/W for novel divers and it is why I do advocate that the use a jacket style BCD, preferably with counterweights on the the tank strap.

I did not know "novel" divers are found on the surface unconscious.

 

[leapfrog]

The reality is that any diver that has spent anytime working on their buoyancy and trim is close to being properly counterweighted.

I agree. That's why I am commenting (it's just an opinion) that I would not suggest BP/W as the best option for novice divers. When on the surface, divers new to back inflation will need to break the habit of holding down the power inflator until they feel squeeze (there won't be any) or hear the OPV release. With an over inflated aircell they will have a huge amount of buoyancy on their back, causing them to float too high in the water and tip forward. Instead, they should add only enough gas until their head is just above the water.

Add to that, if I'm unconscious, on the surface, I already have a problem that no BC is going to help me much.

Agreed. It's still better to be face up than face down, if and where possible. A back mounted BCD can hamper rescue work. On the surface giving artificial respirations requires altering the technique to accommodate the BC. Back Mounted BCs must be deflated enough to allow the rescuer close contact without having to climb over the air bag.

If I'm unconscious, on the surface, and WITHOUT MY BUDDY, then I am having a probably irretrievably bad day. I just don't plan for those.

That's a perfectly reasonable statement. I'm simply pointing out that there is something to be said for jacket type BCDs, especially with regard to the safety of divers who are still new to the sport. Sometimes, in a rescue situation, the victim can be made fully buoyant and sent up. This is not ideal but it is an option. If this is done, the victim will come out of the water, and fall back. This sudden change in pressure may cause passive inhalation, which may restore normal breathing. The rescuer should follow up at a normal rate of ascent. The victim will out gas all the way to the surface. However it is important to stress that you can never use this method on a breathing diver, or a diver wearing a back mounted BCD, which will float him face down.Check the BCD to insure that it is of the type that will float the victim face up, and has an over inflation valve, otherwise bring him up with you.

I did not know "novel" divers are found on the surface unconscious.