"Valves-Down" configuration...

[DeepSeaDan]

Greetings,

Am thinking of wearing my 130's / bp/wing with valves down because...

1. Previous shoulder injuries make over-the-shoulders valve manipulation difficult

2. Am used to valve-down config.'s in Commercial Diving & Firefighting

My initial thinking is to wear the cylinders with valves facing inward towards my body. I'd route & capture the hoses up behind the b.p.on the appropriate sides to streamline the routing.

All hoses would drape over the shoulders in standard config..

I'd need to fabricate some form of strong, stable cylinder support / valve protector to accomodate the typical boat diving bench seat. This support must be easy to remove for dressing & just as easy to re-establish for un-dressing.

Your thoughts / suggestions would be appreciated.

Regards,
DSD

 

[Scuba_Steve]

Would slob winders not be easier?

And I can't believe I just said that in public

 

[RICHinNC]

Dont the Brits do that often? Maybe you could find a valve protector on a Brit site....or write BSAC an email.

 

[dougaldiver]

Have a look at

http://www.customdivers.com/valveprotectors.htm

 

[Bob3]

Have a look at

http://www.customdivers.com/valveprotectors.htm

Yah, I think there's someone in the US that makes a nearly identical item too.
Maybe if I cook up another pot of espresso my poor brain will get jumpstarted.

 

[DeepSeaDan]

Would slob winders not be easier?

And I can't believe I just said that in public

...ya got me - what are "slob winders"??

DSD

 

[DeepSeaDan]

Have a look at

http://www.customdivers.com/valveprotectors.htm

...for the link...

DSD

 

[Scuba_Steve]

...ya got me - what are "slob winders"??

DSD

How'd I know I'd find them on the OMS web-site?

lol

http://www.omsdive.com/valve-access.html

I couldn't figure out if they were under tank accessories, valve accy's, hose accy's..............

They've got a respectable name for them at least...

'Detachable Remote Valve Knob Assembly'

Regards

 

[Bob3]

Since the valves/regs are probably going to be the first thing to get fouled, inverting would be the better way to go if a guy can't reach back between the shoulderblades.

 

[JEScholz]

I don't know what type of BC/Wing you use, but have you thought about mounting your inverted tank in one of the walk away brackets used to mount SCBA packs on the fire truck. Most stations have an extra one lying around. You can remove the two tank retaining springs, or keep them. Wont work to well on doubles though.