Venting a BCD

[Likes2Cruise]

I've been pondering an issue I've been having with my buoyancy and had a question about the proper technique in venting air from the BCD.

I have a feeling that I am not getting all (enough) of the air out of my BCD. The question is: Should I remove the venting hose from the Velcro straps that it get fully extended? Or does the physics of the air trying to flow out not care that the hose is bent a bit downward before turning up? OR does the water pressure work against the air coming out in that configuration?

Thanks

 

[Dirkadiver]

You may need to release the hose from the velcro strap to get all the air out.

Make sure you're vertical when trying to dump the air so all the air runs to the top of the BC. Or you invert the other way & pull your dump valve on the bottom of the BC.

 

[spectrum]

On some models it works better if only the LP hose is under the strap. Whatever you do choose should be how you enter the water, not somethng you do when you need to vent.

Most BCs do have some amount of technique to bring the last burp to the highpoint so it can escape. It may be a tilt, tip or lean. Consider what you are doing.

Pete

 

[PePaw]

Well not knowing what your issues are try....
When decending, pull the release valve on your right shoulder while holding up your release hose.
While swimming in the horozontal position use the air dump valve located on the lower right back.

Also, take a deep breath just PRIOR to trying to decend. This lets you exhale completely.

It'll all come to you.

 

[CheddarChick]

Also make sure if you have a rear dump valve, there is no air trapped but using it. I roll over and pull rear dump after I vent through the shoulder dump

 

[Txfirefighter4305]

Some models of BC, you actually pull on the corrugated hose to activate a shoulder dump valve

 

[Parysa]

What if you don't have all the extra dump valves and all you have is the inflator hose (ie rented equipment)?

 

[Aspendiver]

Whatever you do choose should be how you enter the water, not somethng you do when you need to vent.

Pete

Why do you say that? My BC dumps air just fine for bouyancy control during the dive, but sometimes it does help to pull the velcro on the strap to get the hose vertical to dump that last bit of air out at the safety stop. It's easier than contorting all over the place to move any remaining bubble in the hose.
I'd rather do that than add a lb. of weight...

 

[Walter]

Many BCs are poorly designed and do trap air. When you are dumping air, the dump valve has to be at the highest point. If your BC is not designed to allow it to normally be at the highest point, you'll need to move your body in such a way that you put it there. Personally, I think it's a very good idea to look at dump valve placement when selecting a BC.

 

[Brewski]

I've been pondering an issue I've been having with my buoyancy and had a question about the proper technique in venting air from the BCD.

I have a feeling that I am not getting all (enough) of the air out of my BCD. The question is: Should I remove the venting hose from the Velcro straps that it get fully extended? Or does the physics of the air trying to flow out not care that the hose is bent a bit downward before turning up? OR does the water pressure work against the air coming out in that configuration?

Thanks

You can remove the hose from the velcro, or pull down on the hose to activate the shoulder dump valve if equiped. While swimming I find it easy to reach back with the right hand and use the bottom dump valve. the key is body position. you may need to tip your right shoulder down to make the left side the high point while in a foot down position. Or tip left side slightly down while utilizing the right hip dump. The point is the air bubble needs to be under the vent or it won't want to exit the BC.