PADI DM Gear Exchange Difficulty

[CaptainKidd]

Hey All,

I'm wrapping up my DM requirements and I'm having a major issue with the gear exchange skill. Can anyone offer some advice? I would greatly appreciate it. So far, this is the first time any skill has made me nervous in the water. I've already attempted this 4 times, with no luck.

Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas?

Cheers!

Dan

[theskull]

You don't say what specific problem you're having, but here are a couple tips:
*Get the buddy breathing rhythm down first, then proceed with the gear
*Do in a standing position
*Wear a weight belt so you don't give up your ballast when you hand off the BC (both of you)
*Do one thing at a time

theskull

[String]

Think of a plan and go REALLY slowly.

Stop after each bit to make sure you're thinking through the next bit before continuing.

So, stop, breathe, think, remove bit of kit, stop, breathe,think, hand over bit of kit, stop, breathe,think, receive replacement bit and so on.

Its entirely an exercise in problem solving and nothing else. Dont rush it by trying a bit of kit on each breathing cycle - if you need more breaths to think or compose yourself then take it.

[ReefHound]

Here's a tip... if you can get away with it. Wear each other's equipment starting out, then you are exchanging into your own. The fit and adjustment issues will be much easier with your own gear since you are used to it.

As said, get the breathing rhythm down first before trying to swap gear. One person at a time remove/don gear while the other handles the reg. Move slowly and methodically. It isn't a timed exercise.

[CaptainKidd]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies.

Yeah, sorry, I didn't go into details with the specific problems I was having.

Here they are:

1. We weren't wearing weight belts. We were in our weight integrated BCD's so, once the BCD came off, staying down was really difficult, making buddy breathing more difficult.

2. Size difference. I'm 5'-10" 180lbs and my partner was maybe 5'-1" and unsure of her weight - 2 different size BCDs with different amounts of weight.

I agree, we should've slowed down. I can see how that would help tremendously. Also, wearing weight belts would've made a huge difference... I'm not sure why my instructor didn't allow us to do that or even mention it. I'll have to ask him.

Thanks again, I really appreciate it.

Dan

[String]

1. We weren't wearing weight belts. We were in our weight integrated BCD's so, once the BCD came off, staying down was really difficult, making buddy breathing more difficult.

Wear weightbelts. You do not have to swap suits or belts.

I hate WI BCs for that reason - if you need to dekit underwater you're in trouble with them.


2. Size difference. I'm 5'-10" 180lbs and my partner was maybe 5'-1" and unsure of her weight - 2 different size BCDs with different amounts of weight.

If the BCs are drastically different sized either start in the other persons OR you are allowed to swap and swap straight back. I did mine (size small) with someone size XXL and i could remove his BC by falling out through the bottom of it.


So remember:- suits and weight belts are not swapped so take advantage of it!

[CaptainKidd]

Wear weightbelts. You do not have to swap suits or belts.

I hate WI BCs for that reason - if you need to dekit underwater you're in trouble with them.



If the BCs are drastically different sized either start in the other persons OR you are allowed to swap and swap straight back. I did mine (size small) with someone size XXL and i could remove his BC by falling out through the bottom of it.


So remember:- suits and weight belts are not swapped so take advantage of it!

That's awesome news! Thanks String, that really helps!

:D

[Colliam7]

I'm wrapping up my DM requirements and I'm having a major issue with the gear exchange skill. Can anyone offer some advice? I would greatly appreciate it. So far, this is the first time any skill has made me nervous in the water. I've already attempted this 4 times, with no luck.It would be helpful to understand what happened during the previous attempts. You don't say what specific problem you're having, but here are a couple tips:
*Get the buddy breathing rhythm down first, then proceed with the gear DEFINITELY
*Do in a standing position WE WERE KNEELING
*Wear a weight belt so you don't give up your ballast when you hand off the BC (both of you) YES
*Do one thing at a time YES, YES, YES
I did my DM gear exchange with a colleague who is 4" shorter, and 40 pounds lighter, than me. The difference you describe is admittedly a little greater. As I recall (and this description is subject to possible memory lapses), we found that the 'secret' to success was in the sequencing - SLOWLY AND METHODICALLY exchange everything we could, short of the BC (and air supply), first. (We also had the challenge of his mask having prescription lenses. So, we exchanged -and donned and cleared - masks twice, ending up with our original masks.) We also swapped weight belts, twice, to end up with our proper amount of weight. But, we had to do a full exchange, so that we held the other diver's weight belt for a brief time, before handing it back. What I don't remember are all the details of the buddy breathing, but he and I had done our 20 skills together, so we had buddy breathing refined to a fairly practiced art, and that is what made it work for us. Buddy breathing is not the easiest skill in the world. That memory issue aside, what worked for us: We exchanged masks, fins, AND weight belts. Then, we faced each other, both removed our BCDs, and placed them in front of us, to the right side, just like demonstrating the 'BCD remove and replace' skill for a OW class. We then each shifted our tank and BCD from the right side to the left side, (so after the exchange, the BCDs would be on the right side of the 'donning diver). Then it was just a matter of redonning the BCD in front of us, and swimming around in the exchanged gear. The key for us, very much like doing Rescue Scenario 7, and having to remove the unresponsive diver's gear and your own gear, while keeping up rescue breathing, is slow, easy, small steps. If something doesn't work at first, stop, keep breathing, try again.

[LowVizWiz]

ROFL, I did this 2 weeks ago with a guy who's 5'3 and I'm 6'5" the only think that didn't fit were his full foot fins!

I say this just to give you comfort that the size different isn't a big deal.

You don't have to look good while doing it, you just have to do it. Add some weight to the BC and deflate it. (You don't have to use the same amount of weight you would dive in) Once you remove it, hold it in front of you.
Agree on the order you will do things... You first - him/her first etc and stick to it.
Do help each other put on the gear specially getting your arms in and the buckles.
Don't unclip shoulders quick releases, that way you can put the BC in one quick turn of the body.
Practice donning and doffing your BC smoothly and quickly.

If you wear weight belts, you still have to exchange them!

Also, remember you don't have to do it in set time frame, you don't have to do anything but breathe if you don't want to. If anything stresses you take a break for a few cycles doing nothing but breathing and calming down.

Stay close and relax.
Even if you swallow the whole pool you are not going to die :D

[LowVizWiz]

So remember:- weight belts are not swapped so take advantage of it!

That's not what I was told, but if that's the case it simplifies things a bunch!

[LowVizWiz]

So, we exchanged -and donned and cleared - masks twice, ending up with our original masks.) We also swapped weight belts, twice, to end up with our proper amount of weight. But, we had to do a full exchange,

I was required to put all his gear on so I looked like him before the exchange and then get all of my gear back on.

Wys.

[Standingbear56]

When I was doing my DM gear switch, we started by kitting up in each others equipment and then switched back to our own during the skill. The biggest thing was to get the buddy breathing down to a comfortable pattern first, then start removing, swapping equipment between the breaths. We had plenty of time to practice on our own 1st before doing the skill "on record", and the CD talked us through it during the practice. We 1st started out simulating on dry land (no tanks in BCD so it was all lite weight, then in shallow water. Once we were comfortable, we switched to deep water. Only after that, and the skill was "mastered" did we do it for the test. This was the way it was done at the PADI College in Santa Ana.
Safe Diving,
George

[Pearldiver07]

OK - some of the above mentioned this - but EVERY failure I've seen on the problem-solving exercise results from getting into a rush.

Maintaining control of your breathing pattern is paramount. If your buddy gets ahead - no problem. If you have to cycle buddy breathing to calm down without advancing through - no problem. Lose track of maintaining your breathing rate or try to do too much on a single reg pass - BIG PROBLEM.

The lesson that you're going to learn here is that as long as you stay calm and stay focused (remember - time is not the measure of success) you can overcome problems.

There are many, many ways to try to complete this exercise, but all tips/tricks are just that. My instructor did this with no warning at the pool one day. He just said "OK, let's do the gear swap." and explained the can do/can't do of it. He then said he'd meet me underwater, and dropped. So I dropped too and off we went.

I figured out he did me a favor. I didn't have time to get nervous.

Keep in mind that the drill isn't about exchanging gear, it's about maintaining composure in a challenging environment. You're not going to be graceful swimming in someone else's gear, and if either of uses corrective lenses, it may cause a headache. But all that aside, it's fun if you let it be.

[Peter Guy]

When I did my exchange, there were two teams in the pool and "my team" had no problems while the other teams had significant ones. I believe there were two significant differences which led to our success:

1. Buddy breathing -- USE A LONGER HOSE! I have an AirSource and my primary is on a 40" hose and we decided it was MUCH easier to BB with the long(er) hose than the normal short primary. (Note -- if you have a "normal" length on the primary, do the BB with the Octo which should have a much longer hose.)

2. MY BC also has integrated weights -- I took them out and put them in my bathing suit pocket. I didn't have a weight belt available but I certainly wanted my weights on me and not on my BC.

3. As others said, start out with your buddy's gear, especially the mask, IF there is a question about fit (the mask was our only issue). (Oh, and spring straps on fins make that switch MUCH easier!)

[String]

That's not what I was told, but if that's the case it simplifies things a bunch!

Instructor manual 5-4

In deeper water, have them begin buddy breathing, then exchange all equipment
except exposure suit and weight belts.

Something personally i'd expect DM candidates to be familiar with before attempting the exercise!

[Hank49]

Hey All,

I'm wrapping up my DM requirements and I'm having a major issue with the gear exchange skill. Can anyone offer some advice? I would greatly appreciate it. So far, this is the first time any skill has made me nervous in the water. I've already attempted this 4 times, with no luck.

Any thoughts, suggestions, ideas?

Cheers!

Dan

If I remember right, you're supposed to come up with this plan all on your own with your partner. You're cheating here. :D asking for advice.

[LowVizWiz]

Instructor manual 5-4

In deeper water, have them begin buddy breathing, then exchange all equipment
except exposure suit and weight belts.


TY, String!

There you go... weight belt on it is. Piece of cake! :D

[CaptainKidd]

If I remember right, you're supposed to come up with this plan all on your own with your partner. You're cheating here. :D asking for advice.


I had a plan... a couple actually. They didn't work. For this to work both candidates need to be very comfortable in the water. My first partner was a bit panicky at times which caused problems... i.e. grabbing the regulator from my hands, moving too fast, shooting to the surface, etc... My second partner was an instructor and we progressed pretty far... until I faced the problems mentioned above (weighting, bcd, sizing, etc...). So, I don't consider my post "cheating", but rather asking others who have been there and maybe in a similar situation, for some advice that might help with my planning on the next attempt.

Thanks to all those who have offered their advice. I will be attempting this again this Saturday, and I'll let ya'll know how I make out.

Cheers!

Dan

[MichaelBaranows]

When I did my gear exchange the regulator started free-flowing about half way which I think made it easier to buddy breath.

We started with the other persons gear so once we had our owe gear we would feel more comfortable. We used a weight belt. Another good thing is that we both dive the same type of gear so we knew how it worked. Starting with mask cause I had trouble getting their mask to seal and I didn't want to be trying to do everything with a leaking mask.

[GA Under Water]

Take you time, take your time, take your time relax relax relax
The order I did it: Adding some extra that I think would have made it easier.
5 cycles of breathing (remember steady stream of bubbles from mouth)
1 fin
2 fin
2 cycles of breathing to relax again
Remove BC that isn't being used from you or your partner
2 cycles of buddy breathing to relax
remove BC that is being used
2 cycles of breathing
buddy with reg take 2 big breaths and hand over reg Don BC
2 cycles of breathing
repeat for second buddy
2 cycles of breathing
Ok sign and both masks off
2 cycles of breathing
One mask at a time back on (don't worry about clearing just yet)
Clear you mask after the first breath of your cycle
2 cycles of breathing
signal Ascend and ascend while continuing your cycles

The Key is to relax, take your time and be sure you take full breaths. If you do not you will be sucking on your lips and may even bolt to the surface. I found myself sucking on my lips only once but let me tell you, when you start trying to breath and can't your eyes will start turning to plates. Just know, you will be able to breath in just a couple seconds or your other BC is there, and if your instructor doesn't mind you can start over, ask prior to getting in the water.

I got a 5 on my first try, but alas the buddy I had was an Instructor.

Thanks again Jack (Diver's Supply Marietta, GA)

[reddiver970]

Remember their is no time limit, if you only loosen one strap or buckle then breathe back and forth for a few minutes to get relaxed that is fine. If you predetermine a hand signal that means lets stop and just breathe until ok is given to continue exchanging it allows you to calm down. Work together and go really, really slow.

[Hank49]

I had a plan... a couple actually. They didn't work. For this to work both candidates need to be very comfortable in the water. My first partner was a bit panicky at times which caused problems... i.e. grabbing the regulator from my hands, moving too fast, shooting to the surface, etc... My second partner was an instructor and we progressed pretty far... until I faced the problems mentioned above (weighting, bcd, sizing, etc...). So, I don't consider my post "cheating", but rather asking others who have been there and maybe in a similar situation, for some advice that might help with my planning on the next attempt.

Thanks to all those who have offered their advice. I will be attempting this again this Saturday, and I'll let ya'll know how I make out.

Cheers!

Dan

Since you're going for a professional ranking, it would have been better, imho, to work again with the same first partner. Discuss what went wrong and why he bolted. Sit, talk it over, and plan it well and do it with him/her until it works. The whole exercise is not for YOU to pass it but to work with another diver and solve problems.
When I did mine, we asked (I was doing it on a resort island with 21 dive shops) and everyone just laughed and said, "you're on your own". My partner bolted once and we figured it out.
But you're right, you need to relax. Perhaps just go down and buddy breath according to a plan for 20 minutes. I think that's the biggest key. Have a strict air share plan where each one KNOWS the reg is coming within a few seconds. Good luck.

[Walter]

This is not a difficult skill. It's a skill I taught my students in their OW class as a confidence builder.

The keys are:

1. Discuss the skill step by step with your buddy before you get in the water. You do not need surprises.

2. Help each other. Some things are much easier to do with two hands. You have one free hand, she has one free hand, work together.

3. Do things on your body when she's breathing. Do things on her body when you're breathing. From time to time, you might have to do things for her that she can't see (and vice versa). Do them when she's breathing. Have her do things for you while you're breathing.

4. Since you are so different in size, loosen her BC as much as possible before the skill begins.

5. Move slowly. Breathe slowly and deeply. If you need to stop for a minute, stop for a minute. Discuss the possibility and discuss your signal for it.

[ReefHound]

3. Do things on your body when she's breathing. Do things on her body when you're breathing. From time to time, you might have to do things for her that she can't see (and vice versa). Do them when she's breathing. Have her do things for you while you're breathing.

Are we still talking about SCUBA? :D

[Walter]

Yes .

[MichaelBaranows]

RF,
I was also wondering. I was starting think this might have switched over to one of those really good books that keep behind the counter at the store.

[CaptainKidd]

HAHA....

Thanks for all the great advice guys! I really, really appreciate it. I'll be in the pool again tomorrow, so I'll post any progress tomorrow night.

Cheers!

[JimLap]

It really is a not that difficult if you relax and slow down. As Walter said it can be a real confidence bulider. We also use it that way in our ow classes. Usually after the ditch and don. Once they realize they can do that and the bailout exchanging gear seems like nothing.

[CaptainKidd]

**UPDATE**

Success!

I did the gear exchange today and everything went really well. Now my partner was an instructor, so that may have helped... It didn't take us long at all. We didn't talk about anything or plan on specifics, we just did it. I took the advice given here and made sure to take my time, slow down and don't rush anything. It also helped that my partner was very comfortable in the water as well. We did BCDs (weight integrated), then fins, then masks.. then we swam around and eventually switched all the gear back. I was stoked, to say the least. Major confidence booster for me, and I'm glad it worked out well. Think I'll do it again with someone else, just for the hell-of-it.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I really appreciate it.

Cheers!

[LowVizWiz]

Good job!

[Standingbear56]

**UPDATE**

Success!

I did the gear exchange today and everything went really well. Now my partner was an instructor, so that may have helped... It didn't take us long at all. We didn't talk about anything or plan on specifics, we just did it. I took the advice given here and made sure to take my time, slow down and don't rush anything. It also helped that my partner was very comfortable in the water as well. We did BCDs (weight integrated), then fins, then masks.. then we swam around and eventually switched all the gear back. I was stoked, to say the least. Major confidence booster for me, and I'm glad it worked out well. Think I'll do it again with someone else, just for the hell-of-it.

Thanks to everyone for the great advice. I really appreciate it.

Cheers!

YES!!!!!:banana::banana:

Safe Diving,
George