safety question

[daani]

I brought this used bcd and later i realized the safety loop(the thing i put over the tank valve) is missing. the plastic backplate where it have been is broken.
I brought it from the local dive center so I will head down there and have a chat next week. It's a Seacsub pro lift bcd.
Diving without it is rather stuipd or is it?
Is it a common problem to on bcd to have a broken safety loop?
Maybe it's possible to do some homemade macgyver solution if they just tell me to piss off... perhaps that's not such a good thing to do after all.

[helimvee]

If the backplate is actually broken (i.e. cracked or pieces missing) you should certainly take it back to the LDS and ask them about it. This may have been from their rental stock and it is possible they didn't realize it was broken. If it was an "ALL SALES FINAL" purchase you may be out of luck. If you took your training with them and may be purchasing more gear you may be in a better position to get a refund.

As for diving with it, I would not dive with a broken backplate. I have a BP/W so do not have a loop in any event. My understanding of that loop is that it holds the BCD in place while you attach the tank strap. I am not sure that it was designed as a safety measure, but I may be wrong. I guess it would stop the tank from sliding out if your tank strap was not attached properly.

If you intend on buying more used gear, make sure that you check it over first to avoid this type of problem.

Good luck