I am considering a backplate BC. Some questions about how some of the things I learned in Rescue and Divemaster courses apply to Hogarthian-style gear...specifically looking at the Halcyon BC:
- Ditch-able weights - As part of gear removal on the surface in an emergency, the PADI routine is to remove weights as part of establishing buoyancy before going on to determine if removing the BC is necessary. It sounds like having some ditch-able weights on the front of the BC is an option in DIR, but it sounds like some people try to not have any weights in pockets in the front by using extra heavy backplates, tank strap weights, etc. How does a BP/W BC map to this type of rec training?
- Quick release buckles - I like having the ability to loosen straps and/or use quick release when taking off my BC....like when I am getting on the boat when I have to go pee or feel a bit seasick...and on a crowded boat. It seems a single-piece webbing BC is harder to get in to and out of. I can see quick release buckles being a point of failure for a tech diver having tanks slung under arm and such, but are quick release buckles that much of a point of failure for someone using a BP/W in single tank rec diving conditions? I see some harnesses (Dive Rite, etc.) have quick releases.
- In-water BC remove and replace - Without being able to loosen the straps, can I do the u/w remove and replace and surface remove and replace of the BC the same way I have been trained so far (i.e. u/w is take off and put on like a backpack, with the removal motion being to pull the BC around me to get the straps off and on....surface donning procedure is kind of sit on tank and put both arms back and through and let the BC slide up on me).
- Emergency BC removal on the surface - I would think that with a single webbing BC, cutting off the BC is the fastest way to get it off of an unconscious diver on the surface. My rescue and DM classes didn't teach cutting as the primary method to use. So if I am diving with others who do not have a BP/W, then is there a safety issue for me in case I get in trouble and they can't get my gear off. I would always brief by buddy on my gear, but what if someone else needs to help me?
- Ditch-able weights - As part of gear removal on the surface in an emergency, the PADI routine is to remove weights as part of establishing buoyancy before going on to determine if removing the BC is necessary. It sounds like having some ditch-able weights on the front of the BC is an option in DIR, but it sounds like some people try to not have any weights in pockets in the front by using extra heavy backplates, tank strap weights, etc. How does a BP/W BC map to this type of rec training?
- Quick release buckles - I like having the ability to loosen straps and/or use quick release when taking off my BC....like when I am getting on the boat when I have to go pee or feel a bit seasick...and on a crowded boat. It seems a single-piece webbing BC is harder to get in to and out of. I can see quick release buckles being a point of failure for a tech diver having tanks slung under arm and such, but are quick release buckles that much of a point of failure for someone using a BP/W in single tank rec diving conditions? I see some harnesses (Dive Rite, etc.) have quick releases.
- In-water BC remove and replace - Without being able to loosen the straps, can I do the u/w remove and replace and surface remove and replace of the BC the same way I have been trained so far (i.e. u/w is take off and put on like a backpack, with the removal motion being to pull the BC around me to get the straps off and on....surface donning procedure is kind of sit on tank and put both arms back and through and let the BC slide up on me).
- Emergency BC removal on the surface - I would think that with a single webbing BC, cutting off the BC is the fastest way to get it off of an unconscious diver on the surface. My rescue and DM classes didn't teach cutting as the primary method to use. So if I am diving with others who do not have a BP/W, then is there a safety issue for me in case I get in trouble and they can't get my gear off. I would always brief by buddy on my gear, but what if someone else needs to help me?