I will make this post as an individual user (and instructor), rather than as a SB staff member, because I am already a participant in the thread.
One of the situations that prompts moderation is a post or thread where unsafe diving practices are advocated. And, it is often a judgement call, to distinguish what may be a fine line between advocacy of unsafe practices, and statements of personal preferences.
For the record, and particularly for the information of newer / less experienced divers who may be following this discussion:
Across multiple, respected training agencies, I am aware of no training scenario or stipulated procedure, for responding to a low on air / out of air situation in recreational diving, in which removal of the BCD is a recommended, or accepted, step.
If a diver is out of air they should (in descending order of preference) 1. switch to an alternate air source (e.g. from another diver or from an independent air source such as a pony bottle) and execute a normal ascent, or 2. execute a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA), where an alternate air source is not available, or 3. execute a Bouyant Emergency Ascent (i.e. by dropping weights), where an alternate air source is not available and the depth is too great to allow for proper execution of a CESA. In all cases, the diver's BCD should remain in place, and their regulator should remain in their mouth (except when switching to the alternate air source, if available).
An individual diver may choose to ignore these standard recommendations and procedures, at their own risk. But, the fact remains that standard, accepted procedures for dealing with an OOA situation in recreational diving do NOT include removing the BCD.
One of the situations that prompts moderation is a post or thread where unsafe diving practices are advocated. And, it is often a judgement call, to distinguish what may be a fine line between advocacy of unsafe practices, and statements of personal preferences.
For the record, and particularly for the information of newer / less experienced divers who may be following this discussion:
Across multiple, respected training agencies, I am aware of no training scenario or stipulated procedure, for responding to a low on air / out of air situation in recreational diving, in which removal of the BCD is a recommended, or accepted, step.
If a diver is out of air they should (in descending order of preference) 1. switch to an alternate air source (e.g. from another diver or from an independent air source such as a pony bottle) and execute a normal ascent, or 2. execute a Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent (CESA), where an alternate air source is not available, or 3. execute a Bouyant Emergency Ascent (i.e. by dropping weights), where an alternate air source is not available and the depth is too great to allow for proper execution of a CESA. In all cases, the diver's BCD should remain in place, and their regulator should remain in their mouth (except when switching to the alternate air source, if available).
An individual diver may choose to ignore these standard recommendations and procedures, at their own risk. But, the fact remains that standard, accepted procedures for dealing with an OOA situation in recreational diving do NOT include removing the BCD.
