captain
Contributor
To the original OP, when you enter the water, you enter an environment where you are foreign since you are a land mammal.
You can dive without a BC? Yes, but why? Save money ? Not worth it.
You can dive without an SPG and use a J-valve? Yes but why? Save money? Not worth it.
You can dive with one 2nd stage and buddy breath if one of you is out or low on air? Yes but why? Save money? Not w
Most dive equipment today has matured and made diving safer and more enjoyable. The enjoyment you and your dad gets from diving safely and in comfort is priceless. Worth it|? Absolutely yes.
To answer all your "whys" because I am a free adult and I want to.