Most of my DMing these days is guiding newly certified divers, often coming out of OW dives during the previous summer in quarries. With me, their making their first dive in
real open water: the reefs off Big Pine Key and often in 3' seas, 15' viz, and occasionally some current. Nearly all are using rental gear which comes from local dive operators that provide weight belts in lieu of integrated pockets. Although I take great care to weigh them properly, once we're over the side, additional trimming is often necessary. I get this done quickly as possible so as not to take too much bottom time from the
tight schedule the headboat is on, but in
real open water, as any DM/Instructor knows, no matter how hard you try, it's often not a smooth and seamless process...
All that said, I need some improvement in my gear. My current BC is an Aqua Lung Axiom with the Sure-Lock system. I bought it when newly re-certified and before I lost my mind and became a DM. I chose Aqua Lung because of tribal loyalty (first gear I bought back in '67). Back then I bought US Divers/Aqualung because it was Jacques Cousteau's brand and if he didn't know what to buy, then who the hell did?
Several hundred dives later, the Axiom has held up well and does the job except for one - potentially dangerous - flaw. The Sure-Lock system is fussy, and unless very carefully inserted into the BC, the weight pocket will not lock properly and may fall out. For those interested, here's how I've learned to avoid that outcome: Use hard weights as recommended by AQL; NEVER overload the pocket (keep it trim); NEVER load the weight pockets into the BC with gear in the side pockets (gloves, hood, camera, etc), ALWAYS load the weight pockets as your first item of gear prep; ALWAYS lay the BC on its back (weight slots vertical) and while aligning them carefully, drop the weighted pockets into the Sure-Lock clip while listening for the audible "snap," as they lock into place. Once you're certain they've locked in, give several sharp tugs on the fold over the weight and try to dislodge the pocket. If it's still secure, it'll likely remain that way (at least they have for me over the last couple hundred dives). Prior to going through this drill I've lost weight pockets three times, twice while rolling in on a back roll, and once when pursuing my team down the mooring line of a wreck. An earlier reply to this thread - as well as the extra AQL pockets I've picked up while diving a local reef and wreck - indicate that I'm not the only diver who's experienced this problem.
As a retired airline pilot, I've been inculcated in the safety benefit of standardization in equipment and procedures. Knowing exactly where to reach for something, and knowing what it does when you do (as a result of constant practice), enhances safety. If can find and use the same equipment for all my diving needs, then so much the better, and that's the reason for my query. Getting old has one real benefit: you learn to ask smart and experienced people for advice before making important decisions!
THANKS ALL!
