OW skills with a BP/W

[MLenyo]

so I have a couple questions about a bp/w setup..

do you just slip your shoulders in and tighten the straps? what else keeps it "secured" on your person?

also, for OW skills such as removing and replacing a BC while underwater (and also at the surface), what's different if you're diving with bp/w?

[No Misses]

The procedure is still the same. I am assuming that you are talking about using a simple HOG harness. There is no chest strap to deal with. Just stick your arms throught the straps, pull the waist belt snug and Bob's your uncle. It' on.

[aggie99]

Originally Posted by MLenyo

so I have a couple questions about a bp/w setup..

do you just slip your shoulders in and tighten the straps? what else keeps it "secured" on your person?

also, for OW skills such as removing and replacing a BC while underwater (and also at the surface), what's different if you're diving with bp/w?

If you are talking the Hogarthian (Hog) harness setup there is no tighting of straps, other tha the waist strap. Donning and doffing is more difficult with a BP/W but that is kinda by design. The system removes all the convenience features and thus potential failure points that exist with a standard BC. Once the BP/W is on you thread the crotch strap to the waist strap and tighten the waist and strap and it ain't going anywhere! The crotch strap really does help the unit not ride up and doesn't rack your manhood like I thought it would. You can still remove and replace the rig just like a BC underwater with some practice. Hope that helps, I am sure more veteran BP/W divers an give more insight!

[MLenyo]

does anyone know if you can use, or has used, a bp/w for AOW and Rescue courses?

thanks for the replies!

[CompuDude]

Of course you can. At it's core, a bp/w is simply a rear-inflate BC with extremely simplified straps and an exposed metal back pad.

Although, to be honest, it's something of a PITA to use a bp/w for Rescue, as you'll need to teach everyone how to get your out of it. (AOW is completely no problem, as it really doesn't matter) I would be sure you are very proficient in donning and doffing your rig yourself before you try to teach others how to do it in Rescue class. The good news is that there will be a few better-educated Rescue-trained divers out there once the class is over.

[JahJahwarrior]

I find it easier to get in and out of my BP/W than my old BC. Every few dives I'll take it off and put it back on just for kicks and giggles....a month back, a buddy and I who both dive long hose where chilling on this platform, so we took off our BP/W's, which are slightly negative when completely devoid of air, and since we both had on weightbelts, and were weighted correctly, we could float or sink depending on how full our lungs were. We had a blast on our safety stop reenacting Matrix fight scenes.....

[PlatypusMan]

Originally Posted by MLenyo

does anyone know if you can use, or has used, a bp/w for AOW and Rescue courses?

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Of course you can. At it's core, a bp/w is simply a rear-inflate BC with extremely simplified straps and an exposed metal back pad.

Although, to be honest, it's something of a PITA to use a bp/w for Rescue, as you'll need to teach everyone how to get your out of it.

You mean you don't just cut them out of the harness like I do?

[CompuDude]

Originally Posted by PlatypusMan

You mean you don't just cut them out of the harness like I do?

[Puffer Fish]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

Of course you can. At it's core, a bp/w is simply a rear-inflate BC with extremely simplified straps and an exposed metal back pad.

Although, to be honest, it's something of a PITA to use a bp/w for Rescue, as you'll need to teach everyone how to get your out of it. (AOW is completely no problem, as it really doesn't matter) I would be sure you are very proficient in donning and doffing your rig yourself before you try to teach others how to do it in Rescue class. The good news is that there will be a few better-educated Rescue-trained divers out there once the class is over.

Mine has every creature feature known to man...sort of a BP/W fused with a BC. Integrated weights... shoulder QD's... crotch strap QD....pockets....comfy shoulder pads... back pads...and more stuff attached to it than batman had on his utility belt. Only one that I am jealous of is the Poseidon BP/W with it's 72 attachment points....and it is a bit easier to get in and out of.. actually a lot easier..

[kancho]

Originally Posted by MLenyo

does anyone know if you can use, or has used, a bp/w for AOW and Rescue courses?

thanks for the replies!

I have heard PADI does not allow BP/W for courses. Maybe students are allowed but the instructors can't use them. I am not sure about the other organizations