Clipping mask to BC?

[russp]

Trying to get a few opinions about using a coil lanyard to clip my mask to my BC. I have a heavy prescription mask that sinks like a rock if it gets knocked off and to carry a spare would be a bit expensive. I thought a short coiled lanyard clipped to my left BC shoulder would at leat keep it with me if knocked off. I'm especially thinking about this since I'm doing NAUI Rescue Diver in August.

[thor]

That just sounds like a bad idea. Entanglement and maybe even choking hazard. They make velcro and neoprene mask straps that may be more secure. Also you could wear the mask under a hood if you are that worried.

[3rdEye]

^ hood thing is a good idea....or if you don't dive a hood, maybe a lightweight beanie would do the trick.

[rayaa3]

I think it's an interesting idea, with as many risks as rewards.

I think the big risk is entanglement - particularly if you are donating your 2nd stage (the one in your mouth - not octo)

The biggest reward is the ability to retrieve your mask without help from a buddy. Also - in dark murky water your mask may not be able to be retrieved by a buddy, and this would likely save you from that scenario.

I think though - entanglement, particularly in an emergency situation where another panicing diver takes your 2nd stage from your mouth in desperation is a pretty scary risk. If someone grabs your primary 2nd stage, you can always switch to octo. However, if they take your primary 2nd stage and snatch your mask off in an entaglement now you are blind, stressed, with a panicing diver tethered to you via a first stage that they may/may not have gotten to breath off of, because of the entanglement. You're going to need to have your n&Ts screwed on pretty tight to keep your wits, get your octo in your mouth. Even if you pull that one off, it seems unlikely that the panicing diver will be able to give you your mask back, so that means a dive buddy is going to have to come over, and get a 3rd set of hands involved.

I think you are better off diving with a good buddy who will either retrieve your mask or escort to surface. Get a noise maker and attach it to BC, so that if buddy isn't looking you can flag him/her that something is wrong.

Will it mean a loss of expensive equipment - yes, ruin a dive trip, maybe. But you will be alive to buy another mask.

just my 2 cents.

Ray

[MSilvia]

I'd prefer to have mine attached by a small lanyard to my primary 2nd stage than to my BC, but I agree a hood would be even easier if you use one.

[russp]

I don't often dive with a hood but I may consider that just for rescue. I dive with an octo/inflator so that's why I thought of clipping the short coiled lanyard to the left side so it's only by my secured inflator hose, not my regulator hose (right side) or high pressure hose (under left arm). I'm a little confused by the concern over someone taking my regulator as to how it relates to losing my mask.

Another thing I've seen that may help is the Marsoops floating mask strap/cover; it may slow down the sink rate. Has anyone used one?

[CompuDude]

This thread may help:

Securing prescription mask

[petronius]

How about some sort of chinstrap? You could probably cut down one of those stretchy neoprene mask straps, and attach it to your main mask somewhere behind your ears.

I'd be a bit uncomfortable with a lanyard to the BC - the distance to your left shoulder from your mask is pretty short, but you'd need some slack to allow normal head movement. I'd bet that it would snag and pull your mask off more times than it would help...

[WaScubaDude]

Originally Posted by thor

That just sounds like a bad idea. Entanglement and maybe even choking hazard. snip...

Do you think the same of the "DIR" type reg necklaces?

[3rdEye]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

This thread may help:

Securing prescription mask

the neck lanyard is kind of interesting....i dont know about the one with the big ol suicide clip though