diving without a bc

[waterscience]

I learned to dive with no bc and I am very comfortable using only a tank backpack when not having to wear a wet suit. My question is: If I go to Bonaire (or other locale) and show up for a boat dive with only a backpack and no bc, will most operations let me dive that way.

[cudachaser]

I dove that way for years...but no go in this age

[Capt Hook]

Don't know about Bonaire but it's not going to happen around here.

[RECDiver]

Probably not. I believe most resorts want to see a BCD, primary regulator and octopus reg, console with SPG/Depth Gauge. Seems like I have seen that in the waiver I have signed at the Dive ops.

[DennisW]

Take a horse collar. It's a BC.

[Vercingetorix]

Originally Posted by DennisW

Take a horse collar. It's a BC.

I wonder if the operators would recognize it as such. Or, would they think of it as a simple snorkeling vest? Yes, you and I know these are two different items, but would they? Even so, they might still want to see the rig described by RECDiver.

[waterscience]

Thank you for your respectful comments. To be honest I was expecting some condescending remarks. I did notice some old timers like me responded who may also learned the old school way.

I actually own a few bc's and a new Halcyon bp/w. I will bring something "kosher" for the boat dives so I won't have any problems and dive with the backpack on shore dives.

I learned to dive at the USMA prep school by a retired navy seal with a lot of harassment and then went on to do a lot of diving at West Point. I now live in Park City, UT near the Crater in Midway, UT. It's worth diving once if anyone is ever near SLC. I dive mostly at Lake Powell.

[coralcrazed]

just wondering... I'm a newby. Why would you want to dive without a BC? is it freedom from the straps? I have seen this but never really got it.

[waterscience]

I do love the freedom. On some older threads, some vintage divers on other scuba discussion boards have already expounded on the joys of diving with no bc. If you ever get the chance, try it out in pool or other warm water safe environment. I only don't use a bc when I do not have to wear a wet suit .

People talk about how much freedom you get with backplate and wing. For me just a backpack is even better. Besides a backpack cost about $35 now and I have had on of mine for over 30 years.

Besides it really helps in buoyancy skills.

[PlatypusMan]

Originally Posted by waterscience

I do love the freedom. On some older threads, some vintage divers on other scuba discussion boards have already expounded on the joys of diving with no bc.

I've noted that a lot of the old school/vintage folks tend to be former military divers who got their training while in service. Those were apparently some pretty hard-core days of training in the years of yore, judging by the stories I've heard.