Posted by ScubaGlenn on November 20, 2000 at 10:23:17:
In Reply to: Re: Ditchable -v- Non Ditchable weights posted by Gerry on November 15, 2000 at 13:26:42:
Trim weights for the most part on non-ditchable, and for some BCs are needed to attain proper balance under water. While ankle weights can be removed I don't consider them ditchable as a weight belt or BCD pouches. Other items such as steel tanks and backplates aren't ditchable weights.
There are plenty of purposes for non-ditchable weights, and some safety effects such as trim weights on a back inflated BCD to help keep someone on the surface in a head up attitude. They aren't guranteed to do this though. How many modern BCDs are USCG approved floatation devices?
It's just a matter of moderation with the non-ditchable weight. A big steel tank on a steel backplate, with a STA, trim weights, and some ankle weights might be enough for some to not need a weight belt or equivalent--but in a situation that calls for ditching weight this setup could be a problem.