Posted by steve on July 24, 2001 at 18:07:47:
In Reply to: This is one that I've been wondering about posted by brianc on July 24, 2001 at 10:13:36:
Brianc: I agree with you. If I am weighted correctly, I never use the BC when underwater. I feel the same way that you do. If you have to use the BC you are over weighted. I am an Instructor, but I only do recreational diving at depths usually less than 60 ft. and not over 130. Possibly, other factors come in to play at deeper depths. I dive with the shoulder valve open at all times. On ascent it vents by itself, and I make my ascent at 30 ft/min or less. The open valve does not leak. I use the BC for surface floation only. I dive in a crushed neoprene Bailys Dry Suit. Possibly the suit that a person dives in could make a difference. I see no reason to have to vent two different expanding air compartments (BC and Dry Suit) if only using one works.