THIS DISCUSSION IS BY A RECREATIONAL DIVER FOR RECREATIONAL DIVING WITHIN RECREATIONAL LIMITS
Should I have some or all of my weight as quick-release / ditchable weight?
You will have to figure this out for yourself...and you'll eventually fall into one of two categories of people:- Yes...always - what you were taught
- Not necessary - "Balanced Rig"
To figure out which one you are, we need to understand a few basic things....
- Why are we initially taught to ditch weights?
- Why is ditching weights inappropriate except in one rare situation?
- Is not having ditchable weights dangerous?
Why are we initially taught to ditch weights?
A couple of reasons...a few of them snarky (but true).- Because your dive instructor over weighted you and if you need to get off the ground in an emergency you might have to ditch them
- Because putting on your BCD without the weights installed is easier than putting on a BCD with them installed
- Because BCD manufacturers want to sell you replacement weight pockets when you lose them
- If you are struggling at the surface and your BCD fails you can ditch the weight and float easier
- You are in an uncontrolled descent over the Mariana Trench and if you can't release 20lbs of weight and fly to the surface like a ballistic missile you're gonna die
Why is ditching weights unnecessary except in one rare situation?
Let's brain storm a bit and see...
| Reason | Concern | Snark | Alternative Flotation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Your BCD inflator could fail or become disconnected | True and plausible and not particularly rare. It has happened to me actually. | You have a backup...use it | Inflate orally or reconnect it |
| Your BCD bladder could fail on the surface at beginning of dive | True and plausible...but EXTREMELY rare. And if you are properly weighted you would need to float ~5lbs of air weight some how. (if using an AL80 in a recreational setup) | This is why you test your BCD inflation before you get in the water. KICK UP!! | Doff your gear, float on your back or use your (d)SMB |
| Your BCD bladder could fail on the surface at the end of your dive | True and plausible...but EXTREMELY rare. And if you are properly weighted you would need to float ~1 lbs of additional weight some how. | You can tread water or lay back and float right? It's literally ~1 lb. | Doff your gear, float on your back or use your (d)SMB |
| You are lost at sea cause your boat left you behind and who wants to have unnecessary weights to float? | Unfortunately, not uncommon. | Spin your BCD around like you did in OW training and remove the weights. Or ditch the entire BCD/tank unit and use the (d)SMB you brought for flotation...You brought one right? | Doff your gear, float on your back or use your (d)SMB |
| You are unconcious and need to be rescued | Reasonable | Why would your rescuer need to drop your weights? That's not what we are trained to do. The rescuer will inflate the BCD if needed. | If properly weighted, not a realistic concern. |
| You are unconcious and need to be towed/pushed | Reasonable | If you are properly weighted you are essentially buoyant at the surface within 1 to 6lbs...the amount of weight is immaterial | If properly weighted, not a realistic concern. |
| For whatever reason you are sinking quickly and you can't work your BCD and you are afraid you'll go too deep and die | Theoretically possible and fear can screw with your mind I get it. | Fear has just taken over...Got it. | ...Sigh...I guess this is a real risk. But if you are properly weighted, you should only need to ditch the weight of air in your tank...not everything! |
....we could go on....but the point is...
- Be properly weighted
- Be willing to ditch your gear at the surface to save your life
- Have and know how to use a dSMB or a lift bag or some other alternative flotation device
....there has got to be a better way. There is....The "Balanced Rig"