Page 97

19116TC

HANDLING YOUR SCUBA EQUIPMENT IN THE WATER Usually you don your scuba equipment out of the water, go diving, and then remove your equipment after you get out of the water. There will be times when you need to don or remove your equipment in the water. For example, the boat you are using might be too small to permit much equipment handling while you are on board. You might also need to adjust an item of gear in the water and will need to remove it to adjust it. If your scuba unit is caught in fishing line or kelp, you can remove the unit so you can see the problem and correct it. Removing and Replacing Your Scuba Unit on the Surface and Underwater Removing your scuba unit in the water is as easy as removing a jacket (figure 3-61). Use the following steps to get out of your scuba unit: 1. Unclip any buckles you have on the front of the BC. 2. Undo the waistband. 3. Pull your left arm out of the left armhole of the BC and use your right arm to pull the scuba unit around to your right. There are many ways to don your scuba unit (figure 3-62). Your instructor will show you the way they want you to don your unit. One method you might be shown is to don the unit over your head. To don your scuba unit by passing it over your head, use the following steps: 1. Position your BC in front of you with the cylinder under the BC. The first stage of the regulator is toward you and the second stage is in your mouth. 2. Keep the hose for your second stage between your arms. If you do not have the hose between your arms, the hose will be trapped under your shoulder strap when you lower the cylinder in place. 3. Slip your arms into the armholes of the BC until the unit is above your elbows. It will seem like Chapter 3- Diving Skills you are putting the unit on upside down. 4. Grasp either side of the tank with each hand. 5. Slide the unit over your head and down your back as you arch your back. 6. Feel around your waist for the two ends of your waistband or strap. 7. Fasten your waistband or strap snugly and re-clip any buckles at the front of your BC. 8. Straighten out your second stage regulator hose and reposition the mouthpiece comfortably in your mouth. If you are on the surface, you want your scuba unit to be buoyant so it will float. If you are on the bottom, you want the scuba unit to be negative while donning it. Diving Skills 85 FIGURE 3-61. REMOVING YOUR SCUBA UNIT IN THE WATER IS AS EASY AS REMOVING A JACKET.


19116TC
To see the actual publication please follow the link above