Removing BCD/ Tank etc. before boarding boat

I'm prone to lower back pain after wearing scuba equipment and have a
question about doffing the gear in the water before climbing the ladder
to get back on the boat.

It appears to be simple enough to remove the BCD/Tank in the water but
was wondering if there is any downside to boarding the boat this way.

bob crownfield...

Weight belt off first, then bc / tank

be really sure that the bc/ tank is positively buoyant
when you take it off.

Lee Bell...

Some. First, you have to clear it with the operator of the boat. He has to
provide a means for securing your equipment and, presumably, has to arrange
for it to be brought on board. If he's willing, at the very least, the crew
deserves a larger than normal tip. If you're planning on lifting your
equipment aboard yourself, then you need to reconsider something. Either
your back pain is not related to your equipment or you're going to hurt more
after tying to lift your equipment aboard than you were after climbing the
ladder with it on. It's easier to climb the ladder than bend over and lift
the equipment.

Once all the logistics are resolved, there's one more thing to watch out
for. Be very sure your BCD will float your equipment. I know it seems a
sure thing, but it may not be. Most people are buoyant, meaning that their
body is part of the lift system. It's quite possible to have sufficient
lift for your equipment and your body, but not your equipment alone. As it
happens, my equipment has exactly that characteristic in fresh water. My
BCD, even when fully inflated, will not float my tank, plate, regulator,
etc. If you have a weight integrated BCD, you may find the same is true of
your equipment.

Just a thought, if you're wearing significant weight on a belt, why not
trying handing that off before trying handing everything off.

nospamronlee...

This is very common in Cozumel.

Ron Lee

Any comments and advice will be appreciated.

David In NH...

The REAL downside is if you leave your weights on and remove the BC. Options

1) Remove the weight belt (or weight pockets if using integrated weights)
and hand them up to the crew. This will make the tank/BC lifting easier.

2) Figure out why you are getting the back pain in the first place. I have
two bad disks in my back and am carrying more body weight than I should be
and haven't had any problems from diving. This even includes when I'm diving
with up to 36# of lead. Do you have your weights pulling on your back? A
possible solution is to use a weight harness to off-load the strain from the
lower back to the shoulders.

3) Do what you can to strengthen your back muscles.(This is an obvious
solution which I of course DON'T do!)

- David

Popeye...

Get a jon-line to secure it to the boat.