Does Your BCD Fill With Water? - Scuba Tech Tips: S09E13

[@pricediver]

Well Said !!! After a dive my BCD usually has a bit water in it, but i usually dump the water out and put fresh water in while im taking a shower lol and dump it out again, do it 4 to 5 times, BC should be all set.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Your BCD should last forever Price. Alec

[@lukeevans2802]

Thanks Alec been watching a lot of your videos recently, been learning a lot!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Glad you like them!

[@Will-ol9lp]

Hi Alec Thank you for another great tech tip. Up in Canada I hope all the people you teach truly know how blessed to have someone of your caliber still teaching and having fun. Down here in Fl it’s hard to find people as your caliber. We learned to dive in upstate NY by a man just like you and now he’s stopped teaching and just diving now in the Virgin Islands now. Truly thank you for what u do for the dive community and thank you Kevin for bringing this to light

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Do you mind if I send this to all my diving friends here in Canada? You never get respect from your family or friends. It's kinda true. I'll tell you a true story. I was working at Scuba 2000 one evening, say about 7PM, when the door opens and a big guy with a silly grin on his face comes in. He glanced around the shop and then walked up and said, "You're Alec Peirce aren't you?" I said yes and he was all happy to meet me. He was from Illinois and was in Toronto for a computer conference but made time to visit in the hopes of meeting me. He took a 2-hour taxi ride to get to the shop! Apparently he and his scuba club members like my videos and always talk about them. We had a great talk and I asked if he'd like to see the Alec Peirce Scuba 'set'. Now the set is just my service area but he was all excited and jumped at the chance. Then I had a staff member take a picture of him and myself on the 'set'. He was very pleased and said that all of his dive buddies would be so jealous of him, having met Alec Peirce and been on the 'set'. Contrast that to when I suggest to my kids that they should watch one of my videos, they say maybe, sometime!!!! Thanks for your comments and I hope you get something worthwhile from my vids. Alec

[@alaind831]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter ungrateful kids ! you should adopt me and dis-honor them ! :)

[@63thewho]

Can you do a video on Semi-Dry suits pros & cons and if there is need for more weights with them? Sean from Ireland

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! We can do that. The Semi-Dry wetsuit concept was started by an old friend of mine, Frank White Sr., long gone to the reef in the sky. It was a good idea at the time. I've kind of lost interest in it now for several reasons. Generally, because of the extra neoprene, you will need more than normal weights when using a semi. Alec

[@Will-ol9lp]

That’s great about that story. Hopefully one of these days we can meet down here in Fl. I always learn something from your tech or vintage all so great Thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'm usually in Florida once or twice each year. Where are you? Alec

[@bristol8920]

....Thanks Alec for the wide range of info ...................

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks for your support bristol. How's the weather there, over 'ome? Alec

[@rriccardi276]

Nicely explained as usual! Thank you very much Alec!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Thanks Roberto. Alec

[@TheLoosenit2]

There are also techniques you can use to reduce the amount of water that goes into your BC. When you are letting air out use the dump valve where the most air is at based on your orientation, as Alec mentioned when there is air going out there is minimal water going in. If you are heads up orientation use a shoulder dump, if you are head down use a kidney dump. You can also do slight roll before you dump to put air in a specific place, for example a slight roll to the right when you are in trim will put the air on the left side of your BC and then you do a quick dump from a left side valve.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

All good ideas. Basically, it comes down to practice. Alec

[@markstengel7680]

Hi Alec, Enjoyed & learned less is more👍

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

In a world where more is more, it's nice to know that sometimes less is more. Alec

[@rameshwarp]

Alec is there a difference between the quantity of water entering the BCD while dumping using the LPI and other valves(kidney or right shoulder valves). Thanks for the wonderful videos.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I'd guess that more air enters during the use of the left side or rear dumps only because they have a larger opening and they have no 2nd valve to limit water entry as does the shoulder valve. Alec

[@johnmichaelsaraceno2851]

Thanks for this tech tip...looking forward to your tech tip on how to flush out the BCD.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I have done a couple of videos about that John. Try looking for them few series back. We may do an update since it's a popular topic. Alec

[@sayittrue9570]

I bought a tap to bcd hose pipe from Simply scuba and after a dive session I'll half fill it with fresh water and bcd cleaner to rinse out a few times..Bcd is clean and mould free all the time after it drys out

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That BCD cleaner is a great idea. It should make your expensive BCD last a long time with no problems. Take care. Alec

[@sayittrue9570]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter yes was expensive.its a scubapro hydros pro.and it's probably the best bcd I've had

[@DanBowkley]

So here's a crazy idea, wonder if a manufacturer somewhere might see this (or it's a terrible idea and someone knows why): you know how Pelican cases have a Gore-Tex membrane for the pressure equalization valve now instead of an actual valve? It's permeable for air but not for water. Why not use a Gore-Tex membrane for the dump valve? It would probably have to be fairly large to allow decent airflow and there'd need to be a bypass for emergencies but I think this could work.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! Crazy! But interesting. I'm not sure there's a need and I learned the hard way years ago about the folly of inventing something that isn't needed. However, for sure the membrane would have to handle large volumes. Take care. Alec

[@Bierstadt54]

That makes sense. If I have not dove in a while I use the bc more and get more water in it.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! New divers always come up with a BCD full of water. Old divers not so much. Alec

[@robertshort1153]

My BC has an air dump on the bottom right. After every dive once I'm out of the water I just pull on the string and the water flows out - done. Scuba Pro LiteHawk BCD

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Just be sure to run some clean water through it too. Wash that salt and/or silt out before it ruins the valves. Take care. Alec

[@robertshort1153]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter yep, I always rinse it out with fresh water after every trip. Thanks for all your tech tips - always look forward to new ones!

[@christianstoll8160]

Funny, I used mine a lot on my first dive and had verry little while my instructor had lots of walter, although his in all fairness has lots more hours of use. Guess it really is a maintenance thing.

[@fastlanez3000]

In this case I would agree. Leaky exhaust valves/gaskets from use over time, can cause excessive water to enter the BCD.

[@vpraczynski9013]

Awesome as always. Would it be wise to take the hose off and let the inside dry for long storage?

[@Slick85]

For the average diver putting their BCD into storage for an extended amount of time (over 2 months), manufacturers advise that you clean your BCD inside and out with fresh water, drain it as much as you can with the different dumps, then slightly inflating the bladder while its in storage. Reasoning: While in storage the insides of the bladder could contact each other and stick to one another. Depending on how clean it is, it could be a point where some undesired funky stuff starts growing further sealing that patch of your bladder to one another. Depending on how stuck together it is, it will either limit your buoyancy since it wont fully inflate, or it could cause the bladder walls to weaken or tear where it was (glued together). The more you disassemble and reassemble things on your BCD the more likely you are to lose a piece, or cross thread it making the BCD a total waste, Alec did a video on that. That being said, I don't do that. Soak my BC with all butt dump valves off, in a vinegar/alcohol mouthwash/gentle laundry detergent bath for a day or 2, then I dry it for a day, then the last bit of water that is still in the bladder is wicked out with a knotted up string that I feed into the butt dump. I only remove the butt dumps, never the shoulder/LPI dump because those usually have gaskets of some sort that I dont want to lose, while the butt dumps have a glued in rubber disk that doesnt go anywhere. I also always put the pull dump in the pocket of my BCD so i'll never forget it. I have 5 BCDs for different circumstances, and they are all stored on a rack in a bedroom with the wicking string still in them. Then again, my BCDs are in use by me about every other month if not more.

[@vpraczynski9013]

Thanks for the info Slick85.

[@KimonFrousios]

Kidney dumps are simpler to disassemble and to let drain. I always rinse the inside of the bladder with fresh water after a trip , even if I'm going diving again a week later. Fill it about 1/4 to 1/3 with water, top up with some air to keep the bladder expanded, shake well, flush water through the hose and through each dump, remove dump and hang up to let drain and dry. I also let the reg and other kit soak for a few hours. It is a lot of work, but rusty or stuck equipment is useless equipment.

[@ultimatevintagescuba925]

great video..helpful

[@kevingumfory]

I always feel like Alec would be a perfect fit guy to use "dumbass" alot ... like Red Foreman. ;)

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I love Red and grew up in the 70's so i can relate totally. Thanks Kevin.

[@aceworks7817]

can you do a video on how to replace fins straps? the new straps and the old straps. thank you

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Easy. I can do that. The old straps can be a real nuisance but I do have some tips to make it easier. Alec

[@aceworks7817]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I got the scubapro jet find and some new ones so thanks

[@divernovs]

Hi Alec. My name is Mike Novack and I have a question for you. I live in the PNW and have been a commercial diver in the area for almost 25 years. Now that I am over 50 I sometimes get concerned about passing out while doing a dive. The work I am doing now keeps me at depth of 5'-10'. Not much salvage or buoy inspections anymore but simple underwater inspections for insurance, anode replacements, fixing small leaks underwater etc. Easy stuff. I guess my question for you Alec is this. Is there a BCD or item that I can add to my BCD that would keep my head out of the water when inflated? When I first started diving in the 80's I could have sworn I remember fully inflating my BCD and my head would float effortlessly at the surface. All the BCDs I've used over the past years keep me at the surface but when I just relax and float my face goes right in the water. I have even considered a strap to keep my regulator or snorkel in my mouth incase of an emergency. Any help on your end would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance especially since my wife has been riding me about this. :)

[@conanzeng7284]

Hi Mike, base on my experience you can use jacket style BC because it will inflate all around your body not only your back. Or you can try put some weight on your ankle, and it will trim your body a little more to vertical. I hope that useful, and safe dive.

[@alaind831]

guess I don't have that problem cause my BCD is my drysuit, and I keep it dry :) (only use BCD as the surface, unless bug hunting in shallow in which case a BCD is lot easier to dump than drysuit to drop below a rock). But isn't the main reason people get a lot of water, especially beginner (I see my kids do it) because they pull the plug a lot longer than necessary, when all the air is gone (at least on the side/orientation they are), so naturally water comes in the empty bladder side ?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That is the mistake that new divers tend to make. They want to get all of the air out when really that's not necessary. Most experienced divers like to be a bit negative, say just 2 or 3 pounds. That's not a problem with a BCD with 30 pounds of lift and allows you to let MOST of the air out to descend, rather than all of it. Alec

[@johnthomas2070]

Thank you again sir

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Oh no. Thank you John. I'm so glad you enjoy our videos. Alec

[@acarnold]

I had no idea that I could dump my BCD by pulling down on the inflator hose. Jeesh.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

MOST BCDs offer that feature - not all. Simply check the shoulder at the top of the inflate/deflate hose. If there seems to be some kind of valve there with openings, it's probably a pull dump. Your LDS ought to have demonstrated that to you. Good luck. Alec.

[@williamgauthier9294]

That's right on...good buoyancy = less water in the bc. Watch your weights and practice breathing technique.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

New divers learn about that but it takes many dives to really get it together. Alec

[@christianstoll8160]

Idea for tech-tip: Best ways to inflate dsmb; octo, mouth, BCD low pressure hose und what i recently have seen - BCD-dump

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I did a short video on that subject. I think I was in South Africa at the time visiting my Great White friends. But an update is probably a good idea. Alec

[@jtcooper8184]

Off topic, I bought a O-ring kit. For the yoke valve, there are 2 types of O-rings, thick and thin. Why so? or which one is the correct o-ring? Thank you.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

The one that fits is the correct one! The fat valve face O-Ring is for older valves, generally before 1975. Almost all newer valves use the thin one. If you have a newer valve that takes the thin one, the thick one won't fit in. Alec

[@jtcooper8184]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter- Thank you Alec! All your videos are very helpful.

[@dorisinindonesia6824]

So my wing is leaking somehow. But can't see bubble underwater coming out. But when I dive I can feel I need to put air some time. Also I try to inflate the wing on land and leave it for few days and then it becomes empty slowly. So where could be the problem? Thank you .

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It's quite normal for a BCD to verrry slowly leak. That is, if fully inflated, most BCDs will get soft over a day or two. You may not see any air leaking while diving, partly because the BCD is not full when diving but also because the leakage is very slow. If your BCD stays hard for 6-8 hours, it's fine. If it starts to soften in less that 2 hours, get it checked. Alec

[@perrymanzanares5021]

I have question. Is it true that the brand of your octo has to match the brand of your regulator.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Not true. Look back through my videos and I covered this. All that matters is the hose connection fitting. Any brand can fit any 1st stage but different brands may need Intermediate Pressure adjustments to get the best breathing effort and prevent free flows. A

[@greatwhitesharky3261]

Being properly weighted will help and save you putting too much air in and out!

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Absolutely right sharky. Alec

[@chiranagheorghitaeugeniuth98]

same with all dumps on a drysuit which can make a drysuit not so dry.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

They must be cleaned occasionally or your drysuit isn't. Alec

[@matthewhignite]

alec what do you think of pin mount clips or quick release clips

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

They seem to work. I know they don't look solid but they are very tough and do a great job, so, I guess I'm in favor of them. The pin style seems to be less likely to break than the clips. I have seen some broken Fastex-style clips. Alec

[@matthewhignite]

Yah i still rent gear so i have a rental card i get filled out then ij will by my own gear i like your tips and i just got into you at the ranch and your vintage and sea hunt great videos and i found some sea hunt episodes on youtube i might eventually get in to vintage diving

[@geerxin]

How come the dump on a dry suit won't let water in? if they are a diffrent disign, why wouldn't they use the same dump?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

It will. You should always have a bit of air inside your dry suit so that when you dump air, some remains to keep most water out. Also, the dry suit dump is much smaller than a BCD. That is, the one-way valve has a smaller surface area so it's less likely to let water in. ' It's also one of the reasons why a diver should NOT use his drysuit as a BCD (used to be a common practice). You can't dump air fast enough. Alec

[@geerxin]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Thank you Alec. Love your videos. keep up the good work.

[@alaind831]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter > reasons why a diver should NOT use his drysuit as a BCD (used to be a common practice). You can't dump air fast enough Sure, open your neck seal. it will dump real fast :) drysuit air === warmth. In our 52deg (and sometime colder) Nor Cal waters, I sure appreciate that. If I'm doing a kayak straight down/up dive profile I don't use my BCD other than surface. if doing shallow dive, or return to reef, then yeah I tend to squeeze the drysuit a lot more and use BCD as it's much easier to dump/control in horizontal position... so yeah for me it varies.

[@alaind831]

X Gear - if you hold the drysuit valve open past the last air bubbles, you will get small amount of water in... you can feel it

[@PROSTO4Tabal]

DO I have to flush with fresh water inside BC from dive in salt water?

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Yep! Very important - especially salt water. I have made a couple of videos about this search for BCD and check them all out. Alec

[@BlackPawGaming]

well that is actually process of cleaning and maintaining the BCD. should have learn this from instructor? my instructor get me to clean all equipment after every dive.

[@Will-ol9lp]

West coast below Tampa Fl

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I am there often, usually in the Cape Coral/Ft. Meyers area. Not much diving there but we could meet at Crystal River or one of the springs. Do you know Joyce of Narcosis Divers in Tarpon? Alec

[@giulioisom3309]

Alec we love your videos and we learned a lot being newer scuba divers so we thank you (we can can and service most of our equipment thanks to you). Now that we have 40 plus dives our PADI advance and our Erich air certification we are ready for the next level. We live Michigan and know the best shipwreck dives are in Lake Superior at a depth of 150 plus feet. Could you please do a series on deeper diving and what equipment to use.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

I can look into that. The best advice I can give you Giulio is to get some training. There are lots of courses that will explain how you can make deeper dives safely, well, relatively safely. Be prepared to spend some money on gear. Deep diving requires top quality scuba gear and redundancy as well. The wrecks in Superior are simply, superior. You ought to make a dive trip to Tobermory too, my old stomping grounds. You will like it. Good luck. Alec

[@Str8Flossin]

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@sanderkik9639]

I never have water in my bcd.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

Good to know. Still a rinse inside keeps the BC bag clean.

[@sanderkik9639]

@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Every half a year I rinse it with BCD cleaner. And of course after every dive I rinse all my gear I

[@steveschiff5926]

The video suggests that using the pull dump is an uncontrolled process- that by doing so you will lose a lot of gas all at once because it's uncontrolled. I beg to differ. I use the pull dump rather than hold the hose over my head. I do it in a controlled fashion, with slow, short pulls. It's a controlled movement and not all that much gas comes out of my BCD with each tug.

[@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter]

That's quite true Steve. You've learned to do that but many divers simply pull on the dump and wait for something to happen - usually a change in their buoyancy marked by a descent. By then it's way too much air released and they then have to add more. Using the hose end, the diver can see the air coming out and will tend to release smaller amounts. With practice though, the dump works as well, if not even better, as you say. Alec