{"id":987475011,"date":"2024-09-12T14:45:54","date_gmt":"2024-09-12T14:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.asiascubainstructors.com\/lessons\/equipment-2-scuba-regulators-copy\/"},"modified":"2025-02-03T10:50:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T10:50:45","slug":"equipment-3-bcds-and-exposure-suits","status":"publish","type":"lessons","link":"https:\/\/courses.asiascubainstructors.com\/de\/lessons\/equipment-3-bcds-and-exposure-suits\/","title":{"rendered":"Restricted content"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Classes Section” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”add7fec1-62f1-4656-9396-e46e61dbc3b7″ background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#4E70C9″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”3%|3%|3%|3%|true|true” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”8b1f8231-1210-4c64-bae4-d177be5c655c” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_4_text_color=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Equipment<\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

3. BCD’s and exposure suits<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”10%||||false|false” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”fd3255d4-f6f0-4f87-9821-9341db4eea8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

BCD\u2019s<\/h3>\n

The modern BCD has three primary functions: 1) to let you float on the surface to rest or swim, 2) to allow you to adjust changes in your buoyancy while underwater, and 3) to act as the harness that holds the entire scuba system together on you.<\/p>\n

Front mounted BCD’s<\/strong><\/em> or \u201chorse collar vest\u201d BCDs were the first true BCDs for divers. They are rarely used by modern recreational divers.<\/p>\n

Back mounted BCD’s<\/strong><\/em> were the first style to integrate all the scuba
components into a single package. A primary complaint among recreational divers is the
tendency for back mounted BCD’s to float you face forward at the surface. Most cave divers and tec divers find this configuration optimal for their purposes. Tec BCD’s of this type are commonly referred to as \u201cwings,\u201d<\/p>\n

The first\u00a0jacket style BCD’s<\/strong><\/em> came into the market to provide the single-unit advantage of back mounted BCD’s while redistributing the buoyancy for more balance, especially at the surface. Classic jacket style BCD’s really looked like a jacket but modern jacket BCD’s have adjustable shoulder straps for added comfort. Today this is the most common and popular configuration in recreational diving.<\/p>\n

System BCD’s<\/strong><\/em> consist of interchangable components that you assemble for your needs. You can change out components for specific dive requirements. System BCD’s have a versatile harness and interchangeable BCD bladders as well as other options. System BCD’s are primarily back mount in design, though some configure to a jacket design when set up for recreational diving.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”50px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” make_fullwidth=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/courses.asiascubainstructors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/PADI-IDC-theory-Horseshoe-BCD2.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”-50px|5%||5%” custom_padding=”10px||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Horseshoe BCD<\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/courses.asiascubainstructors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/PADI-IDC-theory-wing-BCD2.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”-50px|5%||5%” custom_padding=”10px||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Back mounted ‘wing’ BCD<\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/courses.asiascubainstructors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/PADI-IDC-theory-System-BCD2.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”-50px|5%||5%” custom_padding=”10px||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

System BCD<\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”||||false|false” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”fd3255d4-f6f0-4f87-9821-9341db4eea8f” text_font=”||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Exposure suits<\/h3>\n

In very warm water, lycra skin suits<\/strong><\/em> can be used. They offer some protection against scratches and\u00a0abrasions but no temperature insulation.<\/p>\n

Wet suits<\/strong><\/em> are made from neoprene. Wet suits allow water into the suit, but they trap the water. Your body heats this layer of water and the the neoprene insulation keeps it warm.
If your suit doesn\u2019t fit well, cold water can circulate into the suit and displace the warmed water. This is why a snug, proper fit is important.<\/p>\n

Neoprene is a foam-like material and contains small air bubbles. All wetsuits have slight positive buoyancy. Thicker wetsuits have better insulation but also greater buoyancy.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”||||false|false” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||0px” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|||0px” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/courses.asiascubainstructors.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/PADI-IDC-theory-dry-suits.jpg” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”500ms” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]   [\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”fd3255d4-f6f0-4f87-9821-9341db4eea8f” text_font=”||||||||” custom_margin=”-50px|5%||5%” custom_padding=”10px||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Nylon and neoprene dry suits<\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”10%|||” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”fd3255d4-f6f0-4f87-9821-9341db4eea8f” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Dry suits<\/strong><\/em> are made from neoprene or rubber coated nylon. The boots are part of the suit and the suit is fitted with neck- and wrist seals. Water doesn\u2019t enter the suit and a layer of air keeps the diver warm. Often undergarments are worn to increase the thickness of the air layer insulating the diver.
The seals have a conical shape and can be trimmed to the right size for proper fit.<\/p>\n

Because dry suits hold air they are equipped with an inflator that is connected to a low pressure inflator hose. The diver mainly uses the dry suit inflator<\/strong> <\/em>to adjust buoyancy during the dive. Failing to inflate the dry suit can cause a suit squeeze<\/strong><\/em>. Diving with a dry suit requires additional training.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n