(CONTINUATION)
I have completed some of my research into the questions posed by our friend and fellow diver Todd from CHICOPEEMA, concerning the use of the drysuit as the “primary buoyancy control device during the dive phase of a drysuit excursion and the use of the BCD as “surface floatation” during such an exercise.
Although not complete, my research has yielded the following information:
PADI teaches this method of using the drysuit for buoyancy control during the submerged phase of the dive and the BCD as surface floatation. NAUI also agrees with this technique. These results were obtained directly from the training and lesson guides and instructional videos of the named agencies.
I have queried the training departments of YMCA, and TDI/SDI as well as the RSTC concerning their current policy on the subject. They have not yet responded.
My intention is to complete and post the article on this subject sometime within the next week. This will include citations of reference materials used, as well as rational behind both teaching and using the currently accepted techniques.
Ron sends