■At the Water’s Surface

There are times when you may need to don and remove your equipment at the water’s surface. First, ensure the BC’s buoyancy and air supply.

Put some air in the BC

Put on the BC with your right arm first; take off from your left arm first.

Put on the BC with your right arm

Always ensure that the hoses are not caught.

Tighten the waist straps and buckles,
again ensuring all hoses are okay.

■Underwater

If you become entangled on something like fishing net and your dive buddy is not close by to help, you may need to remove your BC to self-rescue.

Release any buckles.

Remove starting with your left arm.

While maintaining the tank’s weight, bring the BC around to your right.

Once your right hand has cleared the BC, support the BC.

To replace, do the reverse.

Remove starting with your left arm.

While maintaining the tank’s weight,
bring the BC around to your right.