How to Fit a Double Tank Harness

Proper scuba harness fitting is even more important for double tank setups. The additional weight of a second tank, plus the extra drag in the water, stresses the harness straps and makes a poor fit more evident. Many harnesses today accommodate either single or double tanks with only the addition of a stability plate on the tank plate. Attention to initial harness sizing, proper sequence of attaching and adjusting straps and special considerations for women makes for a more comfortable dive, one tank or two.

Instructions

  1. General Fitting Information

    • 1

      Attach and adjust the harness straps in the prescribed sequence for proper tensioning and alignment.

    • 2

      Buckle the chest strap attached to the two shoulder strap/pads.

    • 3

      Adjust the chest strap so the shoulder straps remain parallel to each other. The chest strap should not be so tight that it pulls the shoulder straps in toward each other nor so loose that they droop away toward the shoulders. The ends of the shoulder straps should extend down to an inch or two above the nipple line on the chest.

    • 4

      Buckle the waist strap and adjust so it is comfortable and not too snug. The waist strap should cross the torso slightly below the waistline or belly.

    • 5

      Pull down on both shoulder straps, adjusting straps simultaneously to tighten the entire upper harness.

    • 6

      Pull the crotch strap forward between the legs and attach to the ring fitting on the waist strap. Pull the end of the crotch strap to snug it comfortably tight.

    • 7

      Check the clearance between the lumbar support and the back. If you can tuck your hand into the slack area between the tank backplate and your back after the harness has been tightened, you may need to move to a smaller size.

    Fitting Considerations For Women

    • 8

      Size the harness (x-small, small, medium or large) according to the individual woman's physique and measurements, not according to street clothes size.

    • 9

      Take into consideration variations in torso length. Long-waisted women may need to size up one size so the harness does not ride too high above their waist. Women with longer torsos can accommodate longer tank backplates, while shorter torsos require a backplate that does not extend below the waist.

    • 10

      Size the harness to position the chest strap higher for women with large busts, but remember that the weight of the tanks may pull high chest straps -- and the attached D-rings -- even higher on the shoulders, making the D-rings inconvenient to reach.