Scuba Gear > 

Buoyancy Compensators

Buoyancy Compensators

The buoyancy compensator or BCD is primarily used to help the diver maintain neutral buoyancy underwater during the scuba dive. The secondary function of the BCD is to float the diver and equipment on the surface allowing the diver to rest at the surface and perform surface swims to dive sites. Diving in cold water requires the use of thicker wetsuits. This requires ample weight to offset the buoyancy and the BC will need enough lift capacity to compensate for the loss of that buoyancy at depth. Common features for most Buoyancy Compensators include: a variety of shoulder and waist adjustments to help you custom fit the BC to your body. Quick releases on the shoulders make for easy removal. Trim weight pockets typically in the back of the BC, which allows the diver to balance the placement of weight. Trim weight pockets are usually NOT diver ditch-able and are used for trim only. Integrated weight systems where the weight is carried in pockets of BC and can be ditched by the diver in an emergency. Other models require the diver to wear a separate weight belt. Number of D-rings, easy access pockets, shoulder dump valves, lumbar support pad and adjustable cummerbunds are all features that make the BC's more comfortable and easier to use.

	Jacket/Vest Style Jacket style systems are the most popular among recreational scuba divers and offer divers comforting support at the surface as well as excellent performance and are what most scuba divers used to learn to scuba dive with. Their familiarity is frequently the deciding factor in purchasing this type of buoyancy compensator. This style frequently features large easy access pockets on the lower front to allow the diver storage for small lights, slates or other items. The quick releases on the front of the pockets and on the shoulder straps allow for quick donning and doffing. This type of buoyancy compensator is usually suitable for both warm and cold water environments.
	Back Inflation Back Inflation style buoyancy compensators allow the diver the utmost in comfort and more natural neutral buoyancy underwater. For the warm water diver, the back inflation style offers superior comfort and a light weight design popular with the travelling scuba diver. Many back inflation buoyancy compensators will allow for a greater lift capacity allowing the more advanced scuba diver to take additional equipment with them on a scuba dive such as extra light systems or large camera systems. Additional attachment points and D-rings give the more advanced and technical divers the ability to take additional air systems and sources on their dives. With no air cell wrapping around the diver, the back inflation system tends to streamline the scuba divers equipment and allow for a more comfortable and less encumbered feeling throughout the dive in either warm or cold water diving conditions.
	For Women Buoyancy Compensators that are made specifically for women have features that distinguish them from unisex or men's designs. They are shorter in the length of the torso, and often offer a padded or velour lining for comfort as well as padded neck seams. The shoulder straps are also designed to curve away from the chest and back toward the lumbar support to help alleviate the uncomfortable upper body squeeze. Most models are appropriate for both cold and warm water use.
	Technical These buoyancy compensators are frequently purpose built for long dives and long wear. They are built out of heavy material and have high lift capacities to allow the scuba diver to take the extra gear with them on longer dives that they may need to meet a task. Many are designed to allow for use with twin tank systems or “doubles”. They are often built around the idea of being "modular." A harness may be quickly re-fit to encompass a back-plate, different air cell and multiple tanks as well as frequently being customizable with a variety of pockets, and adjustable attachment points for extra gear. They can also be fit with light-weight air cells for travel. Most models are appropriate for both cold and warm water use.
	BC Accessories This is a wide category that encompasses all types of buoyancy compensators. Here, the diver will find everything from underwater signaling devices to safety sausages to storage pockets as well as larger air cells and attachment/storage pockets to increase versatility. See less