Buoyancy Compensators
The BC or buoyancy compensator is used to float the diver and his/her equipment on the surface. It also allows for adjusting for neutral buoyancy below the surface. Diving in cold water requires the use of thicker wetsuits. This requires additional weight to offset the buoyancy and the buoyancy compensator will need enough lift capacity to compensate for the loss of that buoyancy at depth. Common features for many buoyancy compensator's include: a variety of shoulder and waist adjustments to help you custom fit the buoyancy compensator to your body. Quick releases on the shoulders make for easy removal. Trim weight pockets typically in the back of the buoyancy compensator, 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 buoyancy compensator 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. The Denier number designates how tough and heavy duty the material is on the buoyancy compensator.
 | Jacket/Vest Style
Jacket/Vest style BC's are the most common among recreational divers and are the most often used for training new divers. These encompass an air-cell that wraps around the diver from back to front around the lower rib cage. This provides excellent vertical stability at the surface. There are usually large easy access pockets on the lower front of these BC's for inboard storage. The harness derives its stability from the cummerbund which usually Velcro's around the waist line. The quick releases on the front of the pockets and on the shoulder straps allow for quick donning and doffing. The lift capacities of these BC's are usually suitable for both warm and cold water environments. |
 | Back Inflation
This style is very commonly used by divers that wish to streamline the front of the BC. The air-cell is situated behind the diver, freeing up the front for ease of movement. The harness derives its stability from the cummerbund or web strap which Velcro's or buckles around the waist line. Storage is usually accomplished by multiple D-Ring attachment points on the harness or by adding utility pockets to the various straps. Most BC's in this category have a high lift capacity for heavy loads although there are also many light-weight travel models available. Many newer models also have small and medium sized pockets for inboard storage up front without adding bulk. Most models are appropriate for both cold and warm water use. |
 | Technical
These BC's are built for long dives and long wear. They are built out of heavy material and have high lift capacities. They are 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. They can also be fit with light-weight air cells for travel. There are multiple attachment points on the harness for a wide array of equipment from light canisters and reels to surface marker buoys to multiple cylinders for long dives. Most models are appropriate for both cold and warm water use. | |
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