Scuba BCD Buyer's Guide - A scuba gear guide on how to choose the right buoyancy compensator 

Buoyancy control is one of the most important skills which a diver needs to learn in order to get certified. During your scuba dives, it is essential that you control your buoyancy carefully.

When you are at the surface, you will want to be positively buoyant so that you may conserve your energy. Under water, you will want to be neutrally buoyant so that you are weightless. This will keep your from sinking to the bottom or surfacing to the top.

 

So what is the purpose of the Scuba BC (buoyancy compensator) ?

Maintaining the right buoyancy control is also a major safety issue. Believe me, you do not want to unexpectedly surface when a boat is overhead or you do not want to keep on sinking at depths you are not trained for. And this is where the buoyancy compensator device (BCD) also know as Scuba BC comes in.

The Scuba BCD is a mandatory piece of scuba gear for all types of scuba diving activities. Essentially, the buoyancy control device is very similar to a life jacket. It consists of expandable rubber bladder, which can be inflated or deflated to regulate your buoyancy. A backpack type of harness is also integrated within the scuba BC to hold your scuba tanks. 

 

 

The main function of the Scuba BC, is that it will allow you to remain buoyant at any depth simply by adding or releasing air through a low pressure inflator hose, which is found on the left hand side of the BCD.

Buoyancy control device, showing front (left) and scuba tank attached to back (right)

 

Scuba Buoyancy Compensator devices come in a variety of different styles. The most popular style of buoyancy control devices used today by most recreational divers are the jacket style scuba BC, which is worn like an inflatable vest with buckles in the front.

This style of scuba BCD, wraps around the front of your body, with the side panels containing the inflatable bladders. The scuba tanks strap onto the back harness and other scuba gear like the regulator hose, octopus and gauges are also secured through additional straps which maybe found on the BCD.

 

What to look for when buying your scuba BCD

Just decide what features are important for you to fit your style of diving and you are very well on your way to getting that perfect Scuba BCD.

Whatever style of buoyancy compensator device you choose make sure the Scuba BC you are about to buy is a good one. Below are some major features to consider when looking to buy a BCD:

 

Fit and comfort - When buying your scuba BCD, the first important characteristics to look out for are fit and comfort. An uncomfortable BCD, and one that will not fit to your size, will distract you from your scuba experiences. You will probably have to frequently adjust it during your dive. It will definitely take some of the pleasure out of the dive.

 

I once had the unfortunate experience of renting a Scuba BC which was too small and it really constrained my movements underwater. At the end I was just glad to have ended the dive. Now that is not what scuba diving is about. So now imagine buying a Scuba BCD which does not seem right. You will probably get put off scuba diving just cause you may be of the opinion that the scuba gear makes you feel restricted and claustrophobic which is really not the case.

The Scuba BC should fit you snugly as streamlined as possible against your body, but not too tight. On the other hand an oversized Scuba BC will uncontrollably rotate around your body therefore giving you an uncomfortable dive as you will undoubtedly focus on adjusting it throughout your dive.

Also check that the buoyancy compensator device has a configuration and harness that makes wearing the Scuba BCD comfortable and keeps it from riding up around your neck when inflated. Check that the quick release straps are well positioned so that you can easily reach them in case of an emergency.

 

Lift Capacity - It must hold enough air to give you and your equipment enough buoyancy to float you at the surface. You can find out a Scuba BCD's lift capacity by floating an inflated BC and adding weight to it until it sinks. The average lift capacity for a Scuba BC is approximately 40 lbs.

 

Hoses and valves - It should have a low pressure inflation system to make it possible to slowly fill your Buoyancy Compensator Device with air directly from your tank. A large diameter inflation/deflation hose is also important so air can be easily released.

Every Scuba BCD must have an over-pressure release valve to prevent it from rupturing in case it is overinflated. Check that the release valves are easily accessible.

 

Weight Integration - More expensive Scuba BCDs normally come with integrated weights for those divers that prefer to wear less scuba gear. This type of scuba BC has got weight plates which are normally found at the back side of the BCD.

I really like this type of scuba bc configuration, the advantage of this system is that, it is more comfortable as you will not need a weight belt. When it comes to scuba weight distribution, the weight is evenly distributed along your back rather on your hips which can sometimes become uncomfortable during your dive.

If you choose to buy this type of Scuba BCD, make sure that the weights can be easily released in case of emergencies.

Other desirable features to look for in your scuba bc are utility pockets, a whistle for surface communication, hose retainers and utility rings for attaching accessory equipment. Again check whether these are positioned within an easily accessible area on your Scuba BC.

 

Setting up your your buoyancy compensator

Like any other scuba gear, your buoyancy compensator requires careful adjustment so that it will properly fit you. If your scuba bc is too loose, it can rotate uncomfortably on your body.

If a bcd is too tight, it will also be uncomfortable particularly when fully inflated. Therefore a proper fit is important for you to enjoy your dives or else you will be distracted by the discomfort that the buoyancy compensator will give you.

 

Below is a sequence of steps, you should do when wearing your Buoyancy compensator device :

 

1) The first thing before adjusting the fit, is to attach the Scuba BC to your scuba tank.

2) With the buoyancy compensator deflated, calculate the strap adjustments and lengthening or shorting them as required.

3) Next, have someone assist you to put the Scuba BC on.

4) Fine tune the adjustments until the buoyancy compensator device fits you snugly, yet allows you to move side to side and lean forward comfortably.

5) Finally inflate the buoyancy compensator and ensure that it does not restrict your movements in anyway even if fully inflated.

 

We hope you have found this article useful in helping you find the right scuba BCD for you. If you have already purchased your Buoyancy compensator device, how about taking a look at our guide on how to take care of your Scuba BC to last you for several scuba diving adventures.