The buoyancy control device, BCD for short, is also known as the buoyancy compensator.
This is a very vital and evenly complex piece of equipment. The buoyancy control device is the carrier of your gear and should accommodate your airtank with a minimum of inconvenience. The buoyancy compensator lets you float beforeyou make your dive and lets you float when you come up from a dive. It also enables you to achieve and maintain buoyancy underwater.
One you have purchased a buoyancy control device you will probably use it for a considerable long time. It’s not just as if you trade in a snorkel because you made the wrong choice. It is why it is strongly adviced to rent different models; not as in a simulator but really test and taste them in real-time diving circumstances.
Always slip on your habitual suit before you try on a buoyancy control device. This is how you establish its correct size and fit. Please note our ‘key test’; you have to inflate the buoyancy control device until the overflow valve ‘vents’. In the process, the buoyancy control device should never ‘block’ or restrict your breathing.
You should be able to maneuver comfortably with your the buoyancy control device. Now test all the valves for their ease of use and for their
accessibility. The, conince yourself; can you reacht allthe pockets, the starps and adjustments easily and uninterrupted?
One very important part of your buoyancy control device is its inflator hose. You’ll be in trouble when you cannot grab it and extend it over your head without the slightest hint of strain. So be careful.
A buoyancy control device is also equipped with buttons for inflation and deflation. Please be alerted there should be enough space between them so that you can operate them instinctively.
There are some rules of thumb to distinguish the need for lift. It depends on your preference of diving. With tropical diving, and with little or no wetsuit protection at all, the indication is 12 to 24 pounds. When diving recreationally with the aim of a dry suit or a full wetsuit, consider a range of 20 to 40 pounds. Demanding conditions such as technical diving requires 40 to 80 pounds.
Good luck with your choice!
