Sport and technical divers should never consider diving without a BCD that has an air cell. A BCD is just like any other ‘tool for the job’ in that you should pick the right BCD for the dive you are planning.
How does the BCD work?
A buoyancy compensator also called a buoyancy control device, BC or a BCD is valuable scuba diving equipment containing a bladder which is worn by divers to establish neutral buoyancy underwater and positive buoyancy on the surface, when needed. The buoyancy is controlled by adjusting the volume of air in the bladder.
What BCD do Navy Seals use?
BC-72. This is a unit for the advanced or professional diver. It is designed around a fully-featured back inflation buoyancy compensator device with its technical style inner air-cell and protective three-dimensional Nylon/Cordura outer shell.
How do I choose a BCD for scuba diving?
When it comes to choosing the right BCD, lots of factors will affect your decision. You’ll want to consider how much to spend, which type of BCD goes best with your diving style, how much weight you carry, where you want the jacket’s air to sit on your body, and even your body type.
Can you scuba dive without a BCD? – Related Questions
How much should a BCD cost?
Check out our article, What type of buoyancy compensator BCD should i buy to learn more. BCD costs will range from the entry level of $350 and go up to almost $1500. The majority will fall in the $500-$700 range. The main differences you will find is the type of materials that are used to build the vest.
How long does a scuba BCD last?
The inflator and dump valves need to be periodically serviced, especially as the BCD ages. Annual inspections are a good standard of practice, especially for BCDs in use for five years or more. While BCDs don’t have an explicit shelf life, it is important to carefully and regularly monitor their condition.
Can you breathe from your BCD?
You can also breathe from your BCD while a buddy is breathing from your tank. Since your power inflator bypasses your regulator’s second stage, you can inhale from the BCD at any time without overbreathing.
Do you sink when you deflate the BCD?
Once you deflate the air out of your BCD to start your dive, let all the air out of your lungs, and you will start to sink.
Do BCDs need to be serviced?
Certain pieces of gear, like the BCD, must be inspected every year. This is mainly because the power inflator is the most neglected piece of equipment. Everyone remembers to rinse and clean their regulator and wetsuits, but never think to rinse and clean the power inflator.
How do I choose the right size BCD?
For best practice, purchase a BCD that fits snugly to your body, if you are petite and short waisted, you will need to consider a compact BCD with an integrated weighing system to ensure it fits well, and remains in place whilst underwater.
How do you calculate BCD lift do I need?
It said something to the effect that one should choose a BCD with 10 or so pounds more lift than the total weight worn. As an example, it said a diver who wears 30 pounds of weight should have BCD with at least 40 pounds of lift.
How much weight do I need in my BCD?
Initial weight: If you’re not sure where to begin, figure about 10% of your body weight. If you are diving in tropical waters with a thin wetsuit, subtract 4-6 pounds, and if you are diving in cold water with a lot of exposure protection, add 4-6 pounds.
How do you know if your weighted for diving BCD?
Hold your breath for a moment and try to remain motionless. If properly weighted for neutral buoyancy, you will float at about eye level to hairline level (Photo 1). When you exhale fully, you should submerge. [ONE] When performing a pre-dive weight check, if properly weighted, you will float at about eye level.
Can you breathe from your BCD?
You can also breathe from your BCD while a buddy is breathing from your tank. Since your power inflator bypasses your regulator’s second stage, you can inhale from the BCD at any time without overbreathing.
Why do scuba divers tap their head?
Mouthpiece tapping – requesting air to be shared. Ear pointing and hand cupped behind ear – asking for another diver to listen. Flat hand sweeping over top of head – indicating a solid decompression ceiling overhead. Moving hand across the body in a wave motion – signifying a current.
Do you sink when you deflate the BCD?
Once you deflate the air out of your BCD to start your dive, let all the air out of your lungs, and you will start to sink.
At what depth do you no longer float?
Most humans hit negative buoyancy around 30 feet down.
What happens if you descend too quickly?
1- Descending fast can to lead to the risk of squeezing out air spaces in our ears. We need to descend slower to allow air spaces, such as in our ears and mask, enough time to equalize as the pressure changes.