subject: Buoyancy Compensator - One Of The Most Essential Scuba Equipment [print this page] Among the various essential equipment of scuba diving, buoyancy compensator has its distinctive place in the list. The functions of this equipment have prioritized its usage. It is necessary for the scuba divers to buy a proper one before setting out for scuba diving. An experienced diver, perhaps, knows all about it but, it is equally crucial for a beginner to know everything he can about BC. In order to select a suitable BC for diving, you must know about its features and must have a knowhow on its operations. The passages below describe few prominent traits of BC and its basic functions.
Let's begin the acknowledgement with its nomenclature. The BC is also addressed by synonyms like Buoyancy Control Device, stab jacket or backmount BC. Its key function is adjustment and maintenance of buoyancy of a diver. Whether a diver is hovering near the surface of water, or he is floating deep down near the seabed, this device controls and maintains his position and allows him to stay like that for an extended period of time. In the past years, since its invention, various designs kept coming in. Today, they are available primarily in two designs, jackets and wings.
However, both designs follow the same structure line, that is, both of them have a bladder and a harness. The difference lies in the positions of the bladder and the harness. In the jackets, the harness and bladder are combined into a compact unit. On the other hand, the wings have the bladder sandwiched between the harness and cylinders.
Apart from these two parts, a BC also has the following things in them:
- A power inflator that enables divers to add air from the cylinders to the bladders via the regulators.
- A dump valve to let the excess air out. This valve is usually located on the left shoulder and is activated by pulling a cord. Some models consist of two or more valves, and they are placed in different positions.
- A pressure release valve that prevents the BC from bursting due to over inflation, which can happen during ascent or if it's left in the sun. In some models, the dump valve and pressure release valve are placed in a single system.
- A backplate, which is made up of either plastic or metal, for supporting diving cylinders.
- An Integrated Weight system with pockets for lead weights. This eliminates the need of clumsy weight belts. This system has an additional advantage, and that is the weights can be discarded quickly especially during emergencies.
This was all about structure. Now let's come to the functions of this essential scuba gear. The chief function of a BC is to maintain in-water stabilization. It enables the divers to hover and float at their will. A diver can establish the buoyancy at three states that come during different stages of diving:
- Positive Buoyancy: This one is attained by the diver when he ascends to the surface or floats near it.
- Neutral Buoyancy: A diver establishes neutral buoyancy when he needs to maintain his position at constant depth by exerting minimal efforts.
- Negative Buoyancy: This buoyancy is established when a diver descends or wants to float near the seabed.
A buoyancy compensator is designed in such a way that directly or indirectly it supports almost all the other diving equipment and is often listed under the top six essential equipment by the divers.
