What is a Buoyancy Control Device?

A buoyancy control device, also known as a BCD, is a piece of equipment worn by scuba divers. It helps them control their buoyancy while underwater. It is essentially a vest a diver wears over the scuba tank and has an air bladder that inflates or deflates to change buoyancy. The BCD also has straps and buckles to secure the tank and other equipment, as well as pockets for storing small items.

How Does a Buoyancy Control Device Work?

The air bladder in a BCD connects to the diver’s air tank through a low-pressure inflator hose. By pressing a button on the inflator hose, the diver can add air to the bladder, making them more buoyant.

To decrease buoyancy, the diver releases air from the bladder through a dump valve on the shoulder or lower back of the BCD. This allows the diver to achieve neutral buoyancy, where they are neither sinking or floating. This can easily control their depth and movement underwater.

Which configurations are suitable for using a BCD or Wing?

Every dive requires the use of a buoyancy control device. Namely, each tank configuration setup (backmount or sidemount) will use a specially designed harness and bag.