Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD)
Selecting A BCD
Selecting the proper size BCD is essential for both comfort and safety.
The BCD must fit properly to ensure your comfort during the dive. A BCD that's too tight will restrict your movement and breathing. A loose BCD will float away from your back while you are diving, and rise up when you are resting at the surface.
BCDs fit differently when inflated, so be sure to inflate the BCD while testing its fit. The weight of a cylinder will also affect its fit, so try it on with a cylinder attached.
You should also consider the BCD's lift capacity, which is related to the volume of air that the BCD holds when inflated. A general rule is to have enough lift capacity to lift your weight belt and a full cylinder.
The BCD must fit properly to ensure your comfort during the dive. A BCD that's too tight will restrict your movement and breathing. A loose BCD will float away from your back while you are diving, and rise up when you are resting at the surface.
BCDs fit differently when inflated, so be sure to inflate the BCD while testing its fit. The weight of a cylinder will also affect its fit, so try it on with a cylinder attached.
You should also consider the BCD's lift capacity, which is related to the volume of air that the BCD holds when inflated. A general rule is to have enough lift capacity to lift your weight belt and a full cylinder.
