Peak Performance Buoyancy

When to perform a buoyancy (weight) check

Using unfamiliar gear/a new configuration, a new dive environment (salt water to fresh water, etc…), or if you have been away from diving for a while.

Buoyancy (weight) check

1. Enter water too deep to stand, wearing all your gear

2. Breathe from regulator and completely deflate BCD

3. Relax in a vertical position holding a normal breath, you should float at eye level

4. Add or subtract weight until you float at eye level

5. You should slowly sink when exhaling

Buoyancy as you dive

You should start your dive slightly negatively buoyant and then be neutrally buoyant at the surface when you’re done. As you dive, your overall weight decreases as you consume gas.

Things that change your buoyancy

Suit compression, gas consumption, depth change

Maintaining neutral buoyancy

Use fins and breathing to change depths, use all the exhaust valves on BCD, anticipate changes and make small, frequent adjustments

Trim

Refers to attitude and position underwater, can be the correct amount of weight, but it depends on where you wear it.

Streamlining

Makes kicks more efficient, is more comfortable, saves energy by reducing drag, reduces damage to gear and environment.

Looking streamlined

Everything has the correct fit, BCD isn’t overinflated, adjusted for horizontal trim, secured hoses, all accessories are stowed neatly, everything stays in place when changing position

Physical fitness

Must be in relatively good condition to dive and reach peak performance. Out of shape divers have less strength, and fat tissue floats. Out of shape divers also have more bulk and are less streamlined.

When I am neutrally buoyant:

I should rise slightly as I inhale and sink slightly as I exhale

Weight distribution

Should make your natural orientation in the water as horizontal as possible.