BCD, BC, Buoyancy Control Device, Buoyancy Compensator, Stab-Jacket,etc.

What is it?

The BCD serves two main functions. It acts as a harness, allowing you to wear the air cylinder on your back, and also allows you to inflate or deflate its internal bladder therby altering your overall buoyancy.

How does it work?

The harness can vary from a simple waistcoat style, to more complex designs with adjustable shoulder, chest and waist straps. The waist strap frequently takes the form of a velcro cummerbund helping distribute the weight of the scuba unit more equally accross the hips. The cylinder is usually conected to the BCD by a quick release cam strap. The BCD will also have a hose connecting it to the medium pressure side of the regulator first stage. To inflate the BCD you simply press a button, it will also be possible to inflate it oraly. There will also always be at least one over pressure relief valve which can usualy be activated manually

What to look for...

Make sure the BCD provides enough lift to keep you buoyant at the surface. You BCD needs to be the correct size, if it's too big it may cause the cylinder to move arround on your back, if it's too small it may be uncomfortable to wear and may make breathing difficult when inflated. Jacket or Wing? the choice is yours although for more "Technical Diving" the wing might be a better choice.

Price Range £179.00 - £999.00