Correct BC Weighting- Jackets Vs Wings

Getting your correct BC weighting is one of the most important parts of good diving. Many divers carry too much weight. That makes you struggle with trim, work harder, and breathe through your air faster. Too little weight is just as bad. You will float up at the end of the dive and struggle to hold a safe stop.


Alec Pierce from Alec Pierce Scuba our favourite scuba tech tips explains in this video how to set up your BC and check your weighting. He shows how to test if you are carrying the right amount on a dive. He also talks about how different wetsuits, drysuits, and tanks change your buoyancy and how to make small adjustments.


When you take the time to get your correct BC weighting, everything becomes easier. Your trim improves. You move with less effort. You use less gas and protect the reef. A few minutes of practice at the start of a dive trip will pay off every time you enter the water.

FAQs

How do I check my weighting?

Start at the surface with a nearly empty tank and no air in your BC. Take a normal breath and hold still. You should float at eye level. When you exhale you should sink slowly.

Why does my weighting change with different gear?

Every wetsuit, drysuit, and tank has different buoyancy. A thick wetsuit adds lift. An aluminium tank gets lighter during the dive. A steel tank stays heavier. Always recheck when you change equipment.

What is the benefit of correct BC weighting?

It makes you more comfortable in the water. Your trim improves, you use less energy, and you breathe less gas. You also protect the reef because you stay in control of your position throughout the dive.