Scuba diving is a fun, exciting way to explore the underwater landscape. Once you have completed your dive course, you can spend the day at any of Perth’s local dive locations and work towards furthering you dive education with additional training. When scuba diving, one of the most integral parts of the experience is ensuring you have the correct dive equipment – the most important being your life support system. Having a functioning regulatory system, a BCD and alternative oxygen sources will help keep you safe when scuba diving as well as peace of mind underwater. Your BCD should be fitted correctly to ensure optimal comfort and safety when scuba diving. Here are some factors you will need to consider when choosing your BCD size.
What is a BCD and how does it work?
A BCD, Buoyancy Control Device or Buoyancy Compensator Device does as the name suggests, helps you control your weight underwater. People naturally float, so rather than trying to take your chances controlling your weightlessness underwater; a BCD will allow you to control how buoyant you are in the water. Whether it’s floating near the surface, kneeling on the ocean bed, or simply drifting along gently mid-water, having a properly fitted BCD will allow you to do this with ease. A BCD works by slowly deflating or inflating with air depending on what level in the water you want to scuba dive. It harnesses around your torso and looks similar to a life-vest but instead of keeping you afloat, it allows you to choose your depth.
How to choose a BCD that fits?
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a BCD. The first is, whilst humans come in all shapes and sizes, BCD’s do not, and your body type will determine what type of scuba BCD you should buy. For best practice, purchase a BCD that fits snugly to your body, if you are petite and short waisted, you will need to consider a compact BCD with an integrated weighing system to ensure it fits well, and remains in place whilst underwater.
Types of BCD
Jacket-Style BCD
One of the more popular and versatile styles of BCD, this sleeveless jacket has an integrated air bladder that wraps around the diver on all-sides of the body. This design comes in a number of types and configurations, with pockets for storage and pouches for additional weight options that remove the need for an additional weight belt. With high stability in all underwater positions, this is a popular choice for many recreational scuba divers.
Back Inflation Scuba BCD
As the name suggests, this BCD has an air bladder on the back side leaving an open, uncluttered front-jacket. With the bladder being located at the rear of the BCD, it allows for better horizontal positioning in the water and less resistance when swimming, therefore reducing your overall energy load and oxygen use.
Hybrid BCD
If you want underwater stability and a good range of movement from your BCD, the hybrid allows for both. With un uncluttered front, the unique design gives scuba divers stability when horizontal and comfortable buoyancy when upright or kneeling.
Backplate and Wing BCD
Known for its versatility, this BCD can be assembled to meet a scuba diver’s specific requirement with options to adjust the backplate, wing size and design, as well as additional harness changes. This system is ideal for scuba divers looking to further their dive education with more advanced dive courses including deep water, wreck, and cave diving.
Sidemount BCD
Unlike typical BCD systems that house oxygen tanks on the back, the Sidemount BCD holds the tanks under the arms instead. It is popular choice amongst cave and technical divers due to the tight areas they encounter, or if they are looking for lighter tank options.
Snorkel Vest
When you are snorkelling, you want some additional buoyancy. A Snorkel Vest can provide you will a little extra floatation to help you remain at the surface and reduce your energy expenditure.
If you are unsure of which BCD would suit your scuba diving style, the team at Dolphin Scuba can help you get the right fit. Our WA-based dive gear shop stocks one of Australia’s most diverse ranges of premium dive wear and is staffed by seasoned scuba divers, who can advise you on the best BCD option for you. Located in Welshpool and open seven days a week, you can enquire online or feel free to contact us on 08 9353 2488.
BCD Size Chart |
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| Size | Weight (kg) | Height (m) | Waist (cm) |
| S | 54-66 | 1.55-1.65 | 71-91 |
| M | 64-79 | 1.65-1.77 | 83-101 |
| L | 77-95 | 1.77-1.86 | 91-112 |
| XL | 93-109 | 1.79-1.89 | 101-122 |
| 2XL | 106-122 | 1.79-1.89 | 112-132 |
