Diving Weights and Weight Belts
People are buoyant in freshwater, and more buoyant when in saltwater. Your Diving Gear and Equipment also affect Buoyancy. We all know that in Scuba Diving, having the right Buoyancy is essential. The use of Diving Weights and Weight Belt can help you in dealing with Positive Buoyancy to enable you to stay underwater.
Most Weights are rectangular blocks or cylindrical with rounded ends, made of lead, and weigh 1-2 kgs. On the other hand, a Weight Belt is usually two inches wide, made of nylon, and holds the Weights around the waist of the Diver. It comes with a quick-release buckle that is adjustable to give the Diver a comfortable fit. Also, a Weight Belt has retainers to hold the Weights in place to prevent them from slipping off. There are styles of Weight Belts which come with shoulder straps for added support.
Take a look at the main forms of Weight Systems:
- Lead Shot Weight Belt
Lead pellets are held in place by built-in pockets in the webbing belt.
- Threaded Weight Belt
As the name suggests, this type is threaded around lead weights.
- BC Weight System
Weights are integrated in some models of BCs.
Aside from helping you in getting the right Buoyancy, Diving Weights can also be a means of rescue. They can be ditched to increase Buoyancy when the situation calls for an emergency ascent. That is why it is very important to know the mechanism of the Weight Belt worn by you and your buddy. As part of the Buddy check, make sure that both of you know how to discard the Weight Belt or add and ditch Weights especially during an emergency. If your buddy is using a Weight Belt with shoulder straps or harness, make sure to be accustomed on how to release it before you take the dive.
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