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The BC, or buoyancy compensator is used to float the diver and equipment on the surface and allows for adjusting for neutral buoyancy at depth. Cold water diving calls for the use of thick wetsuits, both of which require ample lead to offset their buoyancy, and a BC with enough lift capacity to compensate for the loss of that buoyancy at depth. In contrast, warm water diving requires that a BC have little more than a place to strap the tank, hang your hoses and enough lift to float the diver and minimal weight.

BCs offer a variety of shoulder and waist adjustments to help you custom fit the BC to your body. Quick releases on the shoulders make for easy removal. Back inflation buoyancy compensators place all the inflation behind the diver. Many BC's offer integrated systems which allow the diver to use a weight system to store weights as part of the BC which includes the ability to be able to ditch the weights in an emergency. 

Jacket/Vest Style

Jacket/Vest style BC's are the most common among recreational divers and are the most often used for training new divers. These encompass an air-cell that wraps around the diver from back to front around the lower rib cage. This provides excellent vertical stability at the surface. There are usually large easy access pockets on the lower front of these BC's for inboard storage. The harness derives its stability from the cummerbund which usually Velcro's around the waist line. The quick releases on the front of the pockets and on the shoulder straps allow for quick donning and doffing. The lift capacities of these BC's are usually suitable for both warm and cold water environments.

Back Inflation

This style is very commonly used by divers that wish to streamline the front of the BC. The air-cell is situated behind the diver, freeing up the front for ease of movement. The harness derives its stability from the cummerbund or web strap which Velcro's or buckles around the waist line. Storage is usually accomplished by multiple D-Ring attachment points on the harness or by adding utility pockets to the various straps. Most BC's in this category have a high lift capacity for heavy loads although there are also many light-weight travel models available. Many newer models also have small and medium sized pockets for inboard storage up front without adding bulk. Most models are appropriate for both cold and warm water use. 



For Women

BC's that are made specifically for women have three features that distinguish them from unisex or men's BC's They are shorter in the length of the torso, the shoulder straps are not as wide, and they usually have a padded or velour lining for comfort. The shoulder straps are also designed to curve away from the chest and back toward the lumbar support. The overall pattern and fit takes a woman's body composition into great consideration for comfort and ease of use. Most models are appropriate for both cold and warm water use. 

BC Accessories

This is a wide category that encompasses all types of BC's Here, the diver will find everything from underwater signaling devices to safety sausages to storage pockets. Larger air cells and attachment/storage pockets increase versatility.

Technical
These BC's are built for long dives and long wear. They are built out of heavy material and have high lift capacities. They are built around the idea of being "modular." A harness may be quickly re-fit to encompass a back-plate, different air cell and multiple tanks. They can also be fit with light-weight air cells for travel. There are multiple attachment points on the harness for a wide array of equipment from light canisters and reels to surface marker buoys to multiple cylinders for long dives. Most models are appropriate for both cold and warm water use.

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