The Concept Behind the Pyramid

Far too many divers (and more than a few instructors) think that buoyancy control primarily involves pushing a button. The fact is, using a BC to compensate for suit compression solves only a tiny portion of the overall buoyancy control equation.

The true foundation of buoyancy control is proper weighting. Unless divers are properly weighted, they cannot control buoyancy effectively. It’s that simple.

To help underscore the notion that proper weighting is the foundation upon which the remaining aspects of buoyancy control rest, the handout depicts the “buoyancy control pyramid.”

• At its peak is breath control — a diver’s ability to make minute buoyancy adjustments by inhaling and exhaling more or less deeply.
• The next level in the pyramid is BC adjustment — the ability to compensate for exposure suit compression and expansion by adding to or removing air from the BC.
• The foundation of the pyramid is proper weighting — using only that weight which is necessary and no more.

The handout explains that, of these three elements, none is more important than proper weighting.

The perils of overweighting »

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