Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: Aeris AT600 Regulator

There are a lot of different scuba regulators on the market today.  Every once in a while something new comes along worth looking at.  This is the case of the new Aeris ION AT600 regulator.  This pneumatically balanced regulator provides a very high volume of air with just the slightest of inhalation effort making the regulator easy to breath a any depth.  The lightweight second stage with a swivel reduces effort and makes breathing seem effortless.

Scuba Diving Magazine reported in a 2008 review:

“The ION feels light in the mouth due to its small size and ABS/Polycarbonate composite construction, plus it’s a great breather, as evidenced by perfect scores on the ANSTI breathing machine.”

The ION regulator was reviewed by Scuba Lab and given a “Tester’s Choice Award” for 2012 in the under $500 regulator class.

Other features of the Aeris ION Regulator are:

• Pneumatically balanced second stage with virtually no breathing effort
• Patented Dynamic Adjustment automatically maintains inhalation effort throughout the dive
• Adjustable venturi switch for dive/pre-dive adjustment
• Maxflex hose for increased comfort and reduced jaw fatigue
• Nitrox compatible to 40%
• Patented orthodontic mouthpiece with high density bite tabs
• Rugged, lightweight 5.4 ounce second stage with extremely small 2.3” wide outer ring
• AT600 First Stage
• High performance over-balanced diaphragm first stage with an optional environmental seal.
• 4 LP ports, 1 HP ports for maximum hose placement
• Nitrox compatible to 40%
• Availble with swivel connection and environmental protection kit

A lightweight version – the AT600 LT is also available.  This version does not have the swivel nor is it environmentally sealed.  It is, however, offered at an even more economical price point.

Every once in a while it is just plain nice to spoil yourself.  This regulator delivers quality at an incredibly reasonable price.  You owe it to your self to check this one out when you are in the market for the next new regulator.

Scuba Dive Equipment in Northern Virginia: Proper Care For Your BCD

The purpose of your Buoyancy Control Device or BCD is to allow you to add or release air from your BCD.  This in turn makes you either more or less buoyant enabling your to maintain your position in the water with much less effort.  A truly well fitting and comfortable BCD not only makes diving a pleasure it is a true piece of safety equipment for the diver, and consequently it is very important to keep the BCD in proper working order.  Today, we will discuss a few tips on properly maintaining your Buoyancy Control Device or BCD.

1/   Rinse Your BCD:
After you dives rinse your BCD in fresh water.  Dunk it up and down in the water to remove sand, salt and any other deposits that may have adhered to it.   Let the BCD soak in the water for several minutes.

2/   Rinse The Inside of The BCD:
After rinsing the BCD in a tub hose down the outside with fresh water, then pour water down the oral inflation mechanism while pushing the oral release button.   Once water is inside the BCD orally inflate the BCD the rest of the way.  Swish the water around so that it can help flush the inside walls of the device.  Turn the BCD upside down and depress the inflation button allowing the water to drain.  Refill the BCD once more and swish.  Orally inflate the BCD and this time drain the device allowing water to exit by both the power inflation button and the remote exhaust.

3/  Inspect The Outside Of The BCD:
Once the cleaning is done inspect the device thoroughly.  Look at the corrugated hose and inspect it for nicks or cuts in the hose.  Check the cummerbund and any Velcro closures to make sure that they are clean and that the sides adhere to each other.

4/   Check The Integrated Weight System:
Carefully look at the integrated weight system if you have one.  Inspect the pockets to make sure that the sewn seams are intact and that all clips or Velcro pockets close properly.

5/   Check That The BCD  Seals And Operation:
Orally inflate your BCD and make sure that it is properly holding air and not leaking.  Pull on the releases to make sure that they are venting properly.

6/  Properly Stow Your BCD:
Once you have cleaned and thoroughly checked your buoyancy control device, orally inflate it until it is at least half full of air.  Now you can store the BCD and allow it to dry prior to your next dive.  Try not to store the BCD in bright sunlight, to prevent color fading.  By storing the BCD inflated it will maintain its shape and the inside walls should not stick together like they would if the BCD was allowed to dry without be inflated.

Your Buoyancy Control Device is an important piece of scuba diving equipment.  A little extra care will go a long way in extending the lifetime of the equipment.  Your BCD should also be serviced annually by your local dive center, just like your scuba regulator.  Taking the PADI Equipment Specialty Course will also show you tips for caring for your dive equipment.  By properly maintaining your equipment you will make your next dive a worry free Aquatic Adventure.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: The Dive Bag

Scuba equipment is bulky and sometimes heavy, especially when wet.  A scuba diving gear bag provides a sturdy container that makes it easier to carry, organize and protect your dive gear.  Whether you’re scuba diving locally or at an exciting vacation destination,  you will need a sturdy dive bag to transport your scuba equipment.

Most Popular Types of Scuba Diving Gear Bags: Regulator Bag, Gear Bag and Mesh Bag

Regulator Bag:
The scuba regulator bag is used to pack and carry your scuba regulator when traveling.  Many scuba divers prefer to carry their scuba regulator on board an airplane rather then check it.  This is to protect it from over zealous baggage handlers and to make sure that it arrives at your scuba diving destination when you do.  The regulator bag should be large enough to pack your regulator and gauges without sharply bending the hoses.  Ideally it should also be padded to provide extra protection for the regulator and delicate gauges or dive computer.  The regulator bag should be used for travel.  The scuba regulator should not be stored in the regulator bag for long periods of time.

The Mesh Bag or Duffel Bag:
The mesh bag or duffel is used to transport or to carry your dive equipment from your hotel room to the dive boat or dock.  The mesh is ideal for allowing the items in the bag to drain.  Many divers will even rinse their dive equipment after the dive by submerging the entire bag and it’s contents in fresh water.  The most popular type is the mesh backpack.  The backpack allows the diver to carry the gear on his or her back and still have hands free to carry other items, such as an underwater camera.  The mesh bag should be large enough to hold the majority of a divers gear.   The mesh should be made of a material that will stand up to carrying heavy items since scuba equipment can be quite heavy, especially when wet.  Reinforced seams and sturdy plastic zippers will prevent dry rot and rust allowing the bag to last longer.  A shoulder strap or backpack straps makes the bag easier to carry.

The Cargo or Wheeled Dive Bag:
The largest of the three most common dive bags is the cargo bag.  Most divers prefer a cargo bag that has wheels to make it easier to transport.  This bag should also have large corrosion proof zippers.  Extra pockets are helpful to stow gear in a way that is easy to organize and to find.  Drain holes with grommets will allow the bag to air out when it contains wet dive gear.  The material should be strong and durable and preferably made for scuba diving equipment.  Many good bags from high end manufacturers do not hold up well to wet gear, that is why most scuba divers will purchase their dive bags at their local Dive Center.

Lastly, make sure that the bag comes with a warranty and that it is large enough to hold all of your important dive equipment.  Don’t forget to weigh your cargo bag when you pack it to avoid any over weight charges by the airlines.

Dive bags make if far easier to travel and transport your scuba diving equipment safely.  Good quality dive bags will hold up for many years of use and will make traveling far less taxing.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: Buy Your Own or Rent?

Life is not cheap and the things that are more fun to do always seem to be the most expensive.  If you are asking yourself this question about whether or not you should buy your own scuba diving equipment, you have already invested some time and money in just getting certified.  It is assumed that you did this because you do want to go scuba diving.  Owning you own scuba equipment will make it easier to go diving and more cost effective when you do.

Why Rent Scuba Equipment?

Scuba equipment can be expensive.  In addition, it needs to be serviced annually to maintain it in optimum safe diving condition.  This also adds to the cost of the equipment.  When you go on a scuba diving vacation, if you own your own scuba equipment you have to pack it and take it with you.  It is far easier just to rent scuba equipment at your vacation destination, and less expensive in the beginning.

Why You Do Not Want to Rent Scuba Equipment?

Many pieces of scuba diving equipment are personally sized or fitted.  We all wear different size clothes, similarly many items of scuba equipment, like your buoyancy control device and scuba wet suit, come in different sizes.  Many of us have trouble just finding clothes that fit well.  Scuba diving equipment is even harder to fit and if it does not fit properly it will not work as well and can even be hazardous.  If the dive center that you are diving at does not have your size you will have to make due with something other than your optimal size.

Why Buy Your Own Scuba Equipment?

Every time you go scuba diving you will need the basic scuba diving equipment that consists of a regulator, buoyancy control device, gauges and exposure suit.  Yes, it is true that you can rent these items but if you scuba dive enough the rental quickly equals what it would cost to purchase your own equipment.  In addition, rental equipment is usually not the higher end quality equipment that you might purchase for yourself, nor is it maintained as well as your would your own scuba diving equipment.

There are a lot of different places to scuba dive and many different types of diving.  When you select your own scuba equipment with the help of your local Dive Center, you will select equipment that not only fits you properly but fits or matches the type of scuba diving that you like.

In short, purchasing your own scuba equipment is the better way to go because it is far less expensive in the long run.  You know that your own equipment fits you properly and you are familiar with it’s characteristics and how it handles.  You know it has been properly serviced.  Since quality scuba diving equipment will last for years, it is simply not only safer but much more cost effective then renting.

What Scuba Equipment Should I Buy First?

If possible it is usually best to purchase all of your scuba diving equipment at the same time.  You local Dive Center, can help you match equipment that works well together, and when you purchase everything together you can often obtain a better price.  Many of us, however, simply cannot afford the expense of buying everything at one time.  In that case the personally fitted items like the  Buoyancy Control Device and Wet Suit should be purchased first, followed by the non fitted items when you can afford them.

Once I Own My Own Scuba Equipment – What Next? The Scuba Diving Vacation

You have taken the time and effort to learn to scuba dive.  Following that you purchased your very own scuba diving equipment.  What is next?  The next thing is simply get out and dive!  Go on a Scuba Diving Vacation.  You local Dive Center probably runs trips to some very interesting dive locations throughout the year and is a great place to start.  Enjoy that next great Aquatic Adventure!

Scuba Lessons in Northern Virginia: Night Diver Specialty Course

One of the most popular of the Specialty Diver Courses that are offered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors or PADI is the Night Diver Specialty Course.  While most scuba diving is completed during daylight hours, scuba diving at night is a very popular activity.  The underwater reef is alive with fish and other critters during the day.  However, not all sea life is out during the day.  Many exotic creatures like moray eels, lobster, shrimp and octopus are primarily nocturnal and the best time to observe them is at night.

The PADI Night Diver Specialty Diver Course is a great way to learn how to scuba dive at night in a safe and responsible manner.  During the Night Diver Specialty course you will learn:

• Night dive planning, organization, procedures, techniques and potential problems
• How to control your buoyancy at night
• Entries, exits and underwater navigation at night
• Nocturnal aquatic life, since many of the plants and animals you’ll see are different

The Night Diver Course will include some classroom work which can be completed in the classroom or at the dive sight prior to the three training dives, which are naturally conducted at night. that are also part of the course.  The student utilizes a student kit which consists of a Night Diving Manual and a corresponding DVD on Night Diving.  This is usually completed by the student prior to the classroom portion and the dives.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia for Night Diving

In addition to the student kit and normal scuba diving equipment scuba divers who are diving at night will need three underwater dive lights.  One is a marker light that attaches to the scuba divers tank valve.  This is a safely item and illuminates the diver from behind so that he is more visible.  This in turn lessons the possibility of the divers becoming separated during the dive.  The other two lights are standard underwater dive lights.  One, usually the larger of  the two is the primary light.  The second, often smaller, is carried in the Buoyancy Control Device or BCD pocket and is used as a back up dive light in case the primary light fails.

Night Diving will open up and entirely new world of excitement and incredible scuba diving.  If you have not yet tried, by all means do.  Many of us think that it is the most exciting type of scuba diving there is.

Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy - Learn to Scuba Dive in Northern Virginia: Dry Suit Diving

When people think of scuba diving they most often think about warm tropical exotic locations.  While this offers great scuba diving many other colder regions have a lot to offer in quality scuba diving.  In addition even more temperate areas are cooler in the winter.  In order to scuba dive in many of these areas, or to scuba dive year round a Dry Suit is very helpful.

Scuba Diving Equipment: Why Scuba Dive with a Dry Suit?

A scuba diving wet suit helps you stay warm by allowing small amounts of water to enter the suit and become trapped.  The trapped water is then heated by body temperature, thus helping to maintain body heat.  A Scuba Diving Dry Suit keeps water out.  Since you loose body heat in water 20-25 times faster in water then air, just being dry helps maintain body temperature.  In addition to keeping you dry, a Dry Suit is often accessorized with special insulated under garments to provide more warmth.  Consequently, a Dry Suit can be warm in much colder climates and conditions.

Learn to Scuba Dive: Diving with a Dry Suit

When you first start scuba diving with a dry suit it is a very good idea to obtain  instruction.  The PADI Dry Suit Specialty course is an excellent way in learning how to scuba dive with a Dry Suit.  This course is designed to safely introduce the scuba diver into the proper way to scuba dive with a Dry Suit.  The main focus is on safety and buoyancy control.  It also covers the different types of Dry Suits and Dry Suit liners and how to properly care for them.   A Dry Suit is a major investment and you definitely want to get the most of your Dry Suit.  In addition, scuba diving with a Dry Suit requires special buoyancy skills, not usually needed with a Wet Suit.  The PADI Dry Suit Diver Course is one of the very best ways of covering all of these bases.

Learn To Scuba Dive: What Skills Does the Dry Suit Specialty Course Cover?

The following skills are covered during the Dry Suit Specialty Diver Course:

• Dry Suit Familiarization
• Safety Checks
• Entry Techniques
• Bubble Check
• Buoyancy Check
• Descent techniques
• Fin Pivot
• Hover
• Excess gas in feet emergency roll drill
• Stuck inflator emergency drill
• Stuck exhaust valve emergency drill
• Ascent procedure·
• Remove and replace scuba unit and weight belt on the surface
• Exit techniques
• Removal of dry suit, storage and maintenance

The Dry Suit Diver Course includes both classroom, a confined water or pool session and two open water dives.  It is a fun course and will not only improve your scuba diving skills but will enable you to dive in more areas and at different times of the year.

Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy – Scuba Diving Equipment: The Exposure Suit

Because water is so much denser then air your body loses heat 20-25 times faster in water then it does on land.  In addition when scuba diving it is possible to scrape up against an old ship wreck or a coral head, which can cause cuts and scrapes.  Exposure suits help you maintain your body heat underwater and also provide a layer of protection against the possibility of cuts and scrapes.  Consequently, experienced scuba divers will wear exposure protection when scuba diving.

Types of Exposure Suits: Scuba Lycra Body Suit –  Scuba Wetsuit – Scuba Drysuit

There are essentially three types of Scuba Diving Exposure Suits, the Scuba Lycra Body Suit, The Wetsuit or Wet Suit and the Dry Suit.  Lets briefly compare the three.

The Scuba or Snorkeling Lycra Body Suit

A body suit protects scuba divers against incidental scrapes and stings, and reduces sun exposure.  Body suits have little or no insulation, so they’re primarily for warm water.  Many divers also find they help them slide into wetsuits more easily, so you may want one for temperate water diving.  A lycra body suit comes in bright colors and usually fits skin tight.  The body suit is also an excellent choice for snorkelers to avoid sunburn when snorkeling in warm water.

The Scuba Wetsuit

Wetsuits provide insulation as well as skin protection, and can keep you comfortable in water as cool as 50-60ºF to as warm as 85-90ºF . Wetsuits get their name because even though they keep you warm, you get wet – they trap a small amount of water between the suit and your skin that your body quickly heats.  To work properly the wetsuit must fit snugly in order for it to trap and hold the water so your body heat can warm it up.  Wetsuits for wind surfing or kayaking should not be used when scuba diving.  Surfing and kayaking suits are designed to allow water to drain out when you get out of the water and consequently do not allow a scuba diver to properly trap the water long enough to warm it sufficiently.

Scuba Wetsuit Styles

The most popular scuba wetsuit is the jumpsuit or full body suit.  It is a one piece suit that covers the scuba diver from ankle to neck.  It is available in different thicknesses: 3mm, 5mm and 7mm.  The thicker the suit the warmer it will be.  Two piece scuba wetsuits are also available.  These consist of a section that covers the legs and chest and are knows as the Farmer John or Farmer Jane  depending on if it is cut for a man or women.  A shorty is worn on top of that and offers a double layer of warm over the chest cavity.

Occasionally, the diver will wear the shorty alone or over a lycra body suit in warmer waters.

Always try on a scuba wetsuit before purchasing it.  Always try it on with the same type of bathing suit you plan to use under it to double check proper fit.   It must fit comfortably and yet be snug enough to trap water.  Features such as deluxe linings make it easier to get into and out of.

The Scuba Wetsuit will lose its warmth with age and can also shrink in size if left out in the sun.  Always rinse your wetsuit in fresh water after diving with it and never leave it to hang in direct sunlight.

The Scuba Drysuit

Dry suits provide maximum thermal protection.  Although primarily used in cooler water, in temperate water they let you make more dives and longer dives even if you could use a wetsuit.  Dry suits get their name because they keep you dry, except for (typically) your head and hands, over which you wear neoprene wetsuit hoods and gloves.  Drysuits provide the most warmth when scuba diving and the drysuit is also the most expensive of the three types of exposure protection.

Drysuits come in two basic styles: Neoprene Drysuit or the  Cloth, rubber or Laminate Drysuit.  The later is used with special insulating underwear to provide the right amount of exposure protection for the temperature of the water in which you are diving.

When scuba diving with a drysuit, your suit becomes part of your buoyancy system.  It is therefore prudent to learn how to properly dive with a drysuit.  The PADI Dry Suit Specialty course is an excellent way of doing this.

Which ever type of exposure protection that you choose, make sure that it fits properly, that you know how to properly use it and that it is appropriate for the climate in which you are scuba diving.

Scuba Diving Equipment: The Dive Knife

A Dive Knife is general piece of scuba diving equipment and should be carried by all scuba divers.  It is usually used in prying or digging in the sand.   In the unlikely event of entanglement while scuba diving, it becomes a piece of scuba diving safety equipment, since you can use it to free yourself.  A Dive Knife is not, nor should it ever be used as a weapon.

Aquatic Adventures Scuba Academy: Dive Center in Northern Virginia

Whether you are scuba diving in Northern Virginia, the Atlantic Ocean of the Caribbean, scuba divers need to be aware of possible problems and take steps to both prevent them and if the occur to solve them.  At Aquatic Adventures we train our scuba students, in Dive Training, that a dive knife is an essential piece of equipment and comes in many forms.

What Makes A Good Dive Knife?

Dive Knife Material:  Stainless Steel or Titanium
Dive Knives need to be durable so they are usually constructed of materials that will hold up to hard use and salt water corrosion.  The most popular material is Stainless Steel.   There are many different grades of stainless steel, and the dive knife is usually made of a material that is durable but not brittle so that the tip or blade does not chip, and the blade holds its sharp edge.  Consequently the Dive Knife Blade can receive some minor corrosion, but this is usually more a cosmetic problem then a functional problem.

A Titanium Dive Knife, however, will not suffer the same cosmetic disturbances that Stainless Steel will.  Titanium will last indefinitely, but is also much more expensive then Stainless Steel.

Type of Dive Knife Blade: Since the Dive Knife is often used for both slicing and sawing it is a good to have both a serrated blade for sawing and a smooth blade for cutting.  A notch or line cutter is also a handy accessory.

Type of Dive Knife Tip: Pointed and Blunt Tip:  Most of us think that a knife has a pointed tip.  In scuba diving we have a choice between a pointed tip and a blunt tip.  The latter is a safety feature, making it less likely that a scuba diver may stick him or herself in case they slip with the dive knife.  The blunt tip is also better for prying and can be used as as screw driver or lever.

Alternatives to a Dive Knife: Some Scuba Divers will carry shears, or a bladed line cutter instead of a dive knife.  Some technical Scuba Divers will carry both types of accessories.  Which ever you choose it should be accessible and easily operated with only one hand.

Scuba Equipment: Dive Knife – Care & Maintenance

Caring for a Dive Knife is not difficult.  Keep your dive knife clean.  If some surface tarnish or rust appears, clean it off with metal polish, Brasso, or Never Dull.  A light coating of a surface protector, like U.V. Tech will put a protective coating on the blade and help prevent rust.

When you transport your Dive Knife, make sure it is in its sheath, and if traveling by air, always pack your Dive Knife in your checked luggage.

Learn to Care for All of Your Scuba Diving Equipment PADI Equipment Specialist Course

PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors has a Specialty Diver Course entitled Equipment Specialist that deals with how to properly care for all of your personal Scuba Diving Equipment.  This is an excellent course for both the beginner and more experienced scuba diver.  In addition, PADI has a book, the PADI Encyclopedia of Recreational Diving that has an entire section on Scuba Diving Equipment and Care.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: The Dive Knife

A Dive Knife is considered an essential tool or safety device when scuba diving.  Since scuba divers are often diving in areas that contain fish, it is not uncommon to find lost fishing line while scuba diving.  A dive knife is useful in cutting lose this line in case you become entangled.

Scuba Dive Equipment in Northern Virginia: Types of Dive Knives:

A Dive Knife is most often a single bladed knife with a fixed handle.  It will also have a protective case or sheath.  Years ago, the diver wore his or her knife on the inside of the lower leg, held in place with leg straps.  Today, the dive knife is more commonly worn on the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) or the back of the gauge console.

The blade of the Dive Knife is usually made of stainless steel.  This is to minimize rust or discoloration.  Titanium is also very popular.  Titanium is lighter and more durable, but it is also much more expensive.  There is also the choice of a smooth blade or a serrated blade.  Some Dive Knives will both, one on each side.  The smooth blade allows for cutting through fishing line.  The serrated edge is good for sawing through thicker lines.

A second popular option, today is the Dive Shears.  This is a pair of stainless steel shears that are very similar to the EMT Shears.  It will also have a sheath and is worn the same way as the dive knife.  At Aquatic Adventures, a Dive Center in Northern Virginia, both styles are in stock, but the single bladed dive knife is still the most popular of the two pieces of scuba equipment.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: Care of your Dive Knife

Like any other piece of scuba diving equipment, the Dive Knife should be rinsed in fresh water after each scuba dive.  If any surface discoloration or rust appears, it can be removed with very fine steel wool, or metal polish.  A coating of U.V.  Tech on the blade prior to the dive will also help prevent this discoloration.

Books, like the PADI Encyclopedia of Diving and Equipment Care & Maintenance are good sources for care of all of your scuba diving equipment.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: Dive Knife Considerations

Make sure that where ever you secure your dive knife it is accessible.  Before purchasing a Dive Knife, consider what type of scuba diving you will be doing.  This will help you determine the style that is best for your needs.  If you are wreck diving in areas, with lots of line or obstructions, then a second dive knife is not uncommon.

Your Dive Knife should also be secured in a sheath and should be placed with your checked luggage when traveling.  Never place your Dive Knife in your carry on luggage.

Owning a Dive Knife is a good idea.  Proper use of the Dive Knife is very important.  It should be used responsibly and care of the environment is of great importance.

Scuba Diving Equipment in Northern Virginia: Weight Systems

All scuba divers use lead weights when scuba diving.  There are two basic types of weight systems: Weight Belt and Weight Integrated Buoyancy Control Device or BCD.

The Scuba Diving Weight Belt:

The oldest form of weight system is the weight belt.  The most common scuba diving weight belt is nylon with a plastic or metal buckle.  The belt is threaded through the weights and held in place with plastic or metal clips called weight keepers.  The biggest advantage of the weight belt is the ability to position the weights exactly where you want them for maximum maneuverability and balance.

A second type of Scuba Diving  Weight Belt is the pocketed weight belt.  This is a cloth or neoprene belt with pockets.  The weights, usually lead shot pouches, are placed in the various pockets.  This weight belt is more comfortable then the nylon weight belt.  Since the weights can only be placed where there is a pocket, this weight belt does not offer the same degree of positioning as the nylon weight belt does.

The Weight Integrated Buoyancy Control Device or BCD:

The Buoyancy Control Device or BCD is a required piece of Scuba Dive Equipment.  Many of the newer style Buoyancy Control Devices have weight pockets built into the BCD.   Weights integrated into the BCD are more comfortable to wear.  The weight pockets can be removed and handed up to your dive buddy when exiting the water.

However, you do not have the same degree of weight placement with a weight integrated BCD as the weight belt offers.  In addition when lifting the scuba unit it is heavier then the scuba unit with a separate weight belt.

Scuba Diving Training Tips:

Practice Dropping Weights:

Most scuba divers are trained during the initial certification course, the Open Water Course, using a weight belt since it is less expensive. During you initial Scuba Class Training you learn how to drop a weight belt in an emergency.  Scuba Divers who purchase Weight Integrated Buoyancy Control Devices should also practice how to release the weights in an emergency.  In addition they should practice securing the weight pockets so they do not accidentally release them.

Continuing Scuba Education:

A new weight integrated Buoyancy Control Device is a pleasure to dive with.  It is, however, some what different then the weight belt.  Scuba Divers using a new weight system should practice not only attaching and dropping weights but their buoyancy as well.  The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Course is an excellent way of learning how to properly and safely use new scuba diving equipment.

The single most important thing that you can do is to properly check your weighting and dive with only the correct amount of weight to obtain your maximum efficiency and safety when scuba diving.