Learn
A calm first look at buoyancy
Good buoyancy is not a trick. It comes from weighting, breathing, body position and small adjustments made early.
6 min read
Interactive buoyancy check
Five steps to check your buoyancy before a dive
0/5reviewed
Read each step, study the open-water demonstration and tick it when you understand the aim. Practise underwater only within your training and with suitable supervision.
01
Check your weighting
At the surface, with your BCD empty and a normal breath, check that you float at about eye level. Complete this with a qualified professional when appropriate.
Change one thing at a time02
Descend without rushing
Release gas, exhale normally and use a visual reference. Equalise early. Avoid forcing the descent by swimming down.
Slow descent, early equalisation03
Add a small amount of gas
As the suit compresses, add a short burst to the BCD. Wait for the result before touching the inflator again.
Press, wait, observe04
Settle into trim
Look forward, bring your knees into a relaxed position and move equipment or weight only after discussing the change with your instructor.
Balanced and horizontal05
Hover and use normal breathing
Keep breathing continuously. Use a normal inhalation and exhalation for small depth changes, without holding your breath.
Breathe, watch, adjust