1. By Raymond Greenlaw

2. BCDs Buoyancy Control Device Buoyancy Compensator Device Buoyancy Compensator (BC)

3. Understand the buoyancy concept Explain BCD purpose Understand the parts and features of a BCD Explain how a BCD functions Learn about BCD Care Know considerations for selecting a BCD

5. Allows you to control whether you float on the surface hover in the water sink to the bottom

6. Over pressure relief value Inflator/deflator hose Power-inflator mechanism Deflator/oral inflator value Dump value

7. Features Integrated weight system D rings Clips Pockets Grommets to attach items

8. BCD has an air bladder Adding air to the BCD cause a diver to be more buoyant Note when adding air underwater via the power inflator short bursts should be added. One should not hold down the power inflator button. Releasing air causes a diver to be less buoyant

9. Always rinse a BCD thoroughly in fresh water Store a BCD with some air in the bladder so the sides do not stick together When diving in a pool, rinse BCD extra thoroughly as chlorine can have a negative effect on the materials a BCD is made from Do not use cleansers on a BCD Consider having BCD inspected and cleaned by a professional periodically

10. Comfort and fit Weighting system Features Trim possibility Cost Inspect any rental BCDs carefully

11. NAUI Scuba Diver, 2010. Divers-Supply.com http://www.scubainfo.com/BCDmaintenancetips.html http://www.scubainfo.com/BCDmaintenancetips.html Figures borrowed from around the web, please let me know if any of the figures are not in the public domain and I will replace them.

12. Thanks for attending! www.raymondgreenlaw.com