Diving weighting system Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Divers wear weighting systems, weight belts or weights, generally made of lead, to counteract the buoyancy of other diving equipment, such as diving suits and aluminium diving cylinders.The weights provide a useful rescue mechanism - they can be dropped in an emergency to provide instant buoyancy which may return the diver to the surface. The rapid ascent caused by dropping weights increases the risk of barotrauma and decompression sickness due to the rapid ascent to the surface. This risk can only be justified when the emergency is life threatening. Very often divers take great care to ensure the weights are not dropped accidentally.
The quantity of lead weight required is determined by the overall positive buoyancy of the diver. It normally is in the range of 2 kg / 4 pounds to 15 kg / 33 pounds.
The weights are generally made of lead because of its weighting efficiency caused by its density. The lead can be cast in blocks, cast block with gaps for straps or shaped as pellets often named "shot".
There are several types of weight carrying and securing mechanisms:
- Weight belt : a nylon belt 5 cm /2 inch wide that holds the weights around the diver's waist.
- BCD Integrated weights : are stored in pockets built-in to the buoyancy compensator. Often a velcro flap holds the weights in place. They have handles, which must be pulled to drop the weights in an emergency.
- Weight harness : a belt around the waist with shoulder staps for extra support and security. Often a velcro flap holds the weights in place. They have handles, which must be pulled to drop the weights in an emergency.
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