Buoyancy Control - Explain what it is and why it is important when we dive

Buoyancy is the force that causes an object to float or sink, and can be described as an upward force exerted on any object placed in a fluid, whether it sinks or floats. Wow, what does that mean ? Means that a force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. A heavy object will displaced more fluid and sink, while a light object will displace less fluid and rise. This principle is best known as the Archimedes Principle.

With all this being said, there are 3 types of buoyancy. They are positive, negative and neutral buoyancy. If any object weighs less than the water it displaces, we call this positively buoyant. If an object weighs more than the water it displaces, we call this negatively buoyant. And finally, if the object and the water weigh the same, this is neutrally buoyant.



Ascend is the positive side, meaning that you are lighter than the water you displace and you will rise or float. Descend is the negative side where you are heavier than the water and will sink. As divers we need to strive to maintain neutral buoyancy like the diver in the middle.

So as in diving, when we enter the water and we are at the surface we are displaying positive buoyancy. When it is time for us to go under the water, we will become heavier than the water to allow us to be negatively buoyant. Once underwater, and at our depth, we will maintain a neutral state, and hover.

Buoyancy is important for two reasons, one at the surface and one underwater. At the surface we are positive, and we float thereby conserving energy. While underwater we should maintain a neutral position so we can stay off the bottom, and avoid crushing or damaging delicate aquatic life and plants.

Buoyancy control is one of the most important skills you can learn and master as a diver. It is a skill that you will improve on dive after dive. On every dive you must continue to fine tune your buoyancy skills. Good buoyancy skills means that your dive will be fun and effortless.

Lastly, keep in mind salt water verses fresh water has different effects on buoyancy which we will discuss on future lessons. Until next time, "Make Every Dive a Good Dive, and Let's Get Wet."

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