What is buoyancy control in scuba diving?

Buoyancy control is the ability to stay neutrally balanced in the water so you neither sink nor float. When you have good buoyancy, you can hover effortlessly at any depth with minimal movement. It is what separates new divers from experienced ones, because true comfort underwater comes from mastering how you breathe and adjust your buoyancy compensator device (BCD) to maintain that balance.

Most of your buoyancy control comes from breathing. Inhaling slightly increases your volume and lifts you; exhaling gently lowers you. The BCD adds fine adjustment to offset changes from your gear and wetsuit compression at depth. The goal is not to be motionless but to move intentionally and efficiently. Poor buoyancy control leads to wasted energy, higher gas use, and accidental contact with the bottom or reef.

Buoyancy and Weighting

Proper weighting is the foundation of buoyancy, gas efficiency, and safe ascents. Test, calculate, and adjust weights for stable, effortless diving.

Trim and Body Positioning

Trim, not just buoyancy, is the key to control underwater. Learn how body position and gear setup affect it, and how to stay flat and efficient.

How to Hover

Hovering means staying motionless and neutrally buoyant. Learn why trim is key and how to practice for control and effortless stops.