Buoyancy Compensator

What to look for in a scuba BCD

Frequently asked questions

What does a BCD do and do I need one for scuba diving?

Yes — a BCD is essential for scuba diving. BCD (also called a BC) is short for buoyancy control device or buoyancy compensator. It performs two functions: it holds your tank securely on your back, and it controls your buoyancy by allowing you to add or release air from an internal bladder. At the surface, you inflate it to stay afloat easily. Underwater, you add small amounts of air to achieve neutral buoyancy — the state of neither sinking nor floating — which is the foundation of good dive technique. Without a BCD, managing your depth and staying off the bottom or reef would be extremely difficult.

What is the difference between a jacket BCD and a back-inflate BCD?

In a jacket BCD, the air bladder wraps around your sides and back — when inflated, air distributes around your torso, keeping you upright at the surface with your head naturally out of the water. In a back-inflate BCD, all the air is behind you — this can tip less experienced divers face-down at the surface, but underwater it encourages a flatter, more horizontal trim position which is preferred by many experienced divers. Jacket style is the most forgiving choice for new divers. Back-inflate suits divers who have developed their buoyancy skills and want better trim underwater.

What is a wing and backplate BCD and who is it for?

A wing and backplate system replaces the traditional soft-body BCD with a modular setup: a rigid backplate (stainless steel or aluminum), a separate inflatable wing, and a harness. The system is highly configurable — you can swap wings for different tank setups (single, double, or sidemount), change backplates, and add or remove integrated weight pockets. Wing and backplate is used by both recreational and technical divers. It is particularly popular with divers who want a long-term, upgradeable system rather than a fixed design. The learning curve is slightly higher than a jacket BCD, but many divers find it more comfortable and versatile over time. Our entire rental fleet is wing and backplate so if you're in the Edmonton area and want to try one out, stop by and rent one for the pool or open water.

How do I care for my BCD after diving?

After every dive, rinse the outside of your BCD thoroughly with fresh water, paying particular attention to the power inflator buttons where sand and salt can accumulate and cause sticking. Rinse the inside of the bladder by adding fresh water through the power inflator hose or an overpressure valve, sloshing it around, and draining it completely. Add a small amount of BCD cleaner to the inside periodically to prevent mold and odor. Store your BCD slightly inflated — never compressed flat — and hang it properly on a BCD hanger rather than folding it over a hook. Have it inspected by a qualified technician every one to two years or every 100 dives.