During a dive, how should divers maintain buoyancy control?

Maintaining buoyancy control during a dive is crucial for safety and efficiency. The correct method involves inflating or deflating the Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) as needed throughout the dive. This allows divers to precisely control their position in the water column—whether they need to ascend, descend, or maintain a neutral buoyancy level. Proper use of the BCD enables divers to adjust to changes in buoyancy caused by various factors such as depth changes, gas consumption, and equipment weight.

Using a BCD effectively is preferable because it provides a versatile means to manage buoyancy, allowing divers to respond dynamically to their environment. Conversely, relying solely on weight adjustments or buoyancy from breath control does not offer the same level of control and could lead to issues such as uncontrolled ascent or descent.