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The functions of
weight belts and weights are to counter positive
buoyancy. Majority of people are positively
buoyant in fresh water and this buoyancy
increases in denser salt water. Another
diving gear that you must wear while scuba diving
that will further increase your buoyancy are
the diving weights, therefore
to keep being submerged in the waters, you
should wear a combination of lead weights on a
weight belt.
You should decide
what types of weight belts that you will bring
along in your suitcase since there a few weight
systems in the market which range from a plain
belt with weights, belts with pockets that can
accommodate either the standard weights or the
more comfortable lead shot, belts with an extra
shoulder harness to those integrated with a
buoyancy control device (BCD). No matter which
type you choose, one crucial element to bear in
mind is that you should be able to release and
discard or dumb your weight belt as fast as
possible in an emergency.
The majority of
weight belts are made from five centimeters wide
nylon webbing. Always make sure that the
quick-release buckle should be a positive fit
and easily adjustable. The weights are mostly
simple rectangular one or two kilograms block
mouldings of lead or simply cylindrical 'bullet'
weights with rounded ends and retainers are used
to prevent them from slipping off. For a more
comfortable fit, you may choose weight belts
with pockets. Should an integrated or harness
weight system is used, always be familiar with
its release mechanism. If your luggage is
already overweight, you can choose not to pack
the weights or weight belts since these items
will be provided to you by your diving organizer
but always bring along spare weight retainers.
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