Buoyancy Compensator, The Diver’s Exoskeleton: BC Basics Part One
Image: Bob Bennett By Fred Stratton Instructor & Repair Technician fred@bubblesornot.com Image: Pixabay An exoskeleton - from the Greek exo (outer) and skeletos (skeleton) - is an external structure that supports and protects an animal's body. As a diver you know about marine creatures having exoskeletons like crabs, lobsters (crustaceans), chitons, nautilus, clams and snails (molluscs). While not a perfect metaphor, the BC is like a diver's exoskeleton in that it supports and integrates the cylinders and regulators we use to breathe underwater into one unit. It enables us to maintain neutral buoyancy and exemplary trim as we gracefully glide through the water like mantas. The BC also supports an array of general and dive-specific tools such as whistles, lights, weight and trim pockets, and cutting devices. (We'll explore these aspects next month in BC Basics Part II.) Image: Pixabay The BC is a relatively new invention. Diver