Diving weighting system

Lead weights are an important part of the diving equipment. They have the task to compensate for the buoyancy of the diver and his equipment while diving. The amount of lead shall be such that the diver float in the water and can tare. Depending on the equipment, experience of the diver and water ( salt water is more dense and therefore more buoyant than fresh water) may be the amount of the required lead between two and twelve kilograms occasionally beyond. The amount of lead is optimal when the diver with an empty BCD and nearly empty bottle pressure can descend only by complete exhalation from the surface. If a diver too little lead with so, a controlled emergence is not possible because at the end of the dive also lacks the mass of the breathing gas. An excessive amount of lead must be compensated by the Tarierhilfe, but the buoyancy is strongly depth dependent, so that the buoyancy is complicated by excess lead.

The name derives from the lead material used here, the heavy metal lead.

Attachment

The lead weights are usually attached to a weight belt that is worn around the waist of the diver. Alternatively, the solid lead pieces there are soft lead, which is made of lead pellets, and is sewn into fabric bags. For soft lead, there are special belts with bags. Soft Weights can be more comfortable to wear than the hard -edged and massive lead weights.

The weight belt is closed with a buckle, which can be re-tension during the dive and has a quick release mechanism. In an emergency it must be possible, with a handle to open the buckle to drop the weight belt and perform an emergency ascent.

Alternatively, the weight belt, there are BCD with integrated weight pockets. The advantage that the diver will not be restricted by a strap. This also provides the spine is relieved, because unlike the waist down and the waist is pulled by the jacket up the weight belt. With additional pockets can be optimally positioned with the help of lead ballast, the arrangement and position of the lead for the output. The weight pockets on the BCD's are also equipped with a quick release mechanism. Disadvantage of integrated weight pockets is that you can not safely store the BCD underwater. With the vest downforce would lose the weight pockets and would float uncontrollably. However, the deposition of the BCD in very few cases is necessary, for example to to squeeze through narrow passages in caves or wrecks.

Ankle Weights

Ankle Weights is, as the name implies, attached to the foot of the diver. It is used especially when divers use drysuits, as the air accumulates in the footwell of the drysuit and generates lift.

Others

Lead is due to its high density ( 11.3 g / cm ³ ), and its low price used. Based on the world market prices for metals from July 2013 has lead an excellent price -to-weight ratio. Also, it is easy to pour into any shape. All alternatives to lead are either extremely rare ( Francium, fermium ), very expensive ( gold), radioactive ( uranium, thorium ) or a combination thereof.

Hazards

The heavy metal, lead is toxic. In particular, the vapors during processing of lead are easily and quickly absorbed by the body, can lead to lead poisoning (see also the health hazard when pouring lead ).

When working with lead weights or when threading on the weight belt, it could theoretically lead to abrasion. The smallest amounts of lead could be swallowed if it is followed eaten directly with uncleaned hands. But there are " in the entire medical literature not a single case described ". Divers are a total " hardly to no risk with probability bordering on certainty to ". Divers who nevertheless want to reduce their personal risk, can use painted or coated with plastic pieces of lead.

Footnotes

• Diving equipment
• Lead