If transitioning from ocean to fresh water dives, what should you do with your weight belt to maintain neutral buoyancy?

When transitioning from ocean water to fresh water dives, removing some weight from your weight belt is essential to maintain neutral buoyancy. The primary reason for this is the difference in buoyancy caused by the salinity of ocean water compared to fresh water. Ocean water is denser and provides more buoyancy due to the dissolved salts. As a result, divers usually require more weight to counteract this buoyancy.

When moving to fresh water, which is less dense, the same amount of weight can cause a diver to become over-weighted, leading to a tendency to sink too rapidly. Therefore, decreasing the weight by removing some from your weight belt allows you to achieve a balanced state, enabling you to float more easily and maintain control during the dive. This adjustment is key for safety and comfort, as underwater buoyancy controls are critical for effective diving techniques.