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Wings, Stabiliser (Stab) Jackets and Buoyancy control devices (BCD’s)
Very important pieces of equipment
Stabiliser Jackets / Buoyancy control device (BCD) / Wings and Adjustable buoyancy life jackets (ABLJ) call them what you like!
All perform the same basic functions
1: to provide buoyancy at the surface to keep diver and equipment afloat .
2: to be adjustable under water to provide neutral buoyancy.
3: to provide positive buoyancy underwater to be able to raise diver to surface.
4:to act as a support for cylinders and mounting points for accessories etc.
An A.B.L.J. is worn like a horse collar has no mounting for cylinders but should float an unconscious diver face up at surface. Buoyancy control / stab jackets / wings etc. should not be described as lifejackets, as they will not guarantee to to do this. Indeed, this is not what they were designed for.
There are so many types and styles it could take a dozen pages to explain them all, I will list a few features:
Single bag
Double bag
Double bladder
Weight intergrated
Direct feeds
Emergency cylinder
-not to mention back plates,harnesses,etc.
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