Weight vest: is mostly used for cold water divers who use thick wetsuits and require more weight and better weight distribution than what only a weight belt can afford. Better weight distribution may also be required when diving very shallow. Weight vest is not meant to replace the weight belt, but rather be used in conjunction with it. About two thirds of the weight should go on the belt so that in the event you drop the belt there will be sufficient increase in buoyancy to allow an easy ascent, and positive buoyancy at a predetermined safe depth.
Most vests contains 4 – 6 compartments that can hold aroun 1kg of lead each.
One of the best ways of connecting the vest to the belt is with a string and ball. The ball is tucked under the weight belt. Once the weight belt is dropeed, the weight vest is free to be removed by unclipping the buckle. The vest can be rigged to hold a knife.
