What type of buoyancy control is generally used with surface supplied diving systems?

Buoyancy control is a critical aspect of diving, and in surface supplied diving systems, the use of a buoyancy compensator or lift bag is essential. This type of buoyancy control allows divers to maintain neutral buoyancy at depth, making it easier to avoid unnecessary exertion and enhancing safety while underwater.

A buoyancy compensator, often integrated with a harness system, is designed to provide divers the ability to adjust their buoyancy in response to changes in depth or equipment. By adding or releasing air from the compensator, divers can ascend, descend, or remain at a desired depth with precision. The importance of this control is underscored in environments where precise movement is needed, as it helps stabilize the diver in the water column.

In contrast, while a weight belt can be used to offset buoyancy, it does not provide the same level of active control over buoyancy as a compensator or lift bag. A floating safety raft and an inflatable vest may serve different purposes, often related to rescue or surface support functions, but they do not directly assist the diver with buoyancy control during descent or at depth as effectively as a buoyancy compensator does.