When determining buoyancy, what must divers consider?

When determining buoyancy, divers must consider both the weight of their equipment and their body density because these factors directly impact how they will float or sink in water. The weight of the equipment adds to the overall mass that the diver must be able to counteract with buoyancy. Body density influences how much of the diver's body is filled with air compared to how much is made of denser materials like muscle and bone. A diver who is denser than water will tend to sink unless countered by appropriate buoyancy from a buoyancy control device (BCD) or other means.

Understanding these elements helps divers adjust their buoyancy correctly by adding or releasing air from their BCD or adjusting their weight systems for optimal performance underwater. Proper buoyancy control is crucial for safety, energy conservation, and overall enjoyment while diving, as it prevents situations like improper ascents or descents that could lead to accidents. Other considerations, while potentially important in specific contexts, do not directly affect the immediate calculation of buoyancy as much as the diver's body density and the weight of their equipment.