A wetsuit or a drysuit will increase the diver's buoyancy, making it necessary for him or her to weight themselves so that they can become neutrally buoyant. This is achieved by wearing lead weights on a suitable weight belt.
A vital part of any weight belt is the quick release buckle. It ensures that positive buoyancy can be achieved quickly in an emergency by the rapid jettisoning of the weight belt. It also makes it easy to remove the belt before climbing into a boat after a dive.
Many types of quick release buckles exist, so look out for one which is simple, easy to operate (even with cold gloved hands) and which contrasts strongly with any other waist strap. It should allow the belt to come away easily without snagging. Avoid spare webbing, which might foul at just the wrong moment. If necessary, cut the belt so that it is a neat fit.
Remember to put on your weight belt in such a way that it will always come away freely and easily when the quick release is operated.
Some drysuit divers find the use of additional ankle weights helpful in maintaining a horizontal position in the water. This helps to prevent the embarrasing feet-first ballistic ascent to the surface.
One development in weighting technology is the integration of weights with the stab jacket. Releasing the weights in this system is accomplished by the use of a pull toggle.
