What is neutral buoyancy?

Neutral buoyancy occurs when a diver's weight is balanced by the buoyant force acting on them from the surrounding water. This means that the diver neither sinks nor rises but is able to maintain a stable position in the water column. Achieving neutral buoyancy is crucial for divers because it allows for efficient movement and stability while underwater, facilitating observation, photography, or performing tasks without expending unnecessary energy.

In practice, achieving neutral buoyancy often requires careful adjustments of a diver's weight and equipment, such as using additional weights or adjusting the air volume in the buoyancy control device (BCD). When divers achieve this state, they can hover in place, which is essential for many activities such as underwater exploration and scientific research.