FAQ in the OMS Dive Store: Your most important diving equipment questions answered
- Thomas Swiglowski
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Translations into English, French, Arabic, and Spanish are available in the OMS Dive Store under "Blog".
Short answer: The OMS Dive Store regularly answers the most frequently asked questions about buoyancy control, equipment selection, and maintenance – so you can dive fully prepared. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, you'll find clear, practical answers here that will make your next dive safer and more relaxed.
We know how many questions can arise – before your first dive, when buying new equipment, or when preparing for special diving adventures. That's precisely why we created our FAQ section at OMS Dive Store. It's regularly updated to provide you with current, reliable, and customer-focused information.
Our team of experienced divers answers the questions we receive most frequently – honestly, understandably and directly to the point.
What is buoyancy control – and why is it so crucial?
Buoyancy control is the ability to precisely control one's position in the water column. A neutrally buoyant diver floats effortlessly without sinking or rising.
That sounds simple – but it's one of the most important basic skills of all. Good buoyancy control means:
Increased safety: Uncontrolled ascents are among the most common causes of diving accidents.
Less air consumption: Those who float in a relaxed state consume significantly less air.
Active environmental protection: A well-balanced diver does not touch the reef or the seabed and does not stir up sediment.
More fun: The true diving experience only begins when you stop fighting against the equipment.
We recommend that every customer – regardless of experience level – regularly work on their own buoyancy control. It's worth it.
How do I find the right amount of lead for my dive?
This is one of our most frequently asked questions – and a very good one at that! The correct amount of lead is not an estimate, but the result of a targeted lead check.
Here's how to perform it:
Go into the water with all your equipment.
Let all the air out of the jacket.
Take a normal breath and hold it briefly.
The water surface should be at eye level.
As you exhale slowly, you should begin to sink gently.
Important: At the end of the dive, your tank will lose approximately 2 to 2.5 kg of weight due to the consumed air supply. Your weight must be sufficient to maintain neutral balance at a depth of 5 meters even with an almost empty tank (approx. 50 bar).
Always perform this check whenever anything changes with your equipment – new suit, different body of water, longer break from diving.
How much lead do I need in the sea compared to a lake?
Saltwater has a higher density than freshwater – this means more buoyancy for you. As a rule of thumb: In the sea, you generally need 2 to 3 kg more lead than in a freshwater lake with identical equipment.
The choice of suit also plays a major role:
A 7mm wetsuit generates significantly more buoyancy than a 3mm wetsuit.
A drysuit creates significant buoyancy due to the trapped air, which must be compensated for.
Aluminum cylinders can develop positive buoyancy towards the end of the dive – in this case, a little more lead is advisable than with steel cylinders.
If you are unsure: Our team at the OMS Dive Store will be happy to advise you personally and help you find the ideal configuration for your next diving adventure.
Wing or ADV jacket – which is right for me?
This question concerns many divers when buying new equipment. Both systems have their strengths – the choice depends on your experience level and your diving requirements.
The ADV jacket is the proven all-rounder:
Stable, upright position on the surface
Easy to use – ideal for beginners
Familiar and comfortable for holiday use
The wing system is the tool for precision and efficiency:
Actively supports a horizontal water position (optimal trim)
Less water resistance, lower air consumption
Maximum freedom of movement – no side air chambers
Highly modular and adaptable
If you dive regularly, value perfect body position in the water, or are interested in technical diving, a wing system like the proven models from OMS (Ocean Management Systems) is an excellent choice.
A detailed comparison of both systems and the entire OMS product range can be found at www.mydive.store .
How do I properly care for my diving equipment after a dive?
Saltwater, sand, and chlorine are the natural enemies of your equipment. Proper care will significantly extend its lifespan.
Immediately after the dive:
Rinse the jacket and wing inside and out with fresh water. Fill the bladder with water via the inflator, shake vigorously, and then release it through the quick-release valves.
Place the dust cap on the first stage of the regulator – before water gets near it.
Regulator: Place in fresh water, but never press the air purge button while the regulator is in the water during rinsing.
Many people are wondering why?
Lack of back pressure : In normal operation, air flows forward from the bottle at high pressure.
Mechanical opening : Without bottle pressure, pressing the button simply pushes the diaphragm inwards, which opens the valve.
Suction effect : Water flows unhindered in the wrong direction (backwards) into the system. [ 1 ]
Potential damage
Corrosion : Fresh water (and especially salt or chlorinated water) causes pitting and rust on the internal metal parts of the first stage.
Limescale buildup : Drying water leaves behind limescale deposits that can block fine nozzles and valve seats.
Safety risk : Blocked valves can lead to life-threatening malfunctions (e.g., regulator free-flow) during the next dive.
Suit: Rinse thoroughly inside and out, occasionally cleaning with neoprene shampoo. Let it dry in the shade – direct sunlight makes neoprene brittle.
Storage: Store the BCD slightly inflated to prevent the bladder from sticking together inside. Lay regulator hoses in wide arcs, never kink them tightly.
What equipment is suitable for technical diving and cave diving?
Demanding diving disciplines have special requirements – your equipment must be absolutely reliable.
In technical diving, a high-quality wing system is indispensable: It provides the necessary buoyancy capacity for heavy twin sets, supports stable trim and enables precise buoyancy control even at great depths.
Cave diving requires a streamlined profile and absolute freedom of movement. A close-fitting wing prevents equipment from getting snagged in narrow passages, and a perfectly horizontal position in the water protects the sensitive cave ecosystem from stirred-up sediment.
Divers who follow the DIR ("Doing It Right") philosophy and strive for maximum efficiency will find a suitable system at Halcyon . Further information and the Halcyon product range can be found at www.dive24.store .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often should I repeat my lead count test?
Before every diving holiday, when switching from fresh to salt water, after buying a new wetsuit, or after a longer break from diving. The correct amount of lead is not a fixed number – it changes depending on your equipment and the conditions.
What does "trim" mean in diving?
Trim refers to the horizontal alignment of your body in the water. Optimal trim means that your head, shoulders, torso, and fins form a straight line parallel to the seabed. This minimizes water resistance, protects the underwater environment, and improves your decompression safety.
Can I dive with a wing even as a beginner?
Yes – with a little getting used to. At the surface, a wing behaves differently than a BCD (the diver is pushed slightly forward). We recommend that beginners practice the transition in calm, shallow water and take their time. Our team will be happy to advise you personally.
Why does my buoyancy change during the dive?
Several factors come into play: Your wetsuit is compressed by the increasing water pressure at depth and loses buoyancy. At the same time, your tank gets lighter during the dive (approximately 2–2.5 kg weight loss due to exhaled air). You must actively compensate for this dynamic – with the inflator and your breathing technique.
How do I choose the right fins for my diving style?
Heavy, solid rubber fins (like Jet Fins) are particularly suitable for drysuit divers, as they help keep the buoyant feet submerged. Lightweight plastic fins are a better match for thin wetsuits. If your feet constantly float, heavier fins are often the simplest solution.
Do you have a question that hasn't been answered here yet? Our team at OMS Dive Store looks forward to your message – we're here for you and regularly update our FAQ section with new topics and answers. Visit us at www.mydive.store and discover our extensive range of high-quality diving equipment.
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