Positive buoyancy

Positive buoyancy is when you float toward the surface. This happens because your body is less dense than the water around you.

Divers use this state to rest or prepare for a controlled ascent. You will feel this most clearly when you vent air from your BCD at 5 m depths. If you have too much air, you might drift upward too fast while you try to stay steady near a reef.

Never rely on this to stay at depth. I saw a student in Koh Tao in 2019 struggle because he forgot to add weight after breathing less air. Always check your buoyancy before you start your safety stop at 5 m.