Weight belt (lead in pouches or block)

A weight belt is a strap that holds lead weights around your waist. This gear counteracts the natural buoyancy of your body and suit. Divers use it to reach a neutral state at specific depths.

Most divers carry 4 kg to 10 kg of lead depending on their wetsuit thickness. I often saw students in Koh Tao struggle because they used too much weight for a 3 mm suit. This makes ascent difficult and wastes air. You should always check your buoyancy at 5 m before descending deeper.

Use a quick-release buckle for safety. If you feel uncontrolled buoyancy, drop the belt immediately. Never use a belt that lacks a fast way to shed the weight.