USWR Custom PSD BCDs

Built for the Demands of Public Safety Diving

The USWR Custom Public Safety Diving BCD is a modular backmount buoyancy system designed specifically for the demanding requirements of public safety dive teams. Every component is selected to provide durability, reliability, adjustability, and streamlined performance in challenging underwater environments.

The system can be customized to match the diver, exposure protection, mission requirements, and equipment configuration. It is designed to remain easy to operate with thick gloves and cold hands while helping reduce clutter, drag, and potential entanglement hazards.

Why Choose the USWR Custom PSD BCD?

• Designed specifically for public safety diving
• Durable and reliable modular construction
• Customizable for individual divers and team requirements
• Easy to clean, inspect, service, and maintain
• Easy to adjust and operate while wearing thick gloves
• Can be donned and removed without assistance when necessary
• Streamlined configuration helps reduce drag and conserve diver energy
• Reduced clutter provides greater freedom of movement
• Helps reduce potential snag and entanglement points
• Highly adjustable design fits most divers and can be individually configured

Important: Proper fit, training, and practice are essential. The BCD should be fitted to the diver, tested in controlled conditions, and adjusted as necessary before being placed into operational service.

System Components

• Stainless steel or aluminum backplate
• Back-inflate wing
• USWR adjustable harness
• Single tank adapter with cylinder straps
• Integrated weight pockets
• Crotch strap

Component Details

Backplate

The system can be configured with a stainless steel or aluminum backplate based on the diver’s weighting requirements and intended application.

• Stainless steel or aluminum options
• Available weighting configurations may include approximately 5- or 10-pound backplates
• Provides a stable foundation for the harness, wing, and cylinder system
• Includes a crotch strap for positioning and stability

Back-Inflate Wing

The low-profile back-inflate wing provides approximately 40 pounds of lift while keeping the diver’s chest and sides clear for working, tether management, communications equipment, and accessories.

• Low-profile, streamlined design
• Approximately 40 pounds of lift
• Abrasion- and puncture-resistant outer shell
• Replaceable inner bladder
• Designed for demanding public safety diving environments

USWR Adjustable Harness

The USWR adjustable harness uses heavy-duty webbing and can be configured to suit the individual diver. Hardware can be added, removed, or repositioned based on personal preference, drysuit configuration, and operational requirements.

• Heavy-duty webbing
• Highly adjustable fit
• Removable or repositionable hardware
• Left-side BCD inflator retainer
• Removable chest strap
• Left-side loop for securing the pressure gauge
• Adjustable D-ring and buckle placement
• Waist strap can accommodate a USWR accessory pouch

AustriAlpin COBRA® Buckles

The harness uses AustriAlpin COBRA® quick-release buckles designed so they cannot be released while under tension. Both release tabs must be pressed simultaneously to open the buckle.

The buckle position can be adjusted by changing the shoulder strap placement at the backplate. This allows the buckles to be positioned for easier access without interfering with the diver’s arms, drysuit, or other equipment.

Single Tank Adapter and Cylinder Straps

The single tank adapter provides a stable connection between the cylinder and backplate. Its square-profile design helps reduce unwanted cylinder movement during diving operations.

• Four strap slots allow cylinder strap positioning to be adjusted
• A third strap may be added for a pony cylinder or communications equipment
• Guide webbing helps position the system on the cylinder during setup
• Guide webbing can be adjusted using a properly tied water knot
• An additional weight of up to approximately 6 pounds may be installed inside the adapter when properly configured

Integrated Weight Pockets

Durable weight pockets provide an easy-to-access, ditchable weighting option while allowing the pocket position to be adjusted along the waist strap.

• Up to approximately 12 pounds of capacity per pocket
• Easy to release and reinstall
• Position can be adjusted along the waist strap
• Bottom D-ring can be used for accessories when needed
• Unused attachment points should be secured to reduce entanglement hazards

Initial Fitting and Adjustment

The BCD should initially be fitted on land with the assistance of another trained diver or tender. Begin without the exposure suit when helpful, then repeat the fitting while wearing the complete drysuit or operational exposure-protection system.

Donning the BCD

1. Remove the weight-pocket inserts before donning.
2. Loosen both shoulder straps.
3. Put the BCD on and lean slightly forward.
4. Tighten both shoulder straps evenly.
5. Fasten and adjust the waist strap.
6. Fasten and adjust the crotch strap.
7. Reinstall the weight-pocket inserts.

Recommended Starting Positions

• The inflator retainer should sit near the top of the left shoulder.
• The chest strap should sit comfortably across the upper torso without interfering with the drysuit inflator.
• The left gauge attachment point should remain easy to see and reach.
• The right-side attachment point should remain accessible without restricting arm movement.
• Shoulder buckles should sit below the chest and away from the armpits.
• The waist buckle may be positioned slightly off-center based on diver preference.
• The crotch strap should be centered and adjusted securely without restricting movement.

Final Adjustment Process

1. Complete the initial dry fitting with a buddy or trained team member.
2. Repeat the fitting while wearing the complete operational exposure-protection system.
3. Conduct a controlled, chest-deep water fitting with a buddy.
4. Complete controlled pool dives and readjust the harness for trim, comfort, and hardware placement.
5. Complete open-water training dives before operational deployment.
6. Recheck all backplate, adapter, weight-pocket, and harness fasteners.
7. Use the appropriate locking hardware or thread-locking compound where specified by the component manufacturer.

Do not place a newly configured BCD into operational service until the diver has completed controlled training dives and confirmed proper fit, trim, buoyancy, and access to all controls and emergency releases.

Cleaning, Inspection, and Storage

Although the USWR Custom PSD BCD is designed for demanding use, it remains life-support equipment and must be properly cleaned, inspected, maintained, and stored.

1. Rinse the exterior thoroughly with fresh water after every dive.
2. Rinse the inside of the wing according to the wing manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Drain all water from the bladder before storage.
4. Pay particular attention to buckles, releases, springs, fasteners, and moving components.
5. Operate each buckle and release while rinsing to remove sand, silt, and debris.
6. Partially inflate the wing and allow it to dry completely before storage.
7. Periodically fully inflate the wing and check for leaks.
8. Store the BCD away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, chemicals, and petroleum products.
9. When staged outdoors, keep the BCD shaded or covered when practical.
10. Before every use, inspect the inflator connection, dump valve, hoses, bladder, webbing, buckles, straps, D-rings, and fasteners.
11. Service the inflator at the manufacturer’s recommended interval or more frequently when required by use and conditions.

Custom Built to Order

Every USWR Custom PSD BCD is assembled to match the diver’s selected backplate, wing, harness, weighting, hardware, and accessory configuration. Final pricing depends on the components and options selected.

Please contact US Water Rescue before ordering so we can review your equipment configuration, exposure protection, weighting requirements, and intended application.

Why Buy from US Water Rescue?

• Designed with real-world public safety diving requirements in mind
• Built and configured by experienced public safety diving professionals
• Individual assistance selecting compatible components
• Custom configurations for divers and complete dive teams
• Technical support before and after the sale
• Professional equipment selected for demanding operational environments