Hovering
Definition
Hovering is the skill of maintaining neutral buoyancy at a fixed depth without ascending or descending.
More on Hovering
Hovering requires precise buoyancy control using breath and BCD adjustments. Divers should be able to stay motionless at depth without fin movement, maintaining trim and position with minimal effort. This skill is essential for photography, safety stops, and fragile environments like coral reefs or caves. It also conserves energy and improves gas efficiency. Practicing in calm water helps develop sensitivity to buoyancy shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
It prevents contact with the bottom or reef, improves control, and reduces gas use during stops and observation.
Fine-tune your weight, practice breath control, trim your body, and keep hands and fins still during neutral moments.
Yes. Buoyancy changes with depth, gear, and tank weight. Adjust weights and BCD use accordingly.
Yes, it’s a required skill, typically practiced during confined water sessions and during safety stop simulations.
With control, yes. Advanced divers sometimes hover in various orientations for tasks like inspection or photography.