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BCD accessories extend and adapt your existing buoyancy compensator for specific diving needs — from carrying a pony bottle or stage cylinder to adding storage capacity or an audible surface signal. The items here attach to, clip onto, or integrate with your BCD harness and D-rings, covering functional gaps that complete BCDs don’t address out of the box.
Expanding Your BCD’s Capability
A standard BCD ships with a defined set of D-rings, pockets, and mounting points. For most recreational divers this is sufficient, but as dive profiles become more complex — longer dives, more equipment, overhead environments, or technical configurations — the need to carry additional gear increases. BCD accessories address this without requiring a new vest: a stage cylinder harness adds a mounting point for an extra air source; a thigh pouch or utility pouch carries slates, reels, or surface marker buoys; a multipurpose hanger clips lights or instruments to existing D-ring positions.
The Harness for extra air source S6, S13 is a dedicated sling-bottle harness for small cylinders (6 or 13 liters) — pony bottles and stage tanks used as safety reserves or decompression gas. It attaches to the BCD’s D-rings with a simple clip system and positions the cylinder against the diver’s side, out of the primary working space. This is the standard setup for carrying a bailout bottle in recreational technical diving before committing to a full sidemount or redundant regulator system.
Storage accessories round out the range: the Utility pouch and Utility scrolling pouch attach to BCD D-rings and provide soft-sided pockets for slates, spare masks, or surface marker buoy deployment spools. The Thigh storage pouch mounts to the diver’s thigh via a leg strap — useful when BCD pockets are already occupied or when keeping certain items positioned for single-hand access. The Multipurpose hanger and Multipurpose hanger II are clip-on instruments mounts that can hold a dive light, compass housing, or gauge console on a D-ring without zip ties or secondary rigging.
Tank Attachment Hardware
The Belt for tanks with S.S. quick release cam buckle and the standalone Stainless steel quick release cam buckle are tank retaining components used when assembling or servicing a backplate-and-harness system, or when replacing worn hardware on an existing BCD back unit. The cam buckle design allows single-handed release under tension — important when the cylinder needs to be detached quickly on the surface or when adjusting tank position on a backplate. The Cylinder straps weight pockets are a specialized item: neoprene-padded cylinder straps with integrated trim weight pockets, allowing a small amount of ballast to be distributed directly on the cylinder rather than carried in a weight belt or BCD pockets.
The Air acoustic signal is a surface safety device that connects to the BCD’s low-pressure inflator port and produces a loud pneumatic horn blast when activated. It draws gas directly from the tank through the regulator second stage, so it operates as long as there is any gas remaining in the cylinder. Acoustic signals significantly increase visibility on the surface in conditions where visual signals like SMBs are insufficient — high waves, poor light, or significant surface current.
What to Look For
- D-ring compatibility and clip type. Verify that any clip-on accessory uses a gate mechanism compatible with the D-ring size and orientation on your BCD. Large-gate snap hooks work on 50 mm D-rings; small-gate variants may not open fully on thicker welded rings. Brass or stainless steel clips are preferable to aluminum in marine environments.
- Stage harness fit relative to your cylinder size. The Harness for extra air source comes in S6 and S13 configurations — the sizing refers to the cylinder diameter the harness accommodates, not the diver’s body. Confirm your pony bottle’s body diameter against the harness specification before ordering.
- Pouch mounting position and access angle. Thigh pouches should mount high enough on the thigh that the opening is accessible with a straight arm, not requiring a reaching-across-the-body motion. BCD-mounted utility pouches should clip to a D-ring position where the opening faces upward or laterally, not downward where items can fall out during descent.
- Acoustic signal low-pressure port compatibility. The air acoustic signal connects via a standard DIN/yoke low-pressure hose fitting. Verify that your first stage has an available LP port before purchasing — most regulators have three or four LP ports, but one is typically occupied by the BCD inflator hose and another by the gauges or dive computer hose.
- Stainless steel hardware for marine use. For any metal hardware that will be regularly submerged in salt water — buckles, D-rings, bolts — 316-grade stainless steel is the minimum standard. Lower-grade stainless or uncoated carbon steel will show surface rust within a season of salt water exposure.
Maintenance and Care
Rinse all BCD accessories with fresh water after salt water diving, paying particular attention to cam buckle mechanisms and acoustic signal internals. Cam buckles accumulate salt and sand in the spring-loaded teeth; salt crystallization can seize the release mechanism, making single-handed operation unreliable. Submerge the buckle while actuating it several times under fresh water to flush the mechanism. The acoustic signal should be flushed by briefly activating it under fresh water to clear salt from the internal valve and nozzle — do not activate it fully indoors.
Storage pouches should be opened and allowed to dry completely after each diving day. Trapped moisture in zipped or velcro-closed neoprene or nylon pouches encourages mold growth on seams and internal surfaces, which is difficult to remove and accelerates material degradation. Stainless steel hardware should be inspected annually for surface pitting or thread corrosion, particularly at bolt threads on cylinder straps and cam buckle pivot pins.
Stage cylinder harness webbing should be inspected with the same frequency and criteria as your main BCD harness — annual check for UV degradation, fray at load points, and buckle integrity. Cylinder straps in particular are under high cyclic load every time the tank is mounted and dismounted; replace straps that show elongation, fraying, or stiffness in the webbing material.
FAQ
What is the difference between the Multipurpose hanger and Multipurpose hanger II?
Both are clip-on instrument mounting accessories that attach to a BCD D-ring. The Multipurpose hanger II is a simpler, lighter version with a reduced profile — suitable for attaching smaller items like a secondary light or compass. The original Multipurpose hanger has a larger mounting surface and accommodates a wider range of accessory sizes. The choice depends on what you’re mounting and how much space you have on your BCD’s D-ring positions.
Can I use the air acoustic signal with any BCD inflator?
The air acoustic signal connects to a standard low-pressure inflator port on your first stage regulator, not directly to the BCD inflator. It requires an available LP port — most first stages have three to four, so availability depends on your existing hose configuration. The signal is activated independently of the BCD inflation mechanism and draws gas directly from your tank, meaning it will function even if your BCD inflator has been disconnected or is malfunctioning.
Is the stage harness suitable for a full sidemount cylinder?
The Harness for extra air source S6, S13 is designed for small bailout or pony bottles (6 or 13 liter cylinders) worn on the side of the torso as a secondary gas source. It is not a sidemount harness — sidemount diving requires a purpose-built harness with dedicated bungee retention, multiple attachment points, and a configuration that positions the cylinder along the diver’s side from shoulder to hip. For bailout use during recreational decompression dives, the stage harness is appropriate.
Where should I mount a thigh pouch vs. a BCD pocket?
BCD pockets are generally better for items you access occasionally (slates, safety sausages, emergency equipment) because they’re less affected by your body position while swimming. Thigh pouches work better for items you need to access quickly while in a horizontal trim position — a dive light backup, a specific tool, or a slate used frequently during the dive. The key consideration is that thigh pouches must be positioned high enough on the thigh that you don’t have to reach across your body or bend your knee to open them.
Are cylinder straps weight pockets compatible with all tank diameters?
The Cylinder straps weight pockets are designed for standard scuba cylinder diameters — typically fitting cylinders in the 171–184 mm body diameter range common to 10–15 liter steel and aluminum tanks. For non-standard cylinder sizes (small pony bottles, large 18-liter steel cylinders, or HP cylinders with different body diameters), verify the strap’s adjustment range against your cylinder’s body diameter specification before purchasing.
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BCD Accessories – Stage Harnesses, Pouches & Signals
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Stage cylinder harnesses, utility pouches, tank belts, acoustic signals and more for your BCD setup. Order now.