Frequently asked questions.

  • Avelo is an innovative diving system that delivers a fully integrated dive experience. By combining lightweight gear, easy-to-learn training, and real-time dive data, Avelo helps divers feel more comfortable, safer, and more confident underwater—making every dive more enjoyable.

  • The Avelo System is an advanced diving solution designed to transform the way people dive. It combines the Hydrotank and Jetpack into a sleek, lightweight configuration that uses water instead of air for buoyancy control. This approach allows divers to maintain consistent neutral buoyancy throughout the dive while carrying less weight, experiencing lower drag, and managing fewer tasks—resulting in a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable underwater experience.

  • Divers begin each dive positively buoyant on the surface. By adding water to the Hydrotank, neutral buoyancy is established before descending. Once underwater, buoyancy remains consistent regardless of depth changes. As breathing reduces gas weight during the dive, small amounts of water are added to maintain balance. Final buoyancy adjustments happen naturally through breathing, removing the need for constant manual corrections.

  • Each dive starts with the diver positively buoyant on the surface. To descend, water is pumped into the Hydrotank until neutral buoyancy is reached, then the diver simply swims down to begin the dive.

    Throughout the dive, neutral buoyancy is maintained without the need to add air or make constant adjustments. To surface, there’s no requirement to become positively buoyant—just swim up. Once at the surface, opening the purge valve instantly releases water from the system, effectively shedding weight and restoring positive buoyancy for effortless floating.

    This process is covered in detail during Avelo training and reinforced through hands-on practice in the water as part of our certification programs.

  • Yes. The Avelo System functions as a buoyancy control device, but instead of using air, it manages buoyancy with water. This design creates a lighter, more intuitive diving experience while remaining compatible with standard scuba equipment and diving practices.

  • Maintaining stable neutral buoyancy helps reduce the risk of uncontrolled ascents or descents. With the Avelo System, buoyancy remains balanced throughout the dive, even in the unlikely event of a system issue. The Hydrotank is certified to DOT, CE, and AGA requirements and manufactured in accordance with ISO 11119-2 standards. By simplifying buoyancy control, the system reduces task loading, minimizes potential failure points, and allows divers to focus more on awareness and enjoyment underwater.

  • No. Divers always remain in full control of their buoyancy. Balance is primarily managed through normal breathing, with buoyancy changes occurring gradually and remaining independent of depth. The diver chooses when to add or release water, ensuring a predictable and controlled experience. In most cases, only a small adjustment is needed—typically about 1 liter of water every 25–30 minutes.

  • We're growing quickly, with dive centers and liveaboard destinations around the world. Visit our Find a Dive Center page to see the latest locations.

    Avelo is expanding rapidly, with certified dive centers and liveaboard destinations worldwide. To view the most up-to-date locations where you can dive with the Avelo System, visit our Find a Dive Center page.

  • If the bladder is compromised, there is no immediate change to buoyancy. The system remains stable and fully manageable, allowing the diver to safely complete the dive, including any required safety stops. In the event of a rupture, the bladder naturally seals against the inner wall of the Hydrotank. Positive air pressure inside the bladder prevents water from entering, keeping the gas contained.

    These scenarios are covered in detail in Avelo training materials and reinforced through practical, in-water exercises as part of our certification programs.

  • Emergency ascents are a core component of all Avelo training programs and are designed to be more controlled than those using traditional BCDs. To increase buoyancy, the diver manually opens the purge valve to release water from the Hydrotank. This valve is fully mechanical, operates independently of the pump or battery, and requires intentional activation—similar to choosing when to inflate a conventional BCD.

    As water is released, positive buoyancy increases and the diver begins a controlled ascent. If additional lift is required, the diver can fin upward, just as in standard scuba diving. These procedures are practiced in every Avelo course, from recreational certifications through professional-level training.

    All potential system malfunctions are addressed during instruction. Just as traditional scuba training prepares divers for scenarios like bladder damage, uncontrolled inflation, or accidental weight loss, Avelo divers are trained to confidently manage any unlikely equipment issue.

    The Avelo System is specifically engineered to prevent uncontrolled ascents. Because buoyancy changes are always manual and gradual—and there is no expanding air bladder—the risk of an accidental rapid ascent is effectively eliminated. This design offers divers greater control and a higher margin of safety during emergency situations.

  • The Hydrotank is positioned close to the diver’s body, and a rear-facing valve enhances overall comfort, streamlines hose routing, and improves trim in the water. This design choice maintains a clean profile without increasing the risk of entanglement, contributing to a more balanced and efficient dive setup.

  • Yes. All Avelo training programs comply with ISO 24802-1 and ISO 24802-2 standards and are recognized globally. In addition, Avelo Professionals are eligible to obtain professional liability insurance coverage through DAN, providing worldwide support and protection.

  • For the same reason skilled divers invest in high-performance equipment: to enhance the overall diving experience. Even divers with excellent trim benefit from dramatically reduced weight, lower drag, simplified task management, and more efficient gas usage. The Avelo System improves performance and comfort at every experience level. In fact, more than half of Avelo divers are highly experienced, and many are active dive professionals.

  • Technical diving configurations for the Avelo System are currently in development. These setups are being designed to meet the specific demands of advanced and technical divers while maintaining the system’s core benefits of stability, control, and efficiency.

  • Yes. The Avelo System supports Nitrox blends with up to 40% oxygen. The Hydrotank is engineered for standard pre-blended Nitrox use and does not require specialized oxygen cleaning, making it simple to integrate into existing dive operations.

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