How much does seawater weigh per cubic foot?

Seawater has a density of approximately 64.1 pounds per cubic foot, which is vital for divers to understand. This figure accounts for the average salinity and temperature of seawater, which can slightly influence its density but generally hovers around this number.

Knowing the weight of seawater is crucial for many aspects of diving, such as buoyancy calculations and understanding how your body interacts with the water. When divers are aware of the weight of the water around them, they can better manage their buoyancy and ensure a safer diving experience. This knowledge is also valuable when considering equipment and planning dives, as it helps divers estimate the amount of lift they require from their buoyancy control devices (BCDs) and makes them aware of the increased weight they need to manage compared to freshwater scenarios.