During a buoyancy check, when is neutral buoyancy attained?

Neutral buoyancy is achieved when an object is neither sinking nor floating, meaning that its density is equal to the surrounding fluid. In the context of scuba diving, you attain neutral buoyancy when you can float at or near eye level with a normal breath. This indicates that your overall density (including your body and the air in your lungs) matches the density of the water, allowing you to maintain a stable position in the water column without needing to expend energy to stay submerged or to keep from floating to the surface.

This state is crucial for divers as it allows for easy and controlled movement while minimizing air consumption and fatigue. Achieving this state optimizes the dive experience, enabling divers to observe marine life and the underwater environment without the constant need for adjustments in buoyancy.