QUESTION: Are there any lead-free Diving Weights on the market in Australia or overseas? 11 Feb 2008 NSW, Australia

I am searching for a lead-free alternative for Diving Weights for use in Australia. My web search so far both here and overseas has not provided any useful information. Are you able to help please?

ANSWER: 21 Apr 2009

Dear Sally,

I'm sorry for not finding the time due to my overwhelming workload, to write and tell you at the time, but when you asked and right up until now, I still don't know of any lead-free Diving Weights on the market, although people tell me that the best alternative for lead weights for other purposes is stainless steel. I have no idea how much copper could be lost from a copper weight in sea water and whether that's a problem for the fish or the diver, but one copper craftsman, Louis Berczia of Berczia Copper at Botany in Sydney (02 9316 7645, mob 0412 666 882) told me many years ago: "I'm able to craft copper items that might replace some uses of lead, eg copper is more dense than steel and therefore a better substitute than steel strip for lead bookmark weights."

I'd be very keen to know if you found any better help from anyone else on this issue. Would you be so kind as to let me know your success or otherwise?

Yours Sincerely

Elizabeth O'Brien

[Update 2012: Vinyl coated diving weights

• www.seapearls.com/weights/coated_weights.html
• www.diveprodivegear.com/m8/41102--vinyl-coated-weights.html
• http://www.extreme-exposure.com/catalog/106]