Abstract: A buoyancy compensator in the form of an air inflatable vest wearable generally about the user's chest and having a back portion encircling the user-3 s back or neck, includes an air pressure release mechanism on the vest back portion. The air pressure release mechanism may include a tube arranged to extend upwardly when the user is oriented in the normal prone swimming position. A valve located near the upper, open end of the tube may be operable by the user through a remote valve operator to release air pressure from the compensator enclosure. The remote valve operator may be positioned on the air inflation hose adjacent to the air inflation hose valve to enable one handed inflation and delfation. In one advantageous embodiment the remote valve operator is connected to the valve by a strand encased within a sleeve so that manipulation of the operator opens the valve to release air pressure.