From Nicholas McLaren,
Your Guide to Scuba Diving.
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Definition:

A Buoyancy Control Device (or BCD for short) is the jacket that scuba divers wear. It serves a few basic functions:

• It contains an inflatable bladder which you can add or subtract air from, allowing you to change your buoyancy in the water.
  
• The dive cylinder is attached to the back of the BCD using a tank strap.
  
• It allows the diver to carry or attach all of their accessories using its inbuilt pockets and D-Rings.
  

Also Known As: BCD, BC, Buoyancy Compensator