Accessory pockets are designed to hold a variety of diving tools, such a reels, spools, slates, and back-up masks. A diver should take into account what dive accessories he is likely to use, and check that the buoyancy compensator he is considering has appropriately sized pockets. In general, the bigger the pocket, the better.

Buoyancy compensator accessory pockets may close with Velcro, zippers, or even clips.

Although zippers may be difficult to manipulate, they tend to stay closed during a dive while Velcro closures have been known to flap open as divers enter the water, especially when there is a heavy object in the pocket. On the other hand, Velcro is less likely to break or jam.

Some buoyancy compensators have drop down or expandable pockets that can be stowed when not in use, such as the pocket on the Aqualung Pearl i3 (right). The Aqualung Pearl i3 also features a standard knife mount for the attachment of a dive knife.