A flexible protective cover is configured to be removably attached to the external outward-facing surfaces of a personal buoyancy compensating device (BCD). The BCD cover is preferably formed of a single layer of water resistant coated fabric or similar flexible and durable materials. The perimeter of the cover includes securing devices such as a zipper or hook-and-loop fasteners configured to retain the perimeter of the cover to the BCD. The attachment devices may include elements that are permanently secured to the BCD such as one half of a zipper device. In optional configurations, the BCD cover includes ancillary elements such as weight pockets and equipment attachment devices. The BCD cover may be configured to be installed onto existing prior BCDs.