Pre-Dive Scuba Diving Safety Checks

One of the most critical safety times of any dive occurs during the pre-dive safety check or buddy check. This buddy check must be conducted before every dive. This pre-dive scuba diving safety check has two objectives: to ensure that all of your buddy's equipment is functioning properly and so that you are familiar with your buddy's equipment. You should know how to release their weights and releases, use their deflator, and their alternate air supply, all of which might be necessary in the event of any difficulties during the dive.

Your pre-dive scuba safety check should be conducted once you have put all of your equipment on, with the exception of your mask and fins. It is always recommended to perform this pre-dive scuba safety check while still on land or on the boat, but in special situations it can be conducted while in the water before the dive.

Scuba Diving Safety Checks - BWRAF

The safety check is broken down into five components which are abbreviated with the acronym BWRAF, they are in order; buoyancy, weights, releases, air, and final ok.

Scuba Diving Check – Buoyancy

The purpose of this check is to assure that your buddy's BCD is working properly. You need to begin by inflating your buddy's BCD, but be careful; inflating it too much might put to much pressure on your buddy and make them explode. At the end, make sure you deflate the BCD to ensure that the deflator is working properly.

Scuba Diving Check –Weights

Your responsibility to your buddy is to check their weight system, whether it be a weight belt or integrated weights. If your buddy is wearing a weight belt, then make sure that the quick release is free of obstructions and easily accessible. If they are using integrated weights, then check that their weight pockets n their BCD are properly secured and you know how to release them.

Scuba Diving Check – Releases

Check to make sure that all of your buddy's releases are properly secured. This includes their Velcro waist band and at least two shoulder clips. It is highly recommended that you touch each clip as you count it out loud, remembering to check the tank strap and clip. This can be accomplished by placing one hand on the bottom of the tank and the other on the first stage regulator and trying to move the tank up and down to see if the strap will move.

Scuba Diving Check – Air

Check to make sure your buddy's air is turned all the way on; then turn it a half a turn back. Also, test his alternate air source by taking two breaths from it.

Scuba Diving Check – Final Thumbs Up

Ask your buddy if there ready to go and if all is OK, you're ready to dive.