Big White Rabbits Are Fluffy

[TSandM]

I think DevonDiver nailed it, but personally, I prefer to organize my checks from head to toe, because that way it has a predictable order and I don't leave anything out. Of course, I rarely have to check releases . . .

 

[Randy43068]

edit
.
.
.

 

[joolz]

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I enjoyed Die Hard.

Bruce Willis Really Appreciates Fanmail :blinking:

As for the freeflows, this is a judgment call. A small stream of bubbles from a reg or inflator hose generally isn't enough for me to call a dive, and realistically it probably won't have a huge impact on bottom time whether I shut the valve off or not. It's more of an annoyance factor.

 

[Randy43068]

About the only checks we do for one another is a bubble check on the manifold and parts the diver can't see. Otherwise it's assumed you have your chit together. Maybe not the textbook method, but it's how we do it.

 

[InTheDrink]

I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I enjoyed Die Hard.

Let me fix that for ya..

Bruce Willis Releases Awesome Films .... that better??

And for the record, anyone who doesn't like Die Hard is either a liar or a communist or both

J (confirmed socialist)

 

[boulderjohn]

Final OK
1. Check function and setttings of dive computers (if used).
2. Check function of dive torch/es (if used).
3. Check function of underwater camera, especially housing seal (if used).
4. Check function and placement of any other equipment used (reels, lift bags etc)
5. Final review of dive plan.
6. Final review of diving conditions (pre-entry risk assessment).
7. Final review of psychological preparedness ('everyone happy and ready'?)
8. Final, pre-entry, 'go or abort' decision.

Nice list!

I have put in bold two items that are so important and easy to miss that they should possibly have their own category.

The first one is not just computers--it's whatever method you use to track your dive. I like to use the general term "instruments," (which blends to the next item, as you will see). If your computer, dive watch, or bottom timer is carried on the wrist, it is often the last thing that goes on, after you have put on your wet suit or dry suit. It is easy to forget it altogether.

If you are using nitrox on some dives and not on others, failing to set the mix properly is a serious error.

One problem with the 4th category is that if you are carrying different items on different dives, it is easy to leave one or more behind if you do not give it sufficient thought. The one that I am most inclined to mess up is not even on the list--my compass. I carry it on my arm, and, like my bottom timer, it is among the last things to go on.

This, my addition of the term "instruments" as a part of the final check helps me make sure I go to the water with those two critical pieces ready to go.

 

[stefo2]

Ideally, everyone checks everything. It is preferable Bouyancy
1. Confirm function of LPI by inflating BCD to full.
2. Confirm function of BCD by ensure it remains fully inflated for the duration of the buddy check.
3. Check and compare function of each diver's oral inflate mechanism/procedure.

I would also make sure that the BCD actually releases air as well as hold it by checking the deflator button and the dump valves.

 

[Yellowmask]

Excellent posts! Thanks very much to everyone, especially DevonDiver, for the advice. I shall test this out before my next dive. Partly I think it is a matter of being confident in asserting to the other diver what you want to do during the check?

 

[boulderjohn]

E Partly I think it is a matter of being confident in asserting to the other diver what you want to do during the check?

Yes!

I have a non-diving wife, and when we are on vacations together I am frequently matched with inst-buddies. Most people frankly don't do much of a check, and when i was a new diver I let them take the lead. Thus, I went into many a dive without a check. Now I have the self confidence to take over the process in a friendly way. I just start talking about my gear to my insta-buddy in a way that initiates the sequence naturally, as if it is just something we normally do. I have never had any problems since I started doing it.

 

[DevonDiver]

As an aside...and maybe useful for members of the forum who utilise dive centers for their fun diving....

As an instructor/guide, I assess my divers/customers before I get them in the water - to determine what sort of dive I would be happy to take them on. It's part of the risk assessment process used by many prudent instructors.

Sloppy or insubstantial buddy/equipment checks stand out in that assessment. Those people get the "I'm not sure if I trust you" tour...