Pre-dive planning and conversation

[mud8847]

General question (dive planning or conversation and discussion):

What are some of the bullet items to be or should be covered in the pre-dive discussion? In the few dives I’ve done not too much has been discussed and being a naturally inquisitive I ask many questions, however, got the feeling more than once of oh don’t worry about, which scares the hell out of me! The few conversations I have had really just centered around establishing that we will be completing a safety stop, when, and for how long. Along with a few hand signals including an agreed and established method for communicating specifically how much air one has left. In my honest opinion I would think things like depth, bottom time, conditions, possibly direction, directly associated hand signals, some sort of pairing (buddy assignment), and a few what if situations and how the DM would like them handled. Am I crazy, over analyzing things, or missing anything?

I guess my question is can some one give me a typical pre-dive conversation overview?

Thanks in advance,

 

[TSandM]

Well, the bottom line is that you want to talk about anything you possibly can on the surface, that impacts what you do underwater, because communication underwater is much more difficult, and we don't always speak the same language (use the same signals).

I want to go over a dive plan, which includes absolute parameters like maximum depth and time, as well as a general plan for navigation. Responsibilities should be allocated on shore (or on the boat), in terms of who is leading and who will shoot a bag or tend a float, and who will run the ascent. How you ascend, and where you stop, and for how long, should be covered. And plans for whether you stay together, or under what circumstances you might separate, should be decided ahead of time. And I like to tell new buddies where I would like them to stay so I can see them.

It's my personal belief that gas is a big thing that should be discussed before diving. How much each of you has, and how you intend to apportion it, and what safety reserves each of you commits to maintaining (see THIS article) should be decided before getting wet.

Both of you should know how you go about sharing gas, and where each other's weights are and how they are jettisoned. You should also have plans for buddy separation. And you should review all pertinent hand signals, to make sure you understand them, because even people who dive very similarly may not understand the specific signals you are accustomed to using.

 

[gcbryan]

I think it depends on where you are diving and with whom. With a stranger you'll want to be more complete and still assume that things won't go smoothly Really, you're it for the most part unless you are diving with someone you know or know something about.

I'm sure someone else will be along with a list but I keep it simple...approximate max depth, time, direction, lost buddy procedure, how we will stay together, turn pressure.

I mainly dive with known buddies however and actually only talk about max depth and general direction and who is leading the dive.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

You're not crazy.

With a brand new buddy, the pre-dive conversation should be long enough to cover all of the important topics: dive plan (approx. profile, max depth, bottom time, ascent profile [deep stop depth/duration, safety stop duration], turn pressure/gas management, how often to communicate remaining gas supply to each other, who leads, pace, photographic/critter-sighting goals, where you plan to go, UW navigational aids, hand signals, buddy assignment, buddy separation distance), gas mix being used, starting tank pressure, capacity of tank, how fast they normally run through their air, air share protocol, weight ditching (how much and where the lead is located), lost buddy protocol, what happens if your buddy team gets separated from the rest of the group, any potential hazards in the vicinity of the dive site, emergency action plan (family contact info, nearest hyperbaric chamber, where lifeguard tower is, how to direct EMS to find you), etc. Don't forget to inquire about the diver's experience, training, most recent dive, and whether he/she is trying out any new gear on the upcoming dive. I always ask whether the diver has any medical conditions that I should know about as his/her buddy -- you'd be surprised how many people fail to mention a heart condition, tendency to get really anxious/nervous, etc. I always state explicitly that I'm carrying my buddy's emergency reserve gas and vice versa. I will also ask to breathe off of my buddy's octopus (or whatever reg he'll be donating in an LOA/OOA situation). Before entering the water, you should do a systematic buddy check. Get familiar with how to inflate/deflate the buddy's BCD and how you might help him/her doff the BCD in an emergency.

If you peruse the "What if...?" scenario threads (link in my sig), you'll be able to construct your own list of topics to discuss with a new buddy.

The reality of the situation, however, is that you'll forget a few things the first time you dive with someone. That's OK. Hopefully, it's not anything important and you'll just fill in the gaps as you conduct more dives with the diver in question.

Within my circle of dive buddies, our pre-dive planning consists of agreeing upon designated buddies, calling out a dive site, and placing bets on what interesting critters we'll see. There's also a healthy amount of chit-chat about whatever's going on in our lives at the time. We talk about politics, religion, what alien is inhabiting Charlie Sheen's body during the surface kick to the dive site. Buddy checks occur prior to water entry and take only a few seconds. Typically, they include asking about starting psi, which tank they're using, and what mix. We've done lots of dives together, and we know we're all on the same page with everything else. It's the advantage of being familiar with one another.

 

[mud8847]

I like that one, separation procedure! I forgot to mention usually I hear turn back PSI. I also really like making sure my buddy is on the same page in the event we need to share gas ahead of time! Responsibilities, good one, would you think that includes designating buddies? The reason I ask is ALL of my dives with the exception of one during my OW certification was with complete strangers. I’d like to start talking about more!

 

[gcbryan]

Yes, you definitely need to have a designated buddy. Otherwise who are you having this pre-dive conversation with

 

[Charlie99]

Mud8847, it sounds like you are doing dives in a group led by a DM, perhaps without any specific buddy. The briefing and discussion for that are quite different than for a dive where it is just you and your buddy.

In "group dives" it is common (but not wise) to not have any buddy.

Is this the sort of diving that you are asking about?

 

[mud8847]

Yes, I’m sorry forgot to elaborate on that. Most of my dives are vacation dives so pretty much always complete strangers and or group dives lead by a DM. I know we are technically being lead and under the oversight of the DM, however, I have just always thought that information especially pertaining to the dive profile is no secret and can only benefit my learning and understanding. The buddy concept is where I was ultimately going in my thought. As most of my dives have been “group dives” how do things change, should change, or be conducted when it comes to dive briefing, the buddy system etc.

 

[The Kraken]

Mud,

Definitely seems that you're doing mostly the "same ocean" dive buddy types.

I see this quite a bit.

Once you've acquired your dive buddy, just start a simple conversation about dive protocol and see if she or he steps up to the plate to give any input.

If you dive buddy doesn't take the lead on establishing dive protocols, take charge of the situation and, diplomatically of course, outline the dive plan, including safety stops, gas turns, lost buddy, etc.

the K

 

[Hawkwood]

Some basics should include:

• Entry/Exit points & techniques
• Course to follow
• Maximum time and depth limits
• Signals and communication
• Returning air pressure – remember pressure for ascent and safety stop
• How to maintain contact – distance vs. visibility/position
• What to do if separated
• Emergency procedures

Bill