predive checklist

[fengz]

I am an experimentalist. In our lab, every piece of modestly complex equipment comes with a run sheet that lists the proper operating procedures. I use these run sheets every single time because if I don't, I will screw something up sooner or later, regardless the number of times I use the equipment

I am wondering how many divers have a predive checklist that they follow religiously every time. Is it in your head, or in some kind of paper form? What's your checklist look like for recreational dives?

feng

 

[Pullmyfinger]

I used to use a written pre-dive checklist, I referred to it each time I went diving.
I packed my gear before leaving the house using a list, because I was so afraid to leave something behind. I used that same checklist for my pre-dive check.

I was so nerdy...I printed up air consumption tables that I referred to while planning my dives. I would compare that to the table. I used to be pretty ate up with it! ;-)

Now days, I do a head-to-toe equipment check, so I don't use that written list anymore.

I believe it is a very good idea to adopt some sort of list, just to make sure you are checking all of the blocks.

Cheers,
Mitch

 

[DevonDiver]

Yes.... B.W.R.A.F.

Every diver should have that.. (or an equivalent acronym), as it's stressed in every element of entry-level training.

B - Buoyancy: Confirm function of BCD, inflate and deflate the BCD via LPI and orally to ensure it works. Confirm BCD holds air. Confirm redundant buoyancy, if elected. Confirm function/integrity of drysuit, if used.
W- Weights: Confirm correct weighting, accessibility and security of weight system. Ensure sufficient dumpable weight for positive buoyancy to be achieved.
R -Releases: Confirm access to all releases and security/function of all releases - a physical check, not just visual. Confirm buddy/team understand how to use releases to get you out of your gear. Check of releases also includes the security of the cylinder cam-band. Confirm releases/devices used to stow/route hoses and gauges are functional and all hoses/gauges are properly stowed in a streamlined, yet accessible manner.
A - Air: Confirm volume of gas is sufficient for the planned dive. Confirm functionality of the regulator/s that will deliver it (including AAS). Perform multiple test breaths from every regulator to be used/carried, whilst visually monitoring the SPG. Confirm immediate/primary cylinder is fully on/open. Confirm secondary/redundant/deco/stage cylinders are pressurized and turned off. Confirm with team/buddy any turn and ascent points identified in the dive plan (NDL, rule-of-thirds, minimum reserves, rock-bottom etc)
F - Final OK: Confirm buddy/team/self physical and psychological preparedness for the dive and that all concerned are content with dive parameters and conditions. Confirm functionality, location, existence and function of any specialized equipment needed for the dive (torches, reels, lift bags etc). Confirm dive computer settings and functionality (if used). Lastly, a head-to-toe visual inspection of the buddy/team to ensure nothing is amiss - I typically follow this with a descent/bubble/safety check/s at a shallow depth once the descent begins.


For more complex/technical dives, I also use a set acronym for dive planning:

Good – G – Gas management - Precision gas planning for all phases of the dive and gasses used, based on routine, resting and accelerated SAC rates.
Diver’s – D – Decompression - Calculation of decompression obligation for the dive, based on team consensus of dive parameters and agreed software for profile construction.
Main – M – Mission - Specific goals to be achieved by individual's and team during the dive. This includes allocation of specific responsibility for key tasks on the dive; such as laying guidelines or deploying DSMB.
Objective – O – Oxygen - Calculation of %CNS and OTUs for the dive, in addition to confirmation of gasses used with relative MODs, oxygen breaks etc
Is – I – Inert gas narcosis - Team agreement of tolerated narcosis levels (ENDs) and contingencies for unanticipated narcosis events.
To – T – Thermal exposure - Consideration of thermal requirements/exposure protection necessary for the dive profile attempted.
Live – L – Logistics - Team planning for all actions needed to get the team to the site, with correct equipment, to perform the actual dive, recover the dive team and return home safely. Who brings what equipment, who carries what equipment, emergency/medical/evacuation plans, transport to/from the site, food, hydration, warmth etc etc

There are specific check-lists, protocols and procedures for all of the above steps.

Whilst typically the preserve of technical diving, such in-depth dive planning/management can be simplified and applied for recreational divers.

 

[TSandM]

I do a pre-dive checklist and head-to-toe equipment check on every dive. The checklist is as follows:

G - Goals of the dive. Can be as simple as "shallow tour of the cove", or "We're going to scooter to the island," or can have specific goals like, "We're going to go to the Room of Tears and do a photo shoot," or, "We're going to go do repairs on the boundary line."

U - Unified Team. Who's diving together. Who's taking responsibility for what needs to be done on the dive -- navigation, towing a float, shooting a bag, calling deco. What formation are we going to use? This is also the place to talk about and make sure you all understand any signals that are going to be used.

E - Special equipment. Is anything needed for the goals of the dive, like a camera, or a reel?

E - Exposure. How deep do we plan to go, and how long are we planning to be there (or to dive altogether)?

D - Deco. How are we going to manage our ascent? Direct, with or without stops, or swimming upslope? If stops are called for, how many, at what depth, and for what times?

G - Gas. How much do we have and of what?

E - Environment. What's notable about the site? Is it silty, is there current, are there notable things we want to watch for?

This is followed by a rapid run-through of gear from head to toe, with each diver confirming that everything is present and functioning properly.

It sounds like a lot, but if you do it consistently, it gets to where the whole procedure for a simple dive takes about two minutes. Saves a lot of aggravation, too.

 

[spectrum]

I do a top to bottom pat down, more of a mental list. Usually when my gear is laid out and again after doning. When nothing is left out it's time to dive.

 

[cb5150]

I do a top to bottom pat down, more of a mental list. Usually when my gear is laid out and again after doning. When nothing is left out it's time to dive.

...This.

 

[RTee]

Head to toe

 

[fengz]

Thank you all for the great tips. I don't think I can recall it perfectly every time, so I will put it into writing and stuck in my log.

Going through one's own gear is fairly straightforward, but it could be a bit intimidating to try to go through a buddy who you didn't know well/just met. When you dive with a bunch of strangers, you may not know who will be your buddy until right before entering the water. Or the DM may decide to do a group dive, and it suddenly feels like everyone is your buddy, and no one is your buddy at the same time.

Another question: what is a max safe distance between buddies?

Thanks.

 

[rongoodman]

Another question: what is a max safe distance between buddies?

How far can you swim with no gas?

 

[Scott]

How far can you swim with no gas?

Or closer depending conditions.