SAFETY continued praying (after all, if I have to pray, I probably should not be making that dive!). I’m checking to make sure that everything is ready for the dive I’m going to make. Starting from the top; regulator in my mouth, breathing gas
check the suit inflator at the same time. Since I secure my oc- topus 2nd stage on my left, I make sure it is functioning prop- erly by taking a couple of breaths just in case I am called on to share breathing gas. The final part of my check is to ask my diving companion if they are ready to dive.
is on, and I’m satisfied that the regulator is breathing properly and there is no significant breathing resistance. I move down to check my weights, making sure the weights are on and ad- justed properly and I know where the quick release mecha- nisms are. I then move to my right (where I position my submersible pressure gauge-SPG). I look at my SPG and take a breath at the same time. If the needle fluctuates, that means my cylinder valve is not open all the way. Moving to my left to complete the cross, I check my BCD power inflator, push- ing the button, and making sure that gas is coming from my scuba cylinder into my BCD. If I’m wearing a dry suit, I will
If you are carrying other things such as a surface marker buoy (SMB) or safety sausage, knife, or cutting tool, they can also be added to this process. This process may not completely eliminate the possibility of something going wrong, but it will, at least, reduce the pos- sibility that you have forgotten something vital. A checklist
combined with a consistent pre-dive ritual may reduce the likelihood of something vital being missing and will, hopefully, enhance the diving experience. A good checklist and consistent pre-dive ritual can be the best start of a good dive!
email Dan Orr
upgrade to half?
World-Class Diver Education
AVAILABLE FOR DIVE BUSINESSES RESELLER DISCOUNTS
To Order Contact Best Publishing Company +1-561-776-6066 info@bestpub.com
PAGE EIGHT | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker