Pre-Dive Buddy Check: The BWRAF Checklist Every Scuba Diver Should Know

PRE-DIVE BUDDY CHECK

Ahhh, the scuba buddy check.
Whether you use Because We Really Aren’t Fish or Begin With Review And Friend, every responsible scuba diver in Maui and worldwide should be using a checklist before every dive. In case it has been a minute since you’ve BWRAFed your way through a buddy check, consider this your reminder from your friendly neighborhood Maui dive shop!

Before you even begin setting up, though, do a quick cylinder check.

Cylinder Check
Check that your Visual Inspection dates are current within one (1) year. This is usually located on a sticker or some kind.
Check that your Hydrostatic Test dates are current within five (5) years. This is stamped onto the cylinder’s shoulder.
Look at your O-Ring, ensuring it looks intact and does not have any shredding or tearing. O-Rings can come different colors, including white, beige, brown, and black.
Smell the air from the cylinder before attaching your regulator to it to ensure it smells clean, with no trace of pollutants like oil or smoke.

Once you have all your gear set up and ready to go for your awesome Maui dives, don all the scuba equipment and grab your buddy for the all-important Buddy Check!
(BWRAF)

B - BCD (Buttons)
Power inflate using your inflator button, checking that it does not “stick shut”. Check that your BCD is holding air, and has no leaks.
Deflate with your deflator button and any available dump valves.
Inflate orally by depressing your deflator button and blowing into the port in your inflator hose.
*Ensure your BCD is fully deflated before attempting this.

W - Weights
Check that you have weighted yourself correctly, referring to your dive log book if necessary.
Ensure your weights are setup correctly and that you can remove them quickly in case of an emergency.

R - Releases
Ensure all the straps on your BCD are snug (not too tight!).
Check that you can remove them quickly and easily if needed.
Double check that your tank band is securely in place and your safety strap is looped loosely around your tank valve.

A - Air
Press your regulator purge button to clear the airway.
Smell the air, it should smell clean, not like oil or smoke.
Breathe from your regulator, adjusting as necessary for easy breathing.
Watch your pressure gauge while breathing, checking for a steady needle. If the needle moves erratically, you may not have your tank open all the way.

F - Final Check
Gather up all the other pieces of equipment you need.
Defog your mask and don it or attach it to you.
Don your fins or attach them to you, loosening the straps if necessary.
Check your computer has battery and use the plan mode to lookup your No Decompression Limits or No Stop Limits.

All those emergency skills you learned when getting scuba certified? You will reduce the risk of ever having to use them if you complete your check carefully and religiously before every. single. dive.


What else?
Check out our other blog posts on how to get ready for your amazing scuba diving in Maui! Our friendly Maui dive shop staff are always happy to help with gear rentals, scuba tour bookings, and Maui scuba diving advice. Give us a call!