Chapter 2- Continual Improvement
Continual Improvement
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FIGURE 2-4. It requires a certain discipline to always do a pre-dive equipment check.
more release you must make if you have to help
with equipment removal.
Air Supply:
1. Check the existing pressure in your cylinders.
Make sure the air is turned on. Discuss your
turnaround pressure and your back-at-surface
pressure while considering your actual cylinder
contents.
2. You and your buddy should breathe from your
regulators to verify that they are properly functioning.
Watch your SPG as you take breaths and
see if the indicator needle is stable. If it rotates
or indicates lower cylinder pressure with each
breath you take it may mean that your tank valve
has been closed or is only partially open and is
interfering with the flow of air. Open it fully and
check it again.
3. Locate your buddy’s alternate air source or contingency
scuba. How does it operate? Discuss how
you would use it in an out-of-air situation. If you
needed air, would you breathe from your buddy’s
secondary scuba or would you use the primary
second stage? Is your buddy planning to hand
over a contingency scuba unit in the event you
need an air supply?
Weighting System:
Familiarize yourself with your buddy’s ballast system.
Is it integrated into the BC, and if so, how does the
release operate? Is it a weight belt? Examine the release.
Many types of weight belt release systems are available.
You should not assume that you will always find a “standard”
lever buckle.
Final Check:
1. Look for any twisted, trapped, or entangled hoses
and free them. Make sure all releases are accessible.
2. Check the operation of all lights if you are night
diving. Make sure that any other special gear is
functional.
3. Step back and ascertain that everything looks
right. This may be the point at which you discover
a loose tank strap.
Once the buddy check has been completed, you can
proceed to the water. Inform the divemaster or other