Why Your Pre-Dive Check is Your Best Buddy

Dive gear is just that - gear. It does not have a brain and cannot fix malfunctions. It is not a matter of IF your gear will fail at some point, it is a matter of WHEN. Whether it is your own, one of ours, or other rentals.

Our gear is strictly maintained according to all regulatory standards. However, there are still fail points that can happen due to environmental, physical or operational issues that come up. Checking your gear and your buddies’ gear before a dive is the first step in self-rescue or buddy rescue. Check all dump valves and make sure to check the left shoulder low pressure inflator hose connections. This is usually only hand tightened. Make sure it is tight.

Another typical failure point is the low-pressure nipple. A pin inside your hose could break mid dive, thus requiring you to orally inflate, or your dump valve could malfunction and continuously dump air. These are issues you need to process through in your mind of how you would handle the situation.

It is also why it is so critical to always be practicing in the pool or a safe environment.

Before every dive it’s essential to thoroughly check your dive gear to ensure everything is functioning properly and safely. Inspecting your regulator, BCD, tank, gauges, weights, and other equipment helps identify potential issues before entering the water, reducing the risk of equipment failure during the dive. A proper pre-dive gear check also builds confidence, improves communication with your dive buddy, and helps ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience for everyone involved.