Buddy check in 30 seconds [Part 2]

This is the second part of the article devoted to buddy check.

W – Weights

Put your attention whether your partner has a weight belt or not. If he uses an integrate-weights system check whether packages are inserted and fixed in the right pockets.

R – Releases

Get acquainted with the condition of all your partners’ buckles. It is necessary to check whether they are fastened and tightened. Remember to check the tank strap. Do not miss belayer belt of the tank valve.

A - Air

You have to know for sure that the tank valve is opened or not. Hold the pressure gauge in one hand and regulator in the other. Start forced oxygen supply by pressing the appropriate button. If the gauge arrow retains the position – everything is fine. But if it is moving it means that the valve is closed. And you know that you can’t dive with closed valve under any circumstances.

F – Final check

Conduct a final check of the diver and insure in good condition of his “dress”: that the hoses are not bent or crossed, whether the pressure gauge hose is under the left hand and the spare second stage hose is under the right hand. Are they fixed enough? The spare second stage could be removed without any problems. Let your partner examine the state of the pressure gauge. There is no problem to readout if it is in proper gear. Your partner should take his computer, fins, mask and other equipment that he needs during this dive. And finally “OK”. It means you are ready to go.

Under water look at your partner once again. If you see a leak of oxygen you have to stop the dive and solve the problem with a leak.

Mutual check let you know not only whether your partner is properly equipped but also let you see different types of equipment. It is very useful because in which case you already know what to do with your partners’ equipment.

 It is very important for each of the divers to observe safety and prescribed short course of diving. Yours’ and your partners’ health depends on your vigilance.

Original article: http://ahla-dive.com/eng/blog/baddi-chek-za-30-sekund--vtoraya-chast-/

Buddy check in 30 seconds [ Introduction]

Buddy check in 30 seconds [ Introduction]

Nowadays diving is no longer occupation for the chosen one and all those who are attracted to the sea element can do it. Unfortunately not each course includes all the details of safe diving. A lot of amateurs while diving just forget about important steps that must be completed before going underwater. But in vain – the most important things in any business are safety standards, especially when you deal with the depths.

This article discusses mutual equipment check [Buddy check] which can be done just in 30 seconds. So lets take first things first.

Primarily diver comes to the place where he plans to dive. After that usually everybody discuss upcoming underwater journey, then divide into pairs and wear scuba sets. Although everything seems to be ready, if not one “but”. It is necessary  to check what could be the problem – typically diving courses include the information how to do that. You should read this article very carefully if your instructor did not tell you anything about “buddy check” and also conclude the level of professionalism of that person.

Diver must stand in front of his team-mate. In what order to check partners’ equipment? It’s easy to remember – just hammer into your head one sentence “Big White Rabbits Are Fluffy” as you might guess it is important to remember the order of the first letters – BWRAF.

B – BCD

You need to inflate BCD in order to check each valve that release air. Most often there are three valves – one is located near the inflator: it can be activated by pushing the button, the other two will be opened by pulling the rope.

There are also new trends that we can meet increasingly. It is about the upper emergency valve which is located at the opposite end of the inflator protective hose and also works on the principle of tension.

When the valve is opened it must release air. In case when it happens arbitrarily or it doesn’t happen at all you ought to remove equipment and examine the valves. Often the problem is an accumulated dirt or sea salt.

With other steps of the buddy check you can get acquainted in the second part of the article.

Original original article: http://ahla-dive.com/eng/blog/baddi-chek-za-30-sekund--vtoraya-chast-/