What is a Pre-Dive Safety Check And Why You Should Do One Before Every Dive

Pre-Dive Safety Check

The Pre-Dive Safety check is an important skill you will learn on your first open water dive. This quick two minutes safety check is a good habit for every diver no matter your experience level.
A pre-dive safety check is performed with your scuba diving buddy. It is meant to be a final inspection of your dive equipment before starting your dive. During this check, you want to make sure you and your buddy are familiar with each other’s dive gear. Pay close attention to BCD clips, and any quick release features in case of an emergency.
The pre-dive check in an important prevention measures to ensure all your gear is setup properly. Scuba divers should always inspect their own gear before a dive, especially if your gear has been setup by someone else.

Step to perform a Pre-Dive Safety Check

PADI’s pre-dive safety check acronym, B.W.R.A.F, (Begin With Review And Friend) is popular with divers for remembering the steps of a pre-dive safety check. You can also come up with your own silly words for this acronym, anything that helps you remember.
B.W.R.A.F stands for BCD, Weights, Release, Air, Final Ok.
B – BCD: Take a look at your buddies BCD and check that thier low-pressure inflator hose is connected to the BCD’s low-pressure inflator. Slightly inflate the BCD to make sure the inflator button doesn’t stick and is connected. Once inflated, you will also try deflating your BCD to ensure it deflates properly.
W – Weights: Check that your buddies weight belt is done up properly. Weight belts should be buckled to the left so you can easily release them using your right hand. You want to make sure you are familiar with the type of weight belt or integrated weights your buddy is using and how to release them should you need to.
R – Releases: Check that your buddies BCD is done up correctly and that all straps are tightened. Count the number of buckles/straps on your buddies BCD so you can become familiar with your buddies releases. Make sure to show your buddy any special releases you may have on your own BCD.
A – Air: Check you pressure gauge to make sure your tank is full of air. Check that your buddy’s air tank is opened all the way. Ask your buddy to take a couple breaths of air while you watch their pressure gauge for fluctuations in the needle, if the needle moves your need to open the tank.
Check your buddies alternate air source by taking a couple of breaths from their octopus (alternate air source regulator). Make sure your buddies alternate air source is securely clipped on their BCD in nm easy to reach and visible location.
F – Final OK: Final OK is a cursory visual inspection, of fins, mask, BCD, and snorkel. Now is also the time to test dive flashlights if necessary. Before entering the water take a compass bearing, and check the time on your dive computer before giving the all OK sign to your buddy to begin the descent.