Buddy Checks are so simple, so important and yet so often missed or just glanced over.
As new divers you were taught how to set up your scuba gear and to check that your equipment is working properly. That your BCD is inflating and deflating as it should, that your tank is full, your regulator is breathing well and the air tastes good. If you like your dive buddy, you will even check that your ‘octi’ is functioning as well. 😊
So why then do we need to do a buddy check?
This is your opportunity to familiarise yourself with your buddy’s gear so that you can help them or yourself in an emergency. This is especially important as you go diving with the club or on trips with new dive buddies whose gear may be significantly different than your own.
On a recent trip one of our divers was told by her buddy ‘that as she wasn’t familiar with Sidemount equipment and configurations it wasn’t worth doing a buddy check’.
& yet this is exactly when and why a buddy check should be done.
Don’t assume that just because your buddy’s equipment looks technical, fancy or more expensive than yours that they know what they are doing or that they won’t need assistance during the dive. If your equipment is the set that is different then it is your responsibility to highlight what your buddy needs to know.
What do we check?
- BCD – Check that your buddy’s BCD is inflating and deflating via the inflator hose, this works best if you are physically using the inflator mechanism. You should also check the location of all dump valves and that they are functional. This should also include the drysuit inflator and dump valves if being used.
- Weights – Do they have their weights in place? Are any integrated pockets secure? Do you know how to dump your buddy’s weights in an emergency? Do they have enough weights or too many?
- Releases – Ensure all the straps are secure and that you know how to help your buddy out of their gear if required. How do the clips work? Do you need to use a cutting tool? Do they wear a drysuit or other equipment that you may need to consider when removing gear?
- Air – Take a few breaths from your regulator while showing your SPG to your buddy to check your cylinder is open and that your gauge is functional. Your buddy will be doing the same. Where is their alternate air source – is it an octi, air integrated or a long hose? What are the procedures you will follow in a low of or out of air situation.
- Final Check – Are you both ready to go diving! Are you both feeling okay to dive and do you know the plan. Do a quick once over, even experienced divers can miss something, grab your mask, fins and accessories before heading to the water.
It is important to take your time to complete the buddy check in a systematic way, so nothing is missed. You can use a mnemonic to remember the steps for BWARF like PADI’s Begin With Reviewing a Friend or Claire’s favourite Bruce Willis Ruins All Films (excluding Diehard at Christmas). Alternatively, you can do a check from left to right as you look at your buddy’s equipment.
Once you are familiar with the process the buddy check will only take a few minutes prior to every dive but can identify any equipment issues prior to your dive and give you the confidence you need to have a great dive. It also reinforces teamwork and improves communication between buddies.
