So You’re Ready to Scuba Dive? Start Here.

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Congratulations. You decided to take the plunge (literally). Now that you have your certification and your dive booked, you’re ready to go. Right? Right…

It’s normal to feel a little nervous before your first dive, so here are a few quick checklists to ensure safety and set your mind at ease.

PRE-DIVE EQUIPMENT CHECK

  1. Check your regulator and gauges

    • Check the inlet screen for debris or discoloration

    • Test breathing operation of all second stages

    • Check the condition of the bite tabs

    • Inspect the condition, operation, and security of the gauges

  2. Examine your exposure suit

    • Make sure there’s no rips, tears, or other damage

    • Check that the zippers are working

  3. Make sure your mask, fins, and snorkel are good to go

    • Replace any straps that are too worn or cracked

    • Check the mask skirt to make sure there’s no damage

    • Examine your snorkel’s bite tabs

  4. Test your buoyancy compressor

    • Check the releases, clips, and D-Rings on the straps

    • Test the bladder

    • Overpressure the relief valve to verify that it works

    • Test the operation of the inflator and make sure all the connections are secure

  5. Check your weight system

    • Figure out how much weight you need for your dive

    • Check the stitching on the belt/harness

    • Test the release to make sure it operates properly

PRE-DIVE SAFETY CHECK

  1. Put on all gear and complete the above pre-diving equipment check

  2. Now? Complete the same equipment check for your diving buddy

  3. Take a minute to breath

    • Diving boats can be crowded and chaotic. Make sure to calmly complete your check and get yourself in a relaxed mindset before your dive.

REFRESH YOUR SCUBA DIVING SAFETY LESSONS

1. Remember how to clear your regulator

The Blast Clearing Method: Grab your regulator from the inside, next to the hose. Remove the regulator from your mouth and allow small bubbles to escape from your mouth. After a few seconds put the regulator back in your mouth and forcefully blow air out. After exhaling, the water should come out of the exhaust valves at the bottom of your regulator.

The Purge Clearing Method: Grab your regulator from the inside, next to the hose. Remove the regulator from your mouth and continue to breath small bubbles. Put the regulator back in your mouth and lightly touch your tongue against the inside of the regulator mouthpiece. To remove the water, gently press the purge button for one second.

2. Review how to clear your mask

Apply pressure to the top of your mask, lifting it slightly off of your upper lip. While pressing on your mask, look up. Then, blow air out of your nose and remove the pressure from the top of your mask.

3. Make sure you and your buddy know how to air share

When you or another diver is out of air, make sure to give the sign. Take no more than two breaths from the primary second stage and pass it to the diver who is out of air. Only after the second stage is passed can the divers look for an alternative air source.

4. Go over your hand signals

Need a refresher on the common hand signals? Read our blog post here.

Now, you’re ready to make a splash. And don’t forget, the most important part of the dive is to have fun.