Brylske, Alex. “An Ounce of Prevention.” Dive Training February 2010: 20–28.

Ask for supervision if you’re in doubt.

 Be prepared for the dive you plan.  Consider how much air you may need for the dive.  Reduce your planned bottom time to fit your goals.

 Select a buddy who has similar goals for the dive.

 Always start with a full tank.

 ALWAYS conduct a safety check.  Simple dive? Usual buddy? Check anyway!  Full tank.  Valve on fully.

 Equipment Familiarization. Alternate Air Source. You BOTH know how to work it. Inflator/deflator button. BCD straps.

Recheck both sets after entry.

Practice air-sharing drills. Buoyancy control.

Know where you are and what’s happening.  Visibility  Currents  Other divers

Interact with your buddy.  You OK?  Air OK?  Did you see that moose?

Check every few minutes. Check your buddy’s air too.

 “Half plus three” rule.  “Rule of thirds.”

 Where’s your SPG?  Can you see it easily?

 Do a weight check.  Dive properly weighted.

 Regulator should be well-adjusted.  Serviced regularly.  Easy to breath.

 Always end dive with air in your tank.

 Cold water  Stress  Depth  Exertion level  Your fitness  Your health

 Carry a true, redundant alternate air supply.

 Don’t get cocky.  Follow the rules regardless of your experience level.