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

2. Ask for supervision if you’re in doubt.

3.  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.

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

5.  Always start with a full tank.

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

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

8. Recheck both sets after entry.

9. Practice air-sharing drills. Buoyancy control.

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

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

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

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

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

15.  Do a weight check.  Dive properly weighted.

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

17.  Always end dive with air in your tank.

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

19.  Carry a true, redundant alternate air supply.

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