Usually a tricky one!

Generally people load themselves up with too much on the first day and then take a kilo off the next day then another, then another etc. until they reach their proper weighting. Overloading yourself can cause real problems underwater so please take the time to do this properly at the beginning of your trip!
One time springs to mind when a BUDDY Inspiration diver came aboard and had all sorts of problems for the first couple of dives. After one of his swearing fit’s and his claim that he was selling his Inspiration and going back to open circuit I asked him to come on a relaxed dive from the boat so I could try to see what the problem was. We ended up taking 5 kilos from his weight belt, no wonder he was having problems!

Basically, when holding a normal breath and with an empty BCD, you should float at eye level in the water. As you exhale you should ‘slowly’ start to descend. If you’re not sure ask the dive guide to check with you on your FIRST dive.

So we will start with an easy one to forget but an important one! It’s so easy but why is it that divers come diving but you think that the buddy check is something only beginner’s do?

The amount of times I have witnessed people (even a Course Director!, you know who you are), getting in the zodiac without their first stage connected!! or about to exit the zodiac without their air switched on or missing their dive because they forgot their mask or weight belt or …… the list goes on and on.

Don’t leave it to chance and get underwater and realize that something is missing…..

Please, please, please do a buddy check, it’s serious!!!!!

The PADI recommended buddy check is;

B,W,R,A,F or Buoyancy, Weights, Releases, Air, Final Check an easier or more FUN way for you to remember this maybe;
Begin With Review And Friend or

Burger With Relish And Fries or

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