BSAC’ s Safety Group Lead Craig Daniel says we should never neglect our buddy checks
SCUBASAFETY
No excuses
BSAC’ s Safety Group Lead Craig Daniel says we should never neglect our buddy checks
The buddy check has become the standard pre-dive check for every diver from all agencies. I have seen over the years that people are taught many different routines when it comes to completing a buddy check. They all have the same themes though:‘ Is all your equipment ready to dive? Is your air is on? How do I help you in an emergency?’
I’ ve found that when running courses people run a comprehensive buddy check, but when out diving I have seen other groups get complacent. Sometimes I overhear a check that consists of a perfunctory“ is your air on? Let’ s go.” When I hear this, I wonder if these guys dive together all the time and haven’ t changed anything. Are they really fully satisfied that their buddy’ s equipment is ready to go, not just that the gas is turned on? But of course there’ s always a lot more to consider than just turning the gas on. For instance, I’ ve seen on many occasions a buddy check revealing that a drysuit hose is not connected.
So I thought I’ d take the opportunity to go through BSAC’ s recommendations for our
24 buddy checks. This is a buddy check system that has kept divers safe for years. We use the acronym BAR to guide us through the checks, which should go like this:
Buoyancy: This covers all of your buoyancy control devices, including your drysuit if wearing one. It’ s not simply a matter of showing where the controls are; its more about pressing the inflate buttons and using the deflate controls to ensure they are all working, because they can fail or even get stuck at times. Applying a little amount of gas through the connector ensures it is in good working order.
Air: Checking your gases is one of the most important parts of BAR. Breathe through your regulator while watching the pressure gauge to ensure the gas is on and that there are no fluctuations on the contents gauge needle. Also check that the gas doesn’ t taste or smell, as this can indicate an issue. Then breathe on the alternate source second stage while watching the pressure gauge again. Doing this ensures that both second stages are working and breathable. I’ ve seen regulators that breathe in well, but the exhaust mushroom has been stuck.
Releases: You should demonstrate where the releases are located, ensuring they are not tangled in any other equipment, and are easily accessible. This demonstration should include how the releases work: there are so many different types that it’ s best to show your buddy exactly how to use your releases. And remember that, if you have a crotch strap, to also make sure you brief how your weights can be quick released in an emergency to ensure they don’ t get caught in the strap.
Craig’ s take-home message
“ Following a set procedure every time you dive is essential, whether it’ s with the same buddy or someone new. If we all keep to the same system it enforces its value and will hopefully in turn reduce accidents within our great sport. There is no excuse for not completing a buddy check.”
Do you have a safety-related question you’ d like to put to Craig, or another expert? Please email the editor at simon @ scubamagazine. co. uk and we’ ll keep the safety conversation going.