How to perform a Buddy Check

One of the most important aspect of every dive is to perform a pre-dive safety check, which is known as a buddy check. Pre-dive safety checks are taught by most certifying organizations. You should always perform this check with your buddy before beginning any dive.

This pre-dive safety check has a few functions: you make sure that your buddy's equipment is working as it should. You should also familiarize yourself with your buddy's equipment. this familiarization will make you aware of how to release their weights, use their deflator, and use their alternate source of air, all of which may be necessary in the event of any emergencies during the dive.

This check should always be performed once the equipment has been donned, with the exception of the mask and fins. It's ideal to perform this check while on the boat before entry or on the shore before any shore dives. If this check does slip you mind, it can be performed during decent.

This safety check is broken down into several components which are abbreviated with the acronym BWRAF. There are many mnemonics that can help you remember the steps in this safety check. You should use whatever you'll remember best. Here are some of the most common mnemonics.

• Begin With Review And Friend
• Because We Really Are Friends
• Bunnies Will Run Away Fast

Buoyancy

You want to ensure your buddy's BCD is working properly.  To do this, begin by inflating their BCD.   Do not infate it complely   You will also want to deflate the BCD to ensure that the deflator is working properly.

Weights

Check your buddy's weight system.   How this performed will depend upon what weight system being used by your buddy.

• Weight Belt: Check that your buddy's weight belt is on properly and secured.  Check that the quick release is free of obstructions and easily accessible.   Weight belts with excess length should should not be tied or tucked into the BCD or around the belt in such a way that it's difficult to perform a release.
• Integrated Weights: Check that your buddy has their weight pockets in their BCD (with weights in them!), that they are properly secured, and that you know how to release them.   For those BC's that use Velcro for the weight pockets, make sure the Velcro is not to worn that it prevents the pockets for being properly secured.

Releases

Check that all of your buddy's releases are properly secured.  This includes, but not limited to Velcro waist bands, shoulder clips, boot straps, and etc.   Many BCDs will have a chest and stomach clips. It's a good idea to touch each clip as it is checked.  Remember to check the tank strap and clip as well. You can do this by placing one hand on the bottom of the tank and the other on the first stage regulator and trying to move the tank up and down to see if the moves up and down in the secured tank strap.   If the tanks slides while doing this, resecure the tank.   It is often a good idea to wet the strap before securing it to the tank.

Air

Check that your buddy's air is turned all the way on and half a turn back. Have your buddy take one or more breaths from their regulator while you watch their SPG. While you look at the SPG, ensure that the tank is full (approximately 200 bar or 3000 psi) and that the needle doesn't dip as they breathe. If the needle dips this is a sign that the air isn't turned all the way on or there is a problem with the regulator. You should also test your buddy's alternate air source by taking two breaths from it.

Final OK

Check that your buddy has all other necessary equipment such as mask and fins. Ask your buddy if they're ready to go and if all is ok you're ready to dive.