5.11 Tactical® Knives Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Promotional Knife

Units: About 19,000

Importer: 5.11 Tactical®, of Modesto, Calif.

Manufacturer: Spanlink International Corp.

Hazard: The knife can fail to lock into its open position, posing a cutting hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: One minor cut was reported by a store employee.

Description: The recalled folding knives, Style No. 51041019, have a black handle with a pocket clip and are approximately five inches in length when closed and seven and three-quarters inches in length when the blade is open.

Sold at: The knives were given away as a free promotional item commencing in September 2009 and ending in December 2009.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the knives immediately and either return the knives to their local 5.11 Tactical retailer or contact 5.11 Tactical directly to arrange for the return and exchange of the knives for a substitute promotional item at no cost to them.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact 5.11 Tactical Customer Service at (866) 451-1726 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.511tactical.com

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Related posts:

1. Scuba Regulators Recalled by Cressi Due to Risk of Drowning
2. SI Tech Recalls Diving Suit Hoses Due to Drowning Hazard
3. Diving Equipment Recalled by Halcyon Manufacturing Due to Drowning Hazard

Scuba Regulators Recalled by Cressi Due to Risk of Drowning

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Cressi Ellipse Black MC5 Regulator

Units: About 200

Distributor: Cressi-sub USA, of Westwood, N.J.

Hazard: Partial obstruction of the High Pressure (HP) port can produce an inaccurate reading on the pressure gauge, resulting in a slow descent of the needle in the pressure gauge. The inaccurate reading on the gauge poses a drowning hazard to divers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of inaccurate pressure readings while the scuba regulators were in use. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves regulators used to control the flow of air while scuba diving, making it possible for divers to breathe under water. The recalled regulators have model name Ellipse Black MC5. Cressi MC5 and Cressi Black are printed on the regulator.

Sold at: Authorized dive shops nationwide and on the Internet from March 2009 through August 2009 for between $280 and $309.

Manufactured in: Italy

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the regulators and return them to a Cressi authorized dive shop for a free repair. Consumers can also return the product to Cressi at One Charles Street, Westwood, N.J. 07675.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Cressi at (800) 338-9143 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.cressi.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release can be found at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=924

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Related posts:

1. Aqua Lung Recalls Scuba Regulators and Adapters Due to Drowning Hazard
2. Aqua Lung Recalls Apeks Scuba Diving Regulators Due to Drowning Hazard
3. 5.11 Tactical® Knives Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Diving Air Hose for Dry Suits

Units: About 65,000

Manufacturer: SI Tech AB, of Brastad, Sweden

Hazard: The hose contains an insert that can dislodge during diving and restrict air flow to the diver, posing a drowning hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: SI Tech has received six reports of hose inserts dislodging, including one that was involved in the death of a diver in Los Angeles, Calif.

Description: This recall involves a dry suit inflation hose that connects a diver’s dry suit to the air supply and allows for the pumping of air into the suit to set up a positive pressure arrangement to help keep it watertight. The hose contains an air flow restricting insert that may be either black, blue or green in color. The batch code is stamped on the threaded metal end of the hose. They were sold with dry suits and also sold separately. Contact SI Tech for a list of batch codes included in this recall or visit the firm’s Web site, www.sitech.se

Sold at: Diving equipment retailers and distributors nationwide from July 2006 through February 2009 for about $45.

Manufactured in: Sweden

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using diving equipment that contains the recalled low pressure inflation hoses and contact SI Tech for the location of an authorized dealer for a free repair which involves removal of the hose insert, or to receive instructions on how to repair the hose.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact SI Tech at (877) 348-3529 anytime, visit www.sitech.se, or email the firm at recall@sitech.se

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Related posts:

1. Aqua Lung Recalls Apeks Scuba Diving Regulators Due to Drowning Hazard
2. Innovative Scuba Concepts Recalls Diving Regulator Components Due to Drowning Hazard
3. Aqua Lung Recalls Scuba Regulators and Adapters Due to Drowning Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Guardian Full-Face Masks

Units: About 900

Manufacturer: Undersea Systems International Inc., dba Ocean Technology Systems, of Santa Ana, Calif.

Hazard: If significant pressure is applied vertically to the top and bottom of the visor clamp, the clear plastic visor may dislodge causing the mask to flood.

Incidents/Injuries: Ocean Technology Systems has received three reports of visors dislodging. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Guardian full-face mask which is a scuba diving mask that incorporates the second stage regulator into the mask allowing it to cover the diver’s full face.

Sold by: Direct sales and diving equipment retailers nationwide from March 2009 through August 2009 for $800.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the diving masks and contact Ocean Technology Systems to receive a free repair. Ocean Technology Systems is providing consumers stainless steel clamps to secure the plastic visor.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Ocean Technology Systems toll-free at (877) 270-1984 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.otscomm.com. Consumers also can email the firm at OTSrecall@otscomm.com

From the CPSC:

Guardian Full-Face Diving Masks Recalled by Ocean Technology Due to Visor Separation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Guardian Full-Face Masks

Units: About 900

Manufacturer: Undersea Systems International Inc., dba Ocean Technology Systems, of Santa Ana, Calif.

Hazard: If significant pressure is applied vertically to the top and bottom of the visor clamp, the clear plastic visor may dislodge causing the mask to flood.

Incidents/Injuries: Ocean Technology Systems has received three reports of visors dislodging. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves the Guardian full-face mask which is a scuba diving mask that incorporates the second stage regulator into the mask allowing it to cover the diver’s full face.

Sold by: Direct sales and diving equipment retailers nationwide from March 2009 through August 2009 for $800.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the diving masks and contact Ocean Technology Systems to receive a free repair. Ocean Technology Systems is providing consumers stainless steel clamps to secure the plastic visor.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Ocean Technology Systems toll-free at (877) 270-1984 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.otscomm.com. Consumers also can email the firm at OTSrecall@otscomm.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release can be seen at: http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=859

CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Related posts:

1. M&J Engineering Recalls Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks Due to Drowning Hazard
2. 5.11 Tactical® Knives Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard
3. Scuba Regulators Recalled by Cressi Due to Risk of Drowning

1. Do an orientation check.   Ask the diver his/her name, the date, and to explain what happened on their dive.  Answers to these questions may demonstrate the diver has some confusion.  Even if answers to these questions are correct, make sure general conversation is making sense.
2. Eye test-  With the head held still, have the diver follow your hand while it moves in upwards/downwards, and in side to side directions.   Your hand should be placed approximately 18 inches from the person's face.   The eyes should track smoothly in every direction and should not exhibit any jumping/bouncing around while tracking.   Look at their peripheral vision - when are they able to see an object coming around from behind their head?  Is it symmetrical on both sides?  Shine a flash light in their eyes.  Do their pupils get smaller, then larger again when the light is removed?
3. Forehead -  With the divers eye's closed, lightly touch their forehead and face.   Are they able to feel your touch and is it the same on both sides of the face?  Check strength by trying to open the divers eyes (from above their brow)  after they have shut them tightly.  Ask them to furrow their brow.   Is there a difference between right and left brows?
4. Observe the divers face.  Is the diver able to pucker his lips to whistle?  Is the diver able to smile?  Have them clench their jaw and  have the examiner feel if both sides of the jaw are exhibiting equal strength.  Is sensation present?
5. Check the ears.  With the divers eyes closed, ask them if their hearing seems normal.  Hold your hands 2 feet from the divers ear.  Rub your finger and thumb together, and gradually  move closer until the diver is able to hear you.
6. Check the gag reflex.  Does the diver's "Adam's apple" move up  and down when you ask him to swallow?
7. Have the diver stick their tongue out.    Make a note whether the tongue comes straight out or moves to one side or the other.
8. Check the shoulder strength.   With your hands firmly positioned on the divers shoulders, ask them to shrug their shoulders.  Is one side stronger than the other?  Do the shoulders have any sensation here?
9. Check arm strength.  Ask the diver to squeeze your fingers.  Is one hand stronger than the other?  Have them raise their arms to chest level straight in front of them.  Push down gently, then pull on elbows with the diver attempting to  resist the motion.  Is one side stronger than the other?  Are they able to feel both their arms?
10. With the diver's eyes closed, check sensation their chest.
11. With diver lying flat, have diver raise and lower their legs with resistance.  Note if there differences in strength between sides.  In standing, check balance and coordination by asking them to walk in a heel-toe fashion.   Guard closely, as falls should be avoided.  Is sensation in the legs present?

If the diver is unable to complete one of these tests, indicate which test was omitted and why.

Repeat the tests every hour.  Make sure results are documented and present them to medical personnel.

Notice how the exam moves in a head to toe direction.  The body parts are highlighted, and work their way from mind/brain to the feet.  These two things may help you remember the steps of a complete exam.  Hopefully this tool is one you'll never have to utilize, but as a responsible diver, you should review and practice it frequently so that if you find a diver in need, you'll be able to step up and help.

-- Shannon

Related posts:

1. Pre-Dive Safety Check

Scuba diving equipment manufacturer Halcyon has announced a recall of defective BCDs, surface marker buoys (SMBs), lift bags, diver alert markers (DAMs), surf shuttle and diver lift raft inflatable devices. The over pressure valves (OPVs) in the diving equipment could fail allowing the buoyancy compensator devices (BCDs) and the diver lift inflatable devices to leak, posing a drowning hazard to divers.

There have been no reports of injuries or deaths due to the defective Halcyon diving equipment.

The recall affects the following Halcyon scuba diving equipment:

• Halcyon Explorer, Eclipse, CCR35, Evolve and Pioneer Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs)
• Halcyon Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs)
• Halcyon Lift Bags
• Halcyon Diver Alert Markers (DAMs)
• Halcyon Surf Shuttle and Diver Lift Raft Inflatable Devices

("Halcyon" is printed on all scuba diving
equipment affected by the recall)

Owners of Halcyon scuba diving equipment affected by the recall should stop using the defective equipment IMMEDIATELY and and return it to an authorized Halcyon distributor or dealer for a free inspection and, if necessary, free replacement of the overpressure valve spring.

From the CPSC:

RECALL: Halcyon Diving Equipment

October 10, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Halcyon Diving Equipment

Units: About 20,300

Manufacturer: Halcyon Manufacturing Inc., of High Springs, Fla.

Hazard: The over pressure valves (OPVs) in the diving equipment could fail allowing the buoyancy compensator devices (BCDs) and the diver lift inflatable devices to leak, posing a drowning hazard to divers.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Halcyon diving equipment including the Halcyon Explorer, Eclipse, CCR35, Evolve and Pioneer Buoyancy Compensator Devices (BCDs) and Halcyon Surface Marker Buoys (SMBs), Lift Bags, Diver Alert Markers (DAMs) Surf Shuttle and Diver Lift Raft Inflatable Devices. "Halcyon" is printed on the diving equipment.

Sold at: Diving equipment retailers and distributors from January 2006 through December 2008 for between $350 and $450 for the buoyancy compensator devices (BCDs) and between $50 and $275 for the inflatable devices.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using recalled diving equipment and return it to an authorized Halcyon distributor or dealer for a free inspection and, if necessary, free replacement of the overpressure valve spring.

Consumer Contact: : For more information, contact Halcyon at (800) 425-2966 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, visit the firm's Web site at www.halcyon.net/opv-recall, or email the firm at techservices@halcyon.net

Related posts:

1. M&J Engineering Recalls Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks Due to Drowning Hazard
2. SI Tech Recalls Diving Suit Hoses Due to Drowning Hazard
3. Innovative Scuba Concepts Recalls Diving Regulator Components Due to Drowning Hazard

Mares Nemo Air Dive Computer

Manufacturer Mares has announced a recall of defective Nemo Air dive computers.  The O-ring on the Nemo Air quick connector can fail, causing the dive computer to start leaking breathing gas, which poses a drowning hazard to the user.

According to Mares, "...this issue is covered by the EN250 norm, which requires a 0.3mm opening in the high- pressure hose fitting. As a result, the hose is designed to ensure a slow enough gas release; which should allow the diver to complete a safe emergency ascent."

The recall affects the following Mares Nemo Air dive computers:

• 414158 - Nemo Air dive computer
• 414159 - Nemo Air w/compass
• 44200771 - HP hose w/quick connector Nemo Air (spare part)
• 44200770 - Quick connector assembly female Nemo Air (spare part)

Owners of Mares Nemo Air dive computers affected by the recall should stop using the defective equipment IMMEDIATELY and contact an authorized Mares dealer or service center to have the defective O-ring replaced.

For more information, go to www.mares.com

Related posts:

1. How to Buy the Best Dive Computer For You
2. Do Not Buy a Dive Computer That Does Not Have These Features!
3. Dive Computers

Poseidon Besea W50 Diving Wings (above) and inner bladder (below)

Manufacturer Poseidon of Sweden and U.S. distributors Poseidon West, of West Lake Village, Calif., Poseidon Central, of Conroe, Texas, and American Divers Division, of Alexandria Bay, N.Y., have announced a recall of defective Poseidon Besea W50 Diving Wings. The inner bladder located inside the diving wing can break, causing the wing to fail to operate as a floating/buoyancy device, which poses a drowning hazard to the user.

Poseidon has received 15 reports of inner bladders breaking. No injuries have been reported.

The recall affects the following Poseidon Besea W50 Diving Wings: that contain inner bladders with batch number 5445:

Inner bladder with batch number 54

Tab on the Inner Bladder Showing the "5445" batch number

Owners of Poseidon Besea W50 Diving Wings affected by the recall should stop using the defective equipment IMMEDIATELY and contact Poseidon to receive a replacement inner bladder.

From the CPSC:

RECALL: Poseidon Besea W50 Diving Wings

June 23, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Besea W50 Diving Wings with Poseidon Inner Bladders

Units: About 300

Distributor: Poseidon West, of West Lake Village, Calif., Poseidon Central, of Conroe, Texas, and American Divers Division, of Alexandria Bay, N.Y.

Hazard: The inner bladder located inside the diving wing can break, causing the wing to fail to operate as a floating/buoyancy device. This poses a drowning hazard to divers.

Incidents/Injuries: Poseidon has received 15 reports of inner bladders breaking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves the Poseidon inner bladders with batch number 5445 sold with the Poseidon Besea W50 wings. The inner bladder is located inside the outer cover of the wing. The batch number and "Poseidon" are molded on a tab located between the "legs" of the inner bladder.

Sold at: Poseidon dealers nationwide from September 2007 through June 2008 for about $366.

Manufactured in: Sweden

Remedy: Consumers who have wings that contain the recalled inner bladders should stop using the wing immediately and contact Poseidon for a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Poseidon toll-free at (877) 673-4366 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or send an email to info@poseidoncentral.com

Related posts:

1. SI Tech Recalls Diving Suit Hoses Due to Drowning Hazard
2. Ambient Pressure Diving Ltd. Rebreather Hoses
3. M&J Engineering Recalls Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks Due to Drowning Hazard

Ambient Pressure Diving Ltd. rebreather hoses crimped (above) and uncrimped (below)

Manufacturer Ambient Pressure Diving Ltd., of Helston, Cornwall, United Kingdom and U.S. importer Silent Diving Systems LLC, of Center Conway, N.H., have announced a recall of defective rebreather hoses sold on Inspiration, Evolution and Evolution Plus rebreathers.  Due to the failure of the manufacturer (Ambient Pressure Diving Ltd.) to crimp the hoses, gas could leak or water could enter the rebreather unit posing a drowning hazard to the user.

The recall affects hoses with a smooth uncrimped collar and the following model numbers:

• AP300/15 ADV Supply Hose
• RB20/03 Oxygen Injection Hose
• EV20/03 Oxygen Injection Hose
• RB20/10 Buzzer Hose
• EV11A/1 Vision Handset Hose
• RB11A/1 Classic Handset Hose
• RB11/B Handset Hose
• AP300/10 ADV Hose
• AP300/38 ADV Hose

Owners of rebreather hoses affected by the recall should stop using the equipment IMMEDIATELY and contact Silent Diving Systems to receive a replacement hose.

Hoses with eight flats on the hose collar have been crimped and are not included in the recall.

Sold by: Silent Diving Systems nationwide from January 2007 through August 2008 for about $60. Re-breathers were sold for about $10,000.

Manufactured in: England

Remedy: Consumers with the recalled hoses should immediately stop using the hoses and contact Silent Diving Systems to receive a replacement hose. All known purchasers have been contacted directly by Silent Diving Systems regarding the recall.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Silent Diving Systems toll-free at (877) 336-4077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.silentdiving.com

Related posts:

1. SI Tech Recalls Diving Suit Hoses Due to Drowning Hazard
2. Guardian Full-Face Diving Masks Recalled
3. Innovative Scuba Concepts Recalls Diving Regulator Components Due to Drowning Hazard

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.

Related posts:

1. Scuba Diving Safety and the Importance of a Diving Buddy
2. Scuba Diving Safety and the Myth That Anybody Can Dive
3. Scuba Diving Safety – Practicing Your Basic Diving Skills