Do your buddy check

[Jules]

my buddy check from now is going to include "is my zip done up?"

[Titanic]

is that yours or your buddy's?

[SoggyFox]

Originally Posted by Titanic

I was diving in Sharm recently and on one dive the buddy checks were cursory to non-existent. We were getting ready to jump when I noticed one diver, (not my buddy ) who was (apparently) completing his 100th dive, had not attached his cylinder correctly and it was hanging on by not much more than a unfastened strap.

how would a buddy check of found a loose cylinder strap, even when i've been really anal with one (usually a new diver in the club) i don't think i've checked or seen anyone check whether the tank strap is done up. Its usually face to face and the BWARF, (bouyancy weights air releases and final ok) system for me. sounds like barf so i remember it.

but food for thought though.

[Harlequin]

I think mine will have to include "Is my drysuit hose attached" as it seems to be a common one for me.

[Chris Smail]

I was taught (by Adam @ Capers) that Final meant ' and finally check everything is secure, including the tank'. So we always check that the tank is secure.

As with many checks, a buddy check is a complete waste of time except when it isn't.

[MRBLUESKY]

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

how would a buddy check of found a loose cylinder strap, even when i've been really anal with one (usually a new diver in the club) i don't think i've checked or seen anyone check whether the tank strap is done up. Its usually face to face and the BWARF, (bouyancy weights air releases and final ok) system for me. sounds like barf so i remember it.

but food for thought though.

My usual buddy has an obsession with her tank strap and always makes me check it, even though I will already have done so as I know about her "Issue", other than that I guess we do take the buddy check rather lightly, mainly "do I look like I did the last 50 dives we have done together?", and "have we both got air?".

But once again, I would recommend everyone does a buddy check, and probably the more complacent you feel the more you should beware! I know when I have my diving incident (it's only a matter of statistics I'm sure) it will be something stupid that causes it.

I am often the last off the boat when diving in t'Egypt and have seen many an item missed by buddy checks as people are preparing to jump in, they do look sheepish when you point out that they have forgotten their mask .

Cheers

Andy

[recurve]

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

how would a buddy check of found a loose cylinder strap, even when i've been really anal with one (usually a new diver in the club) i don't think i've checked or seen anyone check whether the tank strap is done up. Its usually face to face and the BWARF, (bouyancy weights air releases and final ok) system for me. sounds like barf so i remember it.

but food for thought though.

I was always taught on my PADI course to turn your buddy round and check for things like trapped dump cords and specifically the security of cylinders.

Haven't forgiven swmbo for turning my air OFF during a final check though!

[Titanic]

Turn your buddy round 3 or 4 times just to be sure, helps get the dive off to an interesting start...

[uwila]

Originally Posted by Titanic

Far be it from me to question you guys given my very limited experience but (there had to be a "but" didn't there... ) while I agree with taking responsibility for yourself, people do get complacent and can make mistakes.

exactly - that's why I said

Originally Posted by uwila

However, the buddy check is a good way to get you into the habit of taking positive action to self-check.

Originally Posted by Titanic

So I think the buddy check is a good discipline as I don't want my buddy to spot something I've missed so it makes me more careful. It also makes your buddy concentrate (hopefully) as they do take some responsibility for you.

Well, we have a minor disagreement here. I never expect my buddy to take any responsibility for me, nor do I expect to take any for him/her (unless I'm teaching or have otherwise agreed this for a newbie). However, it is my responsibility to help any diver in trouble as long as I'm not going to seriously risk my own life. The difference is that I don't think it's my fault if my buddy cocks up and I didn't spot it at the start of the dive, but I will always help if I can.

Originally Posted by Titanic

Bottom line, why wouldn't you do the check and take the 60 seconds to do it properly?

No argument there; the whole point of the OP was to remind us that having 850+ dives does not mean you can't make a faux kup

Cheers, Chris

[uwila]

Originally Posted by SoggyFox

Its usually face to face and the BWARF, (bouyancy weights air releases and final ok) system for me. sounds like barf so i remember it.

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