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The pre-dive buddy check (BWRAF)

A 60-second check that catches the mistakes that ruin (or end) dives.


Run through it with your buddy, out loud, before every dive. A common mnemonic is BWRAF:

  • B — BCD/buoyancy: inflates and deflates, dumps work
  • W — Weights: present, secure, releasable
  • R — Releases: all buckles and straps known and fastened
  • A — Air: gas on, breathe from both regs while watching the gauge, check the mix
  • F — Final OK: mask, fins, signals agreed, plan confirmed