Open water dive procedures are the code of coduct for every diver going for diving, they are semplified as follows:
1. Pre-Dive Preparation
This is a briefing session, in which dive groups (normally pairs of divers) are formed and Dive Leaders appointed. The order of diving and the responsibilities of the individuals concerned are established (i.e. Dive Marshal, Safety Officer, Shore Cover etc.) The details of the site are discussed: depth; bottom terrain; tidal influences; dive time; anticipated visibility; exit and entry points; other hazards etc. The current weather conditions are taken into consideration: this may cause a major change to the intended diving and necessitate the usage of an alternative dive plan.
2. Equipment
A useful method to remember what equipment is required is to consider the various categories:
Protective equipment: Drysuit/wetsuit, boots, gloves, hood, swim trunks or swimsuit, undersuit.
Basic Equipment:Mask, snorkel, fins
Safety Equipment:ABLJ or STAB Jacket, knife, weightbelt, depth gauge, watch.
Breathing Equipment:Cylinder, harness, Demand Valve
Ancillary Equipment:Surface Marker Buoy (SMB), compass, torch etc. (as required)
Check the equipment as it is gathered it and pack it logically into a suitable bag. It is also important not to forget the vital after dive items - food, hot drinks, warm clothes, waterproofs, towel, log book/training schedule and some money!
3. Kitting Up
The order for kitting up will vary due to a number of factors depending what equipment is being used. However a standard sequence would be:
·Charge and fit the emergency ABLJ/STAB cylinder.
·Attach the STAB jacket to the main cylinder, checking the cylinder O ring at the same time.
·Fit the regulator to the STAB/cylinder.
·Turn the air on slowly and check the cylinder contents.
·Check the operation of the regulator by breathing from it.
·Turn the air off and verify that there are no leaks in the system.
·Put on the diving suit.
·Fit all ancillary equipment
·Fit the weight belt.
·Turn on air and fit the STAB jacket and cylinder.
·Ensure that all straps are free of twists and that the weight belt buckle is easily accessible.
·Fit the mask, fins and snorkel just prior to commencing the dive.
4. Buddy Checks
This is an essential aspect of safe diving. It is normally the last opportunity to visually appraise the dive partners equipment and finalise the conduct of the dive. This final buddy-to-buddy briefing, led by the Dive Leader or instructor, covers the following and is characterised by the mnemonic SEEDS:
SAFETY: breathe normally/ avoid over-exertion/ ear clearing/underwater hazards/ boats and surface hazards/ tidal effects/ separation and emergency procedures.
EXERCISE: dive purpose (pleasure, exploration, drift, night, wreck etc.)/ bottom type/ duration/ depth/ buoyancy requirements/ air checking procedures/ skills to be performed/ surfacing procedures/ entry and exit procedures.
EQUIPMENT: air contents check/ABLJ/STAB operation/drysuit (if worn) operation and valve type/ instruments/ weightbelt release.
DISCIPLINE: relative position of dive leader and buddy/specific duties.
SIGNALS: signals to be used during dive/at surface/ in low visibility.
A useful method to remember what equipment is required is to consider the various categories:
Protective equipment
rysuit/wetsuit, boots, gloves, hood, swim trunks or swimsuit, undersuit.
Basic Equipment:Mask, snorkel, fins
Safety Equipment:ABLJ or STAB Jacket, knife, weightbelt, depth gauge, watch.
Breathing Equipment:Cylinder, harness, Demand Valve
Ancillary Equipment:Surface Marker Buoy (SMB), compass, torch etc. (as required)
Check the equipment as it is gathered it and pack it logically into a suitable bag. It is also important not to forget the vital after dive items - food, hot drinks, warm clothes, waterproofs, towel, log book/training schedule and some money!
After the Dive
Once the dive is over and the divers have safely exited the water, the Dive Leader should make a report to the Dive Marshall, who records the details of the dive. The divers then assist each other in the removal of their equipment and get themselves into dry clothing. This is now a time for relaxation and (non-alcoholic!) refreshment. A debriefing session should take place, in which the aspects of the dive are discussed. Logbooks and training records should be completed and then signed by the appropriate parties.
Have a safe open water dive.