No matter how experienced a diver you are, and no matter where you dive, dive site briefings are an important part of the diving experience. Using checklists ensures no important information will be omitted, and standardized equipment checks can make the entire process faster and easier, no matter what your purpose for diving. Here are some tips for making basic dive site briefings simple and effective.
Rapid Briefings
Rapid briefings are often used by rescue divers and others who need to get into a site quickly to effect a rescue or recovery. One of the biggest advantages to this type of briefing, besides the speed with which it is delivered, is that the basic information provided is quick and to the point, and basically impossible to forget. This type of briefing usually includes the following aspects:
- Cover the objective and describe the situation briefly
- Provide general instructions
- Discuss organization, assign buddies and establish a chain of command
- Check equipment
- Go over a quick schedule, and establish a command post, staging and equipment areas, and entry / exit points
- Discuss Emergency Procedures, and have a quick Question and Answer Period
Complete Dive Site Briefings
Complete dive site briefings are much more comprehensive than rapid briefings. Weather and terrain are discussed at length, and more time is taken to plan, with probable outcomes being discussed. When search and rescue is involved, support units and emergency response procedures are set in place, and advantages and disadvantages of each aspect of the dive are discussed. All equipment checks are completed, including checks of search and recovery equipment, lift equipment, spare equipment, emergency equipment, and spare equipment. Finally, transportation, medical evacuation, and handling of any witnesses and family members are considered.
Diver Equipment Checks
Every diver should have an established procedure for checking his or her equipment, and that same procedure should be adhered to on each and every dive. Remember, forgetting anything can put your life or safety at risk, and at the very least, forgetting can prevent you from enjoying recreational diving as much as you could. Be sure to check the following:
- Is your mask treated for anti-fogging?
- Air on, check tank pressure; if you use a J-valve, the lever should be up
- Inhale and exhale through first and second stages to ensure regulators are functioning properly
- If you use a pony bottle, is it ready to go?
- Ensure all straps are untwisted and secure, with no excessive strap lengths
- Check weights for even balance and ensure your belt is properly positioned, plus clear for ditching
- All equipment, like flares, whistle, knives, marker buoys, etc. in BC pockets
The type of briefing will of course vary depending on whether you are working or whether you are diving recreationally, and your equipment checks will vary as well. By establishing procedures in advance, then sticking to the same procedures without variation as much as possible, you’ll find that briefings go much more smoothly and dive outcome is much more successful, no matter what the circumstances.