Scuba diving does have innate potential hazards, yet the sport also boasts an impressive safety record. That's because scuba divers recognise that they owe it to themselves, to their diving buddies, and even to the sport to dive responsibly.
Diving responsibly starts with gaining the proper training and certification, but it certainly doesn't end there. Even experienced divers can run into difficulties yet the vast majority of accidents and incidents can be avoided by completing a systematic and rigorous pre-dive safely check list before each and every expedition.
As with all vital safely procedures, there's an acronym to remind divers of exactly what they should be checking and in what order. PADI trained divers are drilled in the BWRAF list of safety checks. Officially speaking, BWRAF stands for 'Begin With Review And Friend'. There are of course many variants on this mnemonic, some are humorous and irrelevant, 'Bruce Willis Runs All Films' for example. Others are rather more poignant - 'Because We Really Are Friends', or very much to the point. 'Breathing Water Really Ain't Fun'!
However you choose to remember the initials they're only useful if you're also equally aware of what each of them designates. The standards are the same worldwide, so whether you did your initial dive training at a Tulum Mexico scuba diving centre, or gained your certification in a chilly UK lake, the checks to be made are exactly the same.
B – Buoyancy. Your safely run-through should start with your and your buddy's Buoyancy Compensator Device. Verify that the hoses are attached properly and the the device both inflates and deflates correctly. Once you're in the water you should also check your own buoyancy and confirm that you're weighted correctly.
W- Weight. Ensure that you have the right weights, and that they're correctly distributed for best trim. Make sure that weight belts are properly secured, that the loose end is correctly tucked, and that everything is set up to allow for quick release if required. This is also the time to make sure that you're familiar with your buddy's belt or integrated weights and that you know how to release them quickly if you need to.
R – Releases. Confirm that all belts are correctly strapped and tightened. If you count them off and give a quick tug on each as you work through you'll familiarise your brain and your hands with where everything is, should you need to access it in a hurry. Do this for yourself and for your buddy, and have them do the same for you.
A – Air. Tanks should be full, regulators fully on and of course you'll check every hose and connector to ensure that there are no leaks. Check your buddy's pressure gauge by having them take a couple of breaths while you monitor the needle for any signs of fluctuation and have your buddy do the same for you. You should also check each others alternate air source ensuring that they're correctly attached to the BCD and easily visible. Finally take a couple of breaths from the alternate air to ensure it's working correctly and you know how to use it.
F - Final OK. This is a visual check of all equipment to make sure everything looks as it should, Make sure fins, mask and snorkel are in place, check flashlights if you have them and check your dive computer. Once this stage is complete, you and your buddy can safely give each other the all OK signal and begin your descent.
As a newly qualified diver you'll probably be most careful in completing your BWRAF check, the danger comes in when you start to gain experience of many dives where nothing untoward happened the majority of accidents are down to complacency.
Holiday divers also need to be especially careful as it can take a few dives for old skills to come to the forefront of your brain. When you arrive at your Scuba diving Tulum centre, or wherever else your travels have taken you. your slightly rusty diving skills could leave you vulnerable. If you have any doubts at all about resuming independent buddy diving, any reputable diving school will be delighted to set up a brief refresher session for you. A few hours with an expert instructor will help you re-familiarise yourself with the equipment, give you a chance to check anything you're uncertain about, and set you up to enjoy your diving holiday to the max.
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