It’s not about the gear, the depth, or the thrill. It’s about trust. The Buddy Check isn’t just a checklist; it’s a ritual of care, a final promise between divers before slipping beneath the surface.

In a world where one missed strap or forgotten valve can mean disaster, a simple buddy check becomes a lifeline. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, understanding the Buddy Check is more than protocol—it’s the heartbeat of safe, shared exploration.

What is a Buddy Check?

In scuba diving: standard pre-dive safety check consists of five steps. Dive schools use a set order for safety checks to help divers avoid missing steps. The steps of the pre-dive safety check are:

1. B – BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)

2. W – Weight System.

3. R – Releases Check.

4. A – Air Supply.

5. OK: Final check of the ABC equipment (diving mask, fins, snorkel if applicable) in addition to the dive computer.

1. B – BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)

• In this part we will check every part of the BCD (Buoyancy Control Device):
• Whether your jacket is properly tightened or not?
• The connection of the inflator hose (jacket and dry suit).
• Is the inflator working on both jacket and dry suit?
• Are the quick release valves working, visible, and easy to reach?

2. W – Weight System:

Here you will check all points around the Weight System used:

• What is the type of weight you use? Weight pockets, harness weight belt, backplate, weight belt, V-weight, P-weight.
• Is the weight present and sufficient?
• In case of weight pockets: Are the weight pockets secure? How do you release them?
• For weight belts: Is the belt easy to open with your right hand, reachable, and quick to release?
• When talking about the harness lead belt: Is the harness snug, and how does the release work?

3. R – Releases Check:

• In this section, you should check all buckles and other closures of the equipment m for function:
• Ensure that the shoulder, waist and chest belt buckles of the jacket are properly closed.
• Is the strap tightened?
• Is the bottle firmly attached and sealed?

4. A – Air Supply:

The air supply for the dive is checked here:

• Is the tank valve fully open?
• How much air is in the tank?
• Is the pressure gauge or dive computer functioning?
• Ensure that the primary air supply works.
• Ensure that the alternative air supply works.
• Where and how is the backup air source secured?

5. OK: Final check of the ABC equipment (diving mask, fins, snorkel if applicable) in addition to the dive computer.

We use BWRAF as an acronym to help scuba divers remember the steps of the buddy check in the correct order – Buoyancy – Weights – Releases – Air – Final Okay, but you can use any other phrase that helps you remember.

After each diver has confirmed that their equipment and that of their dive buddy is working properly, and the equipment is attached and everything is in place, then both dive buddies are ready to dive.

Have a great dive!