Releasing Air From My BCD
Going DOWN!
Equalizing
Equalizing my air spaces on descent.
Signaling OK
Underwater sign language for "everything's OK"
Making a 5 Point Ascent
"STALK" signal, time, ascend no faster than 18 m/min, look and kick
Where's Your Buddy?
Always Descend and Be Arms-length From Your Buddy
Synchronized Swimming
Having a little fun, while avoiding dragging gear and injuring sea life, is allowed.
Mask Leak!
Don't forget to check your mask seals to avoid a leak!
Lend A Hand!
Offer assistance to a buddy-in-need to avoid safety concerns!
Meet and Then Descend
After exiting a boat, pick a place to meet fellow divers and your buddy before descending.
Always LOOK FIRST
before ascending, to avoid run ins with venomous wildlife or boats
Orient Yourself
Walls or ascent lines can help you orient yourself.
Safety Sausage
Always carry an inflatable safety device to alert boats of divers ascending
NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATHE
Especially on ascent; EXHALE to avoid lung over expansion injuries
Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent
"CESA" practice often in case you ever need to perform it
Safety Stop
3 minutes at 5 meters. Check your gauge often for air.
Release Air on the way UP
Deflate your BCD when ascending to avoid over-expansion as increasing pressure results in air expansion.
Bubble Check
Perform a buddy check BEFORE entering the water, then have your buddy turn around IN the water and check for air leaks / bubbles.
ENTRY Techniques
Giant stride: Look, Hold Regulator, Giant Stride forward, Signal OK, Switch to Snorkel
Ring of Teamwork
Joining arms at the surface helps keep dive teams together
Tired Diver Tow
If your buddy is tired or gets a cramp at the surface and cannot swim, a tank tow is ideal to tow them to safety.
