We have already talked and shared opinions on Rebreather diver's check list, I believe this is something that we must emphasize and remind ourselves and people the importance of it. I still today see so many Rebreather divers rushing with the manufacturer checks and being complacent with their personal check. A Scuba diver has many responsibilities before jumping in the water. We know that one should be mentally and physically fit, and that the equipment should be set for the "mission". This is what we learned from our Technical diver courses. It also means being able to use and reproduce the skills acquired; the rebreather diver's check list is one of them and part of the solution to reduce CCR divers complacency.
We all know that an airliner pilot who has been flying for years keeps going over basic checklists before take off. So it is one of the main responsibilities for a CCR diver to follow the check list recommended by the manufacturer and by the diving agency.
1) Manufacturer's check list:
Even if it seems that some of the points mentioned on the manufacturer's check list are redundant, I trust the manufacturer, who knows the machine pretty well. There is a reason behind a check list. Let's just follow it! Megalodon manufacturer has made a detailed pre-dive and post-dive check list that helps the Megalodon diver to control and pinpoint issues before they happen underwater.
2) Agency check list:
Agencies like TDI, IANTD, PADI and probably others have developed a check list for their divers, it is a pedagogical tool that can help the diver detect changes after the manufacturer's check list has been completed. If we follow the agency philosophy and use their material, let's do it completely and use the tools created by professionals trainer who know student's mistakes and errors.
3) Personal check list.
Just before jumping in the water, I call it a "personal survival check list", every individual is different, and it is important to develop a personal muscular memory with one's unit by controlling our equipment on land. Recheck primary and secondary equipment, such as valve opening, manual O2 addition, automatic diluent valve open and functioning, safe partial pressure of oxygen in the loop, BCD inflate and deflate...
It helps the diver to review his equipment and confirm that he has all what he needs for the dive.
It helps the diver to review his equipment and confirm that he has all what he needs for the dive.
4) In water-check.
Cave divers have been using these techniques for a long time. Check for leaks and others detectable problems that we can only be detected in the water. Bail-Out first and second stages regulators, primary and back up lights must be checked in the water, dive buddies must check for leaks tant can appear on tanks valves, first stages regulators, pressure gauges, hoses connections, dry-suit inflation.
"In order to sustain training, divers
must be able to “do something about something,” or remaining instrumental in
their own lives. As divers we must realize that
no one else can act on our behalf, and that no one can think for us, practice
for us, or react for us. To help us develop a factually-based sense of
instrumentality, we will start by devising an outline that draws on individual progress.
Our plan of the first steps seems obvious- they are: reflection, motivation, planning, and training.
However, the last step, repetition, is
often set aside- to the diver’s detriment. Building an initial plan of action
around the concepts mentioned above may serve to reduce accidents and increase
diver safety". IANTD Essentials manual Georges Gawinowski
The rebreather diver responsibility is to eliminate problems related to their CCR unit through a methodic practice, and by setting a good example for the community.
Safe CCR diving
IANTD SE Training director.
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