When you picture your next dive, do you see yourself drifting over a reef, following a turtle, or catching that perfect macro shot?
Diving may be one of the most unique experiences in the world. You get to float weightlessly, breathe underwater, and step into a realm full of life and color. But because the ocean is unpredictable, safety is what makes those moments possible.
From the surface to the safety stop, this guide covers BWRAF, the ten essentials for the water, and how to decide when conditions are not right.
Pre-Dive Safety Checks
Before every dive, it’s worth taking a few minutes to do a buddy check. A simple BWRAF routine is an easy way to move through your gear step by step, so nothing gets missed. Think of it as a quick system that helps you and your buddy feel confident before heading underwater.
Here’s the order on how it works:
B – BCD
Fully inflate and deflate your BCD to be sure it responds the way it should. Check both the inflator and the dump valves, and make sure your low-pressure inflator hose is connected properly. If your BCD doesn’t react as expected, it could affect your buoyancy control or make it harder to surface safely.
W – Weights
Confirm that you’re carrying the right amount of weight for the dive and that the system you’re using is secure. Whether you have a belt, integrated pockets, or both, the quick release should be easy to reach and pull in case of emergency. Double-check that nothing blocks or covers the release, and that your buddy knows how it works, too.
A – Air
Check your pressure gauge to make sure you have a full tank, then take a few steady breaths from both your primary regulator and your alternate air source. Watch the needle to confirm it doesn’t drop as you inhale, which might indicate a flow issue.
R – Releases
Inspect every clip, strap, and buckle on your own gear as well as your buddy’s. Shoulder straps, waist belts, tank bands, and chest clips should all be snug but not overly tight. Check that nothing is twisted, tangled, or hanging loose where it could catch on something during the dive.
F – Final Check
End with the essentials: mask, fins, snorkel, and any accessories you’ll need. Make sure your mask strap sits comfortably, your fins are adjusted properly, and items like cameras, lights, or surface marker buoys are within reach. This is also a good moment to run through hand signals, review the dive plan, and agree on what to do if you get separated.
Learn more about essential safety practices here: Dive Safety – Key Points You Need to Know!
10 Tips to Remember While Diving
Before jumping into your next dive, it helps to keep a few simple reminders in mind. Here are 10 tips that can make your time underwater safer, easier, and even more enjoyable:
1. Do Not Hold Your Breath
Breathing is your lifeline underwater. Holding your breath can lead to serious injuries, so always inhale and exhale steadily. Slow, relaxed breathing also helps conserve air and keeps you calm throughout the dive.
2. Plan Before You Dive
Every good dive starts with a conversation. Talk with your buddy about the site, the maximum depth, expected bottom time, and the signals you’ll use. Having a clear plan makes the dive smoother and gives both of you confidence.
3. Never Dive Alone
Diving is always safer with a buddy. If something unexpected happens, you’ll want someone close by who can help. Beyond safety, sharing the dive makes the experience more enjoyable.
4. Ascend Slowly and Make a Safety Stop
Your body needs time to adjust as you return to the surface. Rising too quickly increases the risk of decompression sickness. A slow ascent and a three-minute stop at around five meters is a simple habit that protects you every time.
5. Stay Within Your Limits
Not every dive is right for every diver. Choose dives that match your training, experience, and how you feel that day. If conditions look rough or you’re unsure, it’s better to wait for a dive you’ll feel comfortable with.
6. Practice Buoyancy Control
Neutral buoyancy makes diving effortless. It helps you glide without bumping into the reef, saves your energy, and reduces how much air you use. Spend time practicing because the more control you have, the more relaxed your dives will be.
7. Respect Safety Rules Above and Below
Pay attention to the dive briefing and follow the guidance of the crew. These rules are there to keep you, your buddy, and everyone else safe both on the boat and underwater.
8. Avoid Touching
Corals, fish, and other creatures are fragile even if they do not look like it. Touching them can cause damage or provoke defensive behavior. Watch closely, take photos, but leave everything as you found it.
9. Double-Check Your Gear
A quick check before you dive saves stress later. Look over your regulator, gauges, and BCD to confirm everything is working. Knowing your equipment is ready helps you focus on the dive instead of worrying.
10. Equalize as You Descend
Pressure builds quickly as you go deeper. Equalize your ears early and often to avoid discomfort or injury. Make it a habit with every meter or two rather than waiting until it hurts.
When Should You Skip a Dive?
One of the best skills a diver can have is knowing when not to dive. Sometimes the best choice you can make is to stay out of the water until the conditions are right.
Here are a few times when staying on the boat or shore is the smarter choice:
When You are Unwell or Injured
Even a small issue on land, like a head cold or sinus congestion, can become a big problem underwater. Add in things like a hangover or an injury that limits your mobility, and you are putting unnecessary stress on your body. Diving asks a lot from you physically, so it is always better to wait until you feel fully fit.
When You Feel Rushed or Stressed
Diving works best when your mind is calm and focused. If you are feeling anxious, pressured to join a dive, or distracted by other worries, your judgment underwater will not be as sharp. Taking a break until you feel ready will help you enjoy the dive instead of fighting against it.
Extreme Conditions
Even with the best planning, nature has the final say. Strong currents, sudden drops in visibility, or rough surface conditions can turn a dive into a struggle. In those moments, the safest choice is to wait for conditions to improve. The ocean will still be there tomorrow, and diving is always more enjoyable when the environment is on your side.
Your Gear is Failing
If your regulator, BCD, or another critical piece of equipment fails and you do not have a safe replacement, it is not worth the risk. Diving with faulty gear can turn a small problem into a serious emergency. Reliable equipment is the foundation of every safe dive, so never compromise here.
Are You Ready to Dive?
Under the water, safety is what allows you to drift with confidence and notice every detail, from gliding past a turtle to discovering a living reef full of color.
At Solitude World, we share the same belief. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, from our PADI-certified dive guides who lead with care to the way we design every experience to be smooth and stress-free.
And after a day beneath the waves, you can return to the comfort of your villa or liveaboard, where a warm, home-cooked meal awaits. By looking after both safety and comfort, we make sure your dive holiday is memorable from start to finish.
Book your next dive with Solitude World and experience the perfect balance of safety, comfort, and adventure!