On a recent boat dive trip, I overheard a new diver ask her more experienced buddy, “When do you want to do the pre-dive buddy check?” Her buddy replied casually, “I’ll just check myself.” While it might have seemed harmless at the moment, skipping a pre-dive buddy check can have serious consequences, even with a familiar dive partner.

Skipping this crucial pre-dive safety step can have serious consequences, especially on a boat.

Pre-Dive Buddy Checks on a Boat Come with Extra Challenges

Unlike shore dives or pool sessions, a boat can make a thorough buddy check tricky. You may be seated across from your buddy, in different sections of the boat, or rushing to get in the water. Even with a designated dive partner, taking the time to do a proper pre-dive check ensures that both your scuba gear and your buddy’s setup are ready, familiar, and safe before entering the water.

Why a Pre-Dive Buddy Check Catches More Issues

Even experienced divers can miss small but important details: a loose strap, a partially closed tank valve, or a mis-routed hose. Your buddy might spot something you didn’t notice, preventing a problem underwater. Performing a buddy check ensures both divers are fully prepared and reduces the chance of avoidable issues.

Familiarity Builds Confidence with Your Buddy’s Gear

A pre-dive buddy check isn’t just about catching mistakes. It’s also an opportunity to learn your buddy’s gear. You’ll understand how to release their weights, loosen straps, and operate their setup. This familiarity becomes invaluable if something goes wrong underwater. The buddy system isn’t just tradition—it’s a shared safety net.

Boost Your Confidence with a Thorough Pre-Dive Buddy Check

A complete pre-dive buddy check helps divers start their dives relaxed and focused. When you know that both your gear and your buddy’s gear are in order, you can enjoy the dive fully instead of worrying about small oversights.

The Consequences of Skipping a Pre-Dive Buddy Check

Skipping a buddy check may seem minor, but it can create serious risks underwater:

• A partially closed tank valve can restrict airflow
• Tangled or mis-routed hoses can limit movement or make gauge checks difficult
• A disconnected BCD inflator hose can make it hard to float comfortably on the surface

Taking even a few extra minutes ensures these potential problems are caught before they become emergencies.

Pre-Dive Buddy Checks Are for Everyone

Pre-dive buddy checks aren’t a sign of mistrust or inexperience. Every diver, from beginners to instructors, technical divers, and seasoned boat divers, should do one every time. Think of it as a pre-flight checklist for scuba diving, a simple step that protects lives before taking the plunge.

Final Thoughts

Next time you’re about to dive, remember: even if you’ve dived together a hundred times, even if space is tight, and even if it seems easier to check yourself, take the time to buddy up. A proper pre-dive buddy check means double the safety, double the confidence, and double the fun.

For more information on scuba safety, check out PADI’s buddy system guide and then sign up to take your dive buddy to Molokini Crater with us!