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Dive checklists

Dive Checklists

Buddy checks, technical predive checks, rebreather build checklists, and post-dive routines, step by step.

Tick steps off as you go, or print a checklist for the boat. These are starting templates. A rebreather checklist is valid only for the unit it names: follow your unit's current manual and your training where they differ.

Search dive checklists

Predive safety check (BWRAF)
Open-circuit tech predive
Tech dive plan review
JJ-CCR preparations on land
JJ-CCR shortly before diving
JJ-CCR after entering the water
FX CCR functionality check
FX CCR pre-dive checks
FX CCR after the dive
CHAOS (GUE)
GUE EDGE team pre-dive
TDI START team pre-dive
CCR post-dive & cleaning

Predive safety check (BWRAF)

0/25 done

The recreational buddy check before every dive: BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final check. Run it together, out loud, head to toe.

When: Predive · Paraphrased from The BWRAF recreational buddy check (BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final check) as taught in entry-level training, PADI among others.

B: BCD

Buoyancy control device (BCD) adjustedStraps snug and nothing twisted. A loose BCD shifts your trim once you are in the water.
Cylinder secure in its bandGive it a tug. The cylinder should not slip or rotate.
Inflator and deflator both workAdd and dump a little gas. The feed should stop cleanly the moment you let go.
Partially inflated for the entryEnough lift to stay comfortable at the surface, as suits your entry.
Surface signaling devices stowedA whistle and a marker you can reach without help.
Team knows how to work each other's BCDs

W: Weights

Right amount of weightEnough to hold a safety stop with a near-empty cylinder, no more. Confirm again after entry.
Weight positioned for good trim
Quick-release buckles workEach release opens with one pull, then is secured again.
Releasable weight is free and clearNothing traps it against other gear.
One pull drops enough weight for lift
Team knows how to ditch each other's weights

R: Releases

All releases secured, adjusted and workingRe-check the BCD and weight releases together.
Team knows how to work each other's releases

A: Air

Cylinder valves fully openOpen all the way. The team confirms it for each other by sight and feel.
Enough gas and reserve agreedEveryone has gas for the planned dive plus a reserve to surface safely.
Inflator hose reconnected and workingRe-check the BCD and drysuit inflator connection after handling the cylinder.
Primary and alternate both breathedBreathe each second stage. Both should deliver gas easily.
Alternate stowed in the chest areaSecured where a buddy can find it fast.
Team knows where each other's alternate is

F: Final check

No loose, missing or trapped gearScan head to toe for dangling hoses and snag points.
Dive computer on and setRight gas (air or nitrox %) and settings confirmed.
Hand signals and plan reviewedAgree depth, time, the turn point and what to do if separated.
The goal is to return safelyThis comes before every other objective of the dive.
Any diver can call the dive, any timeFor any reason, with no questions asked.

Open-circuit tech predive

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Predive checks for open-circuit technical diving: analyze and assemble, run the pressure tests, then match gear head to toe with your team. Adapt it to your training.

When: Predive · Paraphrased from PADI TecRec's predive checklist: preparation, then a head-to-toe team match.

Predive preparation

Analyze every cylinder yourselfAnalyze each cylinder before assembly and confirm the label matches. Open the isolator first if one is fitted.
Assemble the kit, cylinders fully openBuilt and ready to don.
Breathe every regulatorEach should breathe easily with no free-flow.
Pressure-test the wing2 min timerInflate it fully and watch it hold. Test each bladder on its own if it is a double.
Positive pressure test the regulators2 min timerNote the submersible pressure gauge (SPG), close the cylinder valve and wait. The reading must not drop.
Negative pressure test the regulatorsBreathe the regulator down until flow stops. The SPG should read zero with no creep.
Check gas pressure on every SPGOpen the valve with the isolator fully open and confirm enough gas. Leave deco and stage cylinders pressurized but closed.
Note turn and minimum ascent pressuresWrite them on a slate and confirm them with the team.
Don and adjust the kitTurn the back-gas cylinders on before you don the rig.

Head-to-toe team check

Hood placed
Mask ready or already on
Regulators: longhose free to deployBreathe each regulator one more time.
Cylinder valves correctBack gas and bailout open. Deco and stage cylinders pressurized but closed.
Wing inflator worksConfirm oral inflation too, and that any backup inflator is reachable.
Drysuit inflator connected and workingInflation cylinder open if separate. Backup hose reachable.
Dive computers and timers setOn, charged and set to the right gases.
Weights donned, releases reachable
Wing dump valves work and reachable
Lights checkedPrimary on, backups working and stowed.
Backup mask stowed and reachableDefogged and easy to retrieve.
Other gear reachableMarker buoy and reel, cutting tool, signaling devices and slate, all within reach.

Tech dive plan review

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Talk the plan through before a technical dive: mission, logistics, narcosis, gas, decompression, oxygen and thermal. A thinking check, not a gear check.

When: Dive plan · Paraphrased from PADI TecRec's technical dive planning sheet.

Mission

The primary mission is to return unhurtEveryone agrees this comes before any other goal.
Mission is realistic for this dive
Mission simplified as far as it can be
Whole team understands and agrees the plan
Everyone is able to do their role
Rehearsed on land or in shallow water if possible

Logistics

Team roles agreedWho carries what and who does what.
Where and when to meet is set
Gas supply arrangedFills and top-ups booked or already on hand.
Equipment sortedRentals and spares organized.
Emergency plan knownHow to call for help, where oxygen and first aid are, the evacuation route and the nearest chamber.
Surface support and cover briefed

Inert gas narcosis

Plan keeps narcosis manageableDive as shallow as the objective allows.
Equivalent narcotic depth within limitsAn equivalent narcotic depth (END) of 30 m (100 ft) or shallower is recommended, 40 m (130 ft) at most.
Gas density within limitsKeep gas density at or below 5.2 g/l, 6.3 g/l at most, at the deepest point.

Gas

Gas choices make senseAvailability, decompression, oxygen exposure, narcosis and density all weighed up.
Gas volumes calculatedBased on consumption, workload, planned reserve and cylinder size.
Every cylinder analyzed by the diver who breathes it
Every cylinder clearly labeled

Decompression

Ascent plannedWorked out with software or a dive computer, including ascent time and stops.
Contingencies plannedExtra depth or time, and loss of back gas or deco gas.
Backup plan carriedA second computer or printed tables.

Oxygen

Bottom gas PPO₂ at most 1.4 bar at max depth
Any gas switch stays at or below 1.4 bar PPO₂
Deco gases at most 1.6 bar PPO₂ at the stop depth
CNS and OTU within accepted limitsThe central nervous system (CNS) clock and oxygen toxicity units (OTU) for the whole dive.

Thermal exposure

Exposure suits fit the diveWarm enough for the planned time plus a reasonable overrun.
Drysuit checked if usedValves, zip and seals sound. Separate inflation gas if used, and no helium for suit inflation.
Wet suit buoyancy planned if usedAllow for suit compression at depth, with a backup buoyancy plan.

JJ-CCR preparations on land

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Full system build and verification before heading out. Based on the JJ-CCR manual. Edit it to match your unit and your training.

When: Ccr build · Unit: JJ-CCR · Paraphrased from JJ-CCR user manual, section 9.1 (preparations on land).

Assessment and supplies

Check that you feel healthy, rested and calmIf you do not feel up to the dive, the safest call is not to dive.
Fill the scrubber with fresh, unused sorbNever reuse sorb from an earlier dive. Note the fill so you can track scrubber use.
Analyze the oxygen and diluent cylindersConfirm the contents and check there is enough pressure for the planned dive.
Prepare enough bailout for the divePlan bailout for the worst case. You can never carry too much bailout gas.

Assembly

Secure the oxygen and diluent cylinders to the unit
Install the scrubber canister and close the head
Check the mushroom valves seal in both directionsBreathe gently against each closed side of the loop. No gas should pass a closed valve.
Connect all hoses and check the O-ringsO-rings must be clean and undamaged. Confirm the DSV opens and closes smoothly.

System checks

Open both cylinder valves and check pressures
Check the intermediate pressure of both first stagesJJ-CCR spec: diluent 9 to 10 bar, oxygen 7 to 7.5 bar. Do not dive if a value is out of range.
Test both manual addition valves and the ADV
Test the wing inflator
Test the DSV in both positions

Integrity tests

Run a positive pressure test5 min timerFill the loop until the overpressure valve vents, close the DSV and wait. When you reopen it, pressure should still escape.
Vent the loop with the counterlung dump valve
Run a negative pressure test5 min timerClose both cylinder valves, breathe the loop down to a vacuum, close the DSV and wait. The ADV diaphragm must stay drawn in.

Electronics and startup

Open both cylinder valves again
Switch on the controller and the HUD
Calibrate the oxygen cells on the controller and HUDWrite the cell readings down so you can spot a drifting cell over time.
Check the controller and solenoid battery voltages
Pre-breathe the loop for 2 to 3 minutes3 min timerWatch the PPO₂ hold near the setpoint while you breathe. A pre-breathe does not reliably detect a failing scrubber, so never skip the earlier checks.
Close the DSV and both cylinder valves

JJ-CCR shortly before diving

0/8 done

Final checks just before you kit up and splash. Based on the JJ-CCR manual. Edit it to match your unit and your training.

When: Predive · Unit: JJ-CCR · Paraphrased from JJ-CCR user manual, section 9.2 (shortly before diving).

Final checks

Open both cylinder valves and check pressures
Test both manual addition valves and the ADV
Test the wing inflator
Test the DSV in both positions
Run a positive and negative pressure test2 min timerA short hold each way is enough to confirm the loop is still tight.
Switch on the controller and the HUD
Check the low and high setpoints
Pre-breathe the loop for at least 2 to 3 minutes3 min timerWatch the PPO₂ while you breathe. Stop and investigate if you feel any symptoms: headache, dizziness, air hunger.

JJ-CCR after entering the water

0/3 done

Surface checks right after water entry, before leaving the surface. Review them before you splash. Based on the JJ-CCR manual.

When: In water · Unit: JJ-CCR · Paraphrased from JJ-CCR user manual, section 9.3 (shortly after entering the water).

Surface checks

Bubble check in the first 6 m (20 ft)Agree the bubble check with your buddy before descending. Never continue deeper without it.
Check the controller and HUD readings
Check everything is clipped, stowed and reachable

FX CCR functionality check

0/13 done

Sub-Gravity's FX-CCR Functionality Checklist v1.5 (calibration kit), items 1 to 13 in their order: cylinders, scrubber, cell check, pressure tests, batteries and pre-breathe. Run it when you build the unit. Diving straight away? Continue with the FX CCR pre-dive checks. Not diving yet? Close the O₂ and diluent cylinder valves, drain the hoses, turn off the electronics and secure the unit. Valid for that unit only. Edit it to match your unit and your training.

When: Ccr build · Unit: FX CCR · Reproduced from Sub-Gravity FX-CCR Functionality Checklist v1.5 (Calibration Kit), items 1 to 13. The condensed sheet gives the step labels, the detailed sheet the step descriptions.

Functionality checks

Install analyzed and labeled gas cylinders
Mushroom valve and mouthpiece check
Turn on controller and secondaryA. Change to the 0.19 setpoint.
Check remaining scrubber durationA. Re-pack the scrubber if needed and install it in the can. B. Ensure the water trap is properly installed. C. Ensure the head is installed with both lock lines in place. D. Reset the stack timer to the appropriate time.
Check mV and calibrationA. Record the mV and PPO₂ readings in air. B. Using the calibration kit, flush the head with oxygen until the mV and PPO₂ readings stabilize. C. Compare expected and measured values. D. If needed, calibrate according to the manual. Expected in air: 8.5 to 13 mV per cell (S1, S2, S3). Expected in O₂: the measured air value divided by 0.21. Measured in O₂ should be within 2 mV and 0.05 PPO₂ of the expected values. These figures assume 100% oxygen; adjust the math for less (for example 93%).
Check all connections (threaded and bayonet)
Negative pressure test (1 minute minimum)1 min timerA. Open the BOV. B. Inhale from the BOV in CC mode, exhaling through your nose until the counterlungs are fully collapsed. C. Close the BOV. D. Allow to sit for one minute (minimum); watch for signs of leaks.
Positive pressure test (1 minute minimum)1 min timerA. Close the counterlung OPV. B. Fill the loop fully until the OPV vents. C. Allow to sit for one minute; watch for signs of leaks. D. Open the BOV to release pressure, then close the BOV. E. Open the counterlung OPV.
Check ADV, BOV and MAVsA. Slowly open the diluent and oxygen cylinders. B. Inhale from the BOV (with caution if using a hypoxic diluent). C. Open the BOV and inhale from the loop until the ADV engages. D. Confirm the diluent and O₂ MAVs function.
Diluent and O₂ leak test (30 seconds minimum)30 s timerA. Open the diluent and oxygen cylinders slowly, allowing the hoses to pressurize. B. Close the valves. C. Monitor for pressure loss (30 seconds minimum). Note the start and end pressures for diluent and O₂. D. Open the diluent and oxygen cylinders.
Check head and display batteriesA. Change the FX CCR to the LOW setpoint. B. The solenoid fires and O₂ injection is verified. C. Change the FX CCR to the 0.19 setpoint. D. Check the battery status for B1, B2 and all handsets / NERD. B1 and B2: if less than 3.9 V (about 62%), change or recharge before continuing. Handsets / NERD: yellow means the battery must be changed or charged. Red means it must be changed or charged immediately.
Computer settings (primary and secondary)A. CC and bailout gases. B. Low and high setpoint. C. Deco settings.
Pre-breathe (5 minutes)5 min timerA. Change the FX CCR to the LOW setpoint. B. Block your nose and begin breathing from the FX CCR, in a safe location and position. C. Observe setpoint maintenance and HUD functions. D. Pay attention to how you feel as well as how the CCR is functioning.

FX CCR pre-dive checks

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Sub-Gravity's FX-CCR Functionality Checklist v1.5 (calibration kit), items 14 to 20: the checks at the water after the functionality check, ending in the pre-jump drill. Valid for that unit only. Edit it to match your unit and your training.

When: Predive · Unit: FX CCR · Reproduced from Sub-Gravity FX-CCR Functionality Checklist v1.5 (Calibration Kit), items 14 to 20.

Pre-dive checks

Pos / neg checks done?
Proper weighting?
HUD and wrist displays on?
Cylinder valves open?
Verify setpoint and loop contents
Don the FX CCR
CCR pre-jump drill1. Begin breathing from the unit. 2. Check: ADV, BOV, O₂ MAV, dil MAV; wing and drysuit inflator. 3. Check cylinder pressures: O₂, dil; OC bailout. 4. Observe the setpoint is maintained. 5. Enter when ready. 6. Complete the S-drill. 7. Remember CCR diving rule #1: always know your PPO₂!

FX CCR after the dive

0/13 done

Everything the FX CCR manual asks for once the dive is over. Steps 6 to 13 are only necessary if no further dive will be done in the same day. Reproduced from the FX CCR User Manual 2025.1 (iQsub Technologies). Valid for that unit only. Edit it to match your unit and your training.

When: Post dive · Unit: FX CCR · Reproduced from FX CCR User Manual 2025.1 (iQsub Technologies), section 5.6.

Out of the water

Never close the cylinder valves until the FX CCR unit is taken out of the water.
Take the unit out of the water.
Turn off the primary controller handset.
Turn off the Head-Up Display (or NERD2, if installed) and dry its wet contacts.
Close the valves on the oxygen and diluent cylinders and disconnect the off-board diluent cylinder.

Strip and rinse

Disconnect the L-pieces with breathing hoses from the unit and disconnect the BOV.
Rinse the breathing hoses and L-pieces with fresh water, hang them in a vertical position and allow to dry.
Rinse the BOV with fresh water.Then set the valve knob to an intermediate position between CC and OC and allow the BOV to dry.
Fully open the perimeter zipper on the FX case and remove the counterlungs.Disconnect the counterlungs from the bayonet connectors on the head and lid, then unlock and slide out the top fittings and OPV from the grommets on the case.
Rinse the counterlungs with fresh water.Hang them using the drying holder supplied with the unit and leave them to dry.

Dry the unit

Remove the FX head from the canister and pull out the sensor holder to dry the sensors.
Take off the scrubber and leave it out to dry.
Wipe the FX canister to dry.

CHAOS (GUE)

0/5 done

GUE's rebreather check, run during the pre-breathe: Controller, HUD, ADV, O₂, Symptoms.

When: Predive · Paraphrased from GUE's CHAOS rebreather check (Controller, HUD, ADV, O2, Symptoms).

CHAOS check

C: Controller calibratedVerify the controller is calibrated and the cell readings agree with each other.
H: HUD calibratedVerify the HUD agrees with the controller and every signal is visible.
A: ADV worksInhale firmly against the loop to confirm the ADV fires and adds diluent.
O: O₂ addition worksWatch the solenoid fire and confirm the PPO₂ holds at the setpoint.
S: Symptoms check5 min timerPre-breathe and watch yourself for symptoms: headache, dizziness, unusual taste or smell. Any symptom means do not dive.

GUE EDGE team pre-dive

0/7 done

The team check run out loud before every dive: Goal, Unified team, Equipment, Exposure, Decompression, Gas, Environment.

When: Predive · Paraphrased from GUE's EDGE team pre-dive check (Goal, Unified team, Equipment, Exposure, Decompression, Gas, Environment).

Team check

G: GoalAgree what the dive is for, the route and the turn condition.
U: Unified teamConfirm everyone is fit to dive, roles are set and the order is agreed.
E: EquipmentEach diver confirms their own kit: valves open, regulators breathe, wing holds gas, lights work.
E: ExposureConfirm depth and time limits and that everyone's thermal protection fits the plan.
D: DecompressionAgree the ascent plan: stops, gases and contingencies.
G: GasConfirm every cylinder is analyzed and labeled, and agree the gas plan.
E: EnvironmentReview conditions, entry and exit points, and any site hazards.

TDI START team pre-dive

0/5 done

TDI's team check before every tech dive: S-drill, Team, Air, Route, Tables.

When: Predive · Paraphrased from TDI's START team pre-dive check (S-drill, Team, Air, Route, Tables), following TDI's published description.

START check

S: S-drill and bubble checkAt the surface or in shallow water, run a short air share on the long hose, and have a teammate look over your valves, first stages and hoses for bubbles.
T: Team equipmentCheck each diver head to toe: everything needed is there, works and is stowed properly.
A: Air (gas matching)Primary cylinders open, stage and deco cylinders pressurized. Check every pressure and confirm each cylinder's maximum operating depth (MOD).
R: RouteAgree the team order, direction, objective and waypoints of the dive.
T: TablesReview the planned maximum depth, run times, gas switches and required stops.

CCR post-dive & cleaning

0/8 done

Wrap up the unit after diving so the next build starts from a known state.

When: Post dive · Original wording Source

After the dive

Record the remaining cylinder pressures
Record the scrubber time usedAdd this dive's runtime to the canister total so you know what is left.
Note anything to fix before the next dive

Cleaning and storage

Rinse the outside of the unit with fresh water
Disassemble the breathing loop
Clean and disinfect the counterlungs, hoses and mouthpieceFollow your unit's manual for approved disinfectants and soak times.
Dry everything fully before storage
Charge or check the batteries

Guides that use this data

Scuba Buddy Checks and Predive Safety

Turn the familiar buddy check into a practical team briefing covering gas, releases, weights, computers, route, limits, and emergencies.

Weighting and Buoyancy Control

Find a weighting that lets you hold a stop at the end of a dive, and understand why cylinders and suits change the answer.

Tools that use this data

Gas Consumption Planner

Model gas use from breathing rate, depth, and time with a selected pressure allocation.

Data by Dive Kitfrom Dive Kit Open Data · checklists.json v2026.11.01.1 · MIT · Report an error

Predive safety check (BWRAF)

B: BCD

W: Weights

R: Releases

A: Air

F: Final check

Open-circuit tech predive

Predive preparation

Head-to-toe team check

Tech dive plan review

Mission

Logistics

Inert gas narcosis

Gas

Decompression

Oxygen

Thermal exposure

JJ-CCR preparations on land

Assessment and supplies

Assembly

System checks

Integrity tests

Electronics and startup

JJ-CCR shortly before diving

Final checks

JJ-CCR after entering the water

Surface checks

FX CCR functionality check

Functionality checks

FX CCR pre-dive checks

Pre-dive checks

FX CCR after the dive

Out of the water

Strip and rinse

Dry the unit

CHAOS (GUE)

CHAOS check

GUE EDGE team pre-dive

Team check

TDI START team pre-dive

START check

CCR post-dive & cleaning

After the dive

Cleaning and storage

Guides that use this data

Tools that use this data

Your privacy, your choice