A good buddy check is short, deliberate and spoken aloud. It gives both divers a final chance to find a closed valve, loose strap or unfamiliar release before entering the water.
BWRAF is a simple way to remember the sequence: BCD, Weights, Releases, Air and Final check. Complete it with your buddy every time, even when you know your own equipment well. The point is not only to inspect your gear; it is to understand each other’s setup.
B – BCD
Confirm that the cylinder is secure and the BCD fits correctly. Test inflation and deflation using the controls that will be used during the dive. Locate alternate dump points and make sure your buddy knows how your system works.
W – Weights
Check the amount and position of the weight. A belt buckle or integrated-weight handle must be secure but accessible, with a clean release path. Confirm which hand releases the system and make sure nothing blocks it.
R – Releases
Trace the releases on the BCD and any supporting equipment. Check that clips and straps are fastened, adjusted and not twisted. Show your buddy how to open the important releases on your setup, especially if the equipment is unfamiliar.
A – Air
Confirm that the cylinder valve is open and that the pressure is appropriate for the plan. Watch the pressure gauge while taking several breaths from the primary regulator, then test the alternate air source. Make sure the alternate is visible, easy to reach and routed correctly.
F – Final check
Review the remaining details: computer settings, masks, fins, signals, hoses, cameras and anything that could hang loose. Confirm the entry order and the first action after entering the water. Both divers should be ready to pause or cancel the entry if something is not right.
Stop and ask when something is unclear
A buddy check is not a test that has to be completed quickly. If equipment is damaged, incorrectly set or unfamiliar, stop and ask a qualified dive professional for help. Never let schedule pressure replace a proper check.
BWRAF is a memory aid, not a substitute for training. Your course instruction, the site briefing, equipment-manufacturer guidance, professional supervision and local procedures always take priority.
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Adapted for the Omanta Blog from “60-Second Safety Brief: The Buddy Check,” Ocean Frontier, September 2026, Issue 01.