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Essential Gear for Rescue Diving
Safety Equipment for Rescue Diving
Preparations for a Rescue Diver
1. Gear Check
- Mask – Clean, defogged, and properly fitted.
- Backup Mask
- Snorkel – Attached to the mask (optional but useful).
- Fins – Correct size and securely fitted.
- Wetsuit/Drysuit – Proper fit for the water temperature.
Undersuit (for drysuit diving)
- Hood & Gloves – If diving in cold water.
- BCD (Buoyancy Control Device) – Correctly adjusted, inflates/deflates properly.
- Weights – Proper amount secured in weight pockets or belt.
- Tank – Properly filled (check pressure gauge).
- Regulator & Octopus – Correctly attached and working.
- Dive Computer – Battery checked, correctly set for the dive.
- Compass – Essential for navigation
2. Safety & Specialized Rescue Equipment check
- Dive Knife or Cutting Tool:
- Compact dive knife or shears for entanglement risks.
- Line cutter for wreck or cave diving.
- Signaling Devices:
- SMB (Surface Marker Buoy) and reel for deep, drift, or rescue operations.
- Whistle for surface emergencies.
- Reel or Spool – Used for deploying SMBs or search & rescue navigation.
- Primary dive light.
- Backup dive light.
- Marker/strobe light (for night diving or rescue signals).
- Slates / Wet Notes – For underwater communication and incident recording.
- Spare Parts Kit:
- O-rings, mask strap, fin strap, mouthpiece, batteries for dive computer.
- First Aid Kit & Oxygen Kit – Mandatory for a rescue diver.
- Pocket Mask / Rescue Breathing Mask – Essential for in-water rescue scenarios.
3. Check The Dive Conditions
- Check water conditions:
- Visibility
- Currents
- Water Temperature
- Waves/ Surge
- Check weather conditions (wind, storms, sun exposure).
- Identify potential hazards (boats, marine life, objects underwater).
4. Emergency & Rescue Preparedness
Review Dive Plan & Emergency Response Plan:
- Maximum depth & bottom time.
- Turnaround pressure (air pressure at which you begin your return).
- Safety stops & emergency ascent procedures.
- Review lost buddy and out-of-air procedures.
- Confirm emergency recall signals (boat horn, tank bangs, light signals).
🔹 Check for Potential Rescue Scenarios:
- Are there new/inexperienced divers in the group?
- Any pre-existing medical conditions among the team?
- Are there strong currents, entanglement risks, or poor visibility?
5. Buddy Check - Begin With Review and Friend(BWRAF)
Before every dive, perform a buddy check using the BWRAF acronym:
- BCD – Inflate and deflate to check function.
- Weights – Ensure they are properly secured and can be released in an emergency.
- Regulator – Test primary and octopus by breathing through both.
- Air Supply – Tank is fully open, pressure is checked.
- Final Check – Mask, fins, and all gear are secure.
6. Rescue Diver Tips:
- Plan your dive, dive your plan.
- Always stay close to your buddy (within arm’s reach).
- Regularly check your gas supply and depth.
- Breathe slowly and continuously – never hold your breath.
- Always carry a cutting tool and SMB.
- Monitor your depth and air supply regularly.
- Maintain excellent buoyancy control.
- If in doubt, ascend slowly and safely.
- Communicate clearly with hand signals or slates.
- Stay within your training limits – don’t attempt a dive beyond your experience.
Enjoy Your Dive!
🌊 Have an amazing dive, take in the beauty of the underwater world, and most importantly, stay safe and have fun!
📸 We’d love to see your diving adventures! Send your best dive pictures to info@roadtripaway.com, and we might feature your photo in our blogs!
