For the abbreviation BWRAF
Safety precautions are essential when diving, and one of the key procedures is to check with a partner who has acronym BWRAF. This is already learned in the PADI open water diving course. Unfortunately, as divers gain experience, they tend to simplify the check with their partner to the question "Is everything okay?". However, in the underwater world of adventure sports, simply being 'good' is not enough. Surprisingly, diver mistakes are one of the most common causes of underwater accidents.
According to DAN, accidents happen to new divers as often as to divers with many years of experience. Accustom and remind your partner that it is much easier to solve a problem on the surface of the water than to solve it underwater.
But how to remember the correct sequence of tests with partners? A mnemonic technique such as "Begin with Review and Friend" is commonly used to remember the BWRAF steps. There are also many other ways to remember this acronym, but more on that later. First, a quick overview of how to properly check with your partner.
When to check with your partner?
Before each dive. If you do several dives during the day, just one check before the first dive is not enough. A thorough check of the partner's equipment must be carried out before each subsequent dive.
BWRAF
Below we will explain in detail what each BWRAF letter means and how to perform the corresponding checks with the mate section. The steps should be taken in the following order:
B – Buoyancy Compensation Vest (BCD)
Make sure everything is connected and working. Check the inflation button and all exhaust valves (including the pressure relief valve). Dry suit divers should ensure that the dry suit inflation hose is securely attached to the valve, that it is working properly, and then that the exhaust valves are venting properly.
It is important to know how to adjust the mate's equipment. If you are not familiar with his equipment, ask questions. In an emergency, you'll be glad you did.
W – Libra
Make sure you and your partner have scales and that all scales are securely attached. If the BCD has integrated weight pockets, gently tug on the BCD weight pockets to make sure they are locked and won't fall out when entering the water. If necessary: Check weight belts, rear BCD weight pockets, and any other areas where the weights may need adjustment. If your partner is wearing a weight belt, make sure it is designed for a quick release.
R – Release mechanisms
First, check all release mechanisms and fasteners to make sure they are securely fastened. Then tell your dive partner how to open the release mechanisms if necessary. Do the same checks on your dive buddy. The most common release straps are balloon straps, shoulder and chest straps, and belly strap. (Check for hoses or other objects that could obstruct the diver's escape from the equipment in an emergency.)
A – Air
Don't skip this step! A few short breaths from the regulator are not enough either. Proper air testing means checking that the oxygen cylinder valve is fully open by breathing from the first and alternate second reducers while looking at the air pressure gauge (SPG) or air-integrated computer. This ensures that the balloon valve is open, air is available for diving, your monitoring gauge is working, and the air tastes and smells normal. Also check the BCD and drysuit inflation connection and operation and check that the second regulator(s) is properly secured in the chest area, making sure your partner knows where to find it in an emergency.
Note: If you or your partner dive with nitrox, you should have your cylinders analyzed before donning your gear.
F – Final Check / Final Approval
As part of the final check, collect the remaining items of equipment (mask, tube, fins, diving light, diving knife, camera, sound and visual alarm device, etc.). Be sure to secure loose hoses and other items that could hang and damage the reefs. Finally, do a head-to-toe test to make sure you and your partner are ready to enter the water.
The steps above are a general, quick review for divers using the open system. If you are scuba diving or rebreather diving, you must perform safety checks that correspond to the relevant diving procedure.
Ways to remember BWRAF
Divers have come up with countless ways to remember the BWRAF, not just 'Start with confidence and be a friend'. Here are some of our favorites!
- Babies With Rashes Are Fussy
- Barf Will Really Attract Fish
- Barry White Records Are Funky
- Beans with rice and fish (Beans With Rice And Fish)
- Breathing Water Really Ain't Fun
- Bruce Willis Ruins/Rules All Films
- Big Whales Really Are Fast
- Burgers With Relish And Fries
- Big White Rabbits Are Fluffy
- Being Wary Reduces All Failures
- Because We Really Are Friends
- Because We Really Ain't Fish
Meaning of BWRAF
Safety is our top priority as divers. First, safety for yourself, then for other divers and even for marine animals and coral reefs. Since we are all fallible, following the BWRAF as a mate check method can prevent equipment problems and human error.
According to DAN's 10 Ways to Prevent Scuba Diving Accidents, 5 out of 10 accidents could likely be prevented with a pre-dive check with a partner. Checking your equipment and partner is essential to underwater safety, so don't forget to check with your partner before each dive!
Where to apply for diving training in Latvia?
🤿😀 If you are looking for diving advice or advice on the sport of scuba diving with or without balloons, call a PADI Diver Instructor (PADI diving instructor and lecturer Valters Preimanis) t. 220-77-202 (Whatsapp 220-77-202).
Diving is a wonderful way to explore the underwater world and enjoy the wonders the sea has to offer. However, it is important to remember about safety. Do a Pre-Dive Safety Check (BWRAF) before every dive, to make sure you are ready and equipped for a safe dive.
