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Pre-Dive Routines for Safer Dives

Most problems are easiest to prevent before you leave the surface. Standard pre-dive routines keep you from guessing, skipping steps, or relying on memory when you are distracted or rushed.

Two divers checking gear at the back of their van
Stage 1

Pre-Dive Checks

Turn gear checks into a standard habit so you are not relying on memory or rushed last minute inspections at the edge of the water.
A diver half face in the water

Insta-Buddy Checks

Most divers skip buddy checks. Shows how to weave safety into conversation by covering goals, gear, gas, and plan so checks actually happen.
Divers on a boat doing a long hose check
Stage 2

GUE EDGE Dive Planning

Walk through the GUE EDGE framework and see how a simple, repeatable structure makes dives more predictable for you and your buddy or team.
Very bad bubbles coming from a diver
Stage 3

Do a Bubble Check

Every dive should include a bubble check as part of your pre-dive routine. A bubble check is your last chance to spot gear failures before a dive.
Tyler giving a dive briefing at Three Oaks
Stage 3

Dive Briefings Are Not Formality

An introduction to the UNITED-C dive briefing framework and how structured briefings help dive teams build shared understanding before entering the water.

Keep building your dive knowledge with these next steps:

Building A Routine

Pre-dive checks catch problems before you get in the water. Learn a simple repeatable process that covers gear, gas, and team readiness.

Pre-Dive Checks

GUE: Structured Briefs

The GUE EDGE format gives you a reliable process for team dive planning. Learn how each step works and how to us it for recreational dives.

EDGE Dive Planning

Bubble Checks

A quick bubble check at the start of the dive can catch leaks and gear issues before they escalate. Learn when to do it and what to look for.

A Simple Habit