The Right Way to Set Up Your Dive Gear

Setting up your dive gear properly is one of the first skills you'll learn as a new diver. Doing it the right way every time helps ensure a safe, comfortable dive and makes it easier to develop good habits. This guide walks you step-by-step through setting up your gear for a single tank, recreational dive using a standard back-mounted BCD and regulator setup.

Step 1: Gather Your Gear

Before you start assembling your kit, make sure you have everything you need:

• BCD (Buoyancy Control Device)
• Regulator Setup (Primary regulator, backup regulator, pressure gauge or AI transmitter, inflator hose)
• Tank (Most commonly an aluminum 80 cubic foot tank)
• Weights (Either integrated into your BCD, weight pockets or on a weight belt, depending on your setup)

Step 2: Secure the Tank to Your BCD

1. Check the Tank Valve Position
   • The tank valve should be facing you when you set it down.
   • When mounted, the valve knob should be on your left side. When wearing the BCD the valve knob should be on your right side.
2. Wet the Tank Band (If Needed)

   Years ago, divers were taught to wet the tank strap before tightening to prevent slippage as the strap soaked in water on the dive. While this is still often taught in classes, most modern tank straps do not benefit from this step and it’s impractical in most real-world scenarios—especially outside of pool training. Check the manual for your BCD if you are unsure. (Example: Manual for the xDeep Zen says wetting the strap is unnecessary)

3. Thread and Secure the Tank Strap

   Open the buckle on the BCD’s tank strap. Slide the strap over the tank and position the BCD so the top of the tank (not the valve!) aligns with the top of the BCD. You do not want the tank valve to hit your head, but you also want it as high as possible so you can reach behind you and unscrew/screw the valve handle if needed. Tighten the strap firmly and close the buckle. You should not be able to slide the BCD up or down on the tank.

4. Double-Check the Tank Strap

   Lift the BCD by its handle or shoulder straps to confirm that the tank is secure and doesn’t slip.

Important:

Never, ever, under any circumstance, leave a tank standing upright unattended. Unless instructed to by the dive operator or fill station operator.

Even on flat ground, tanks can easily tip over—especially if they get bumped, the wind picks up, or the surface isn’t perfectly stable. A falling tank can:

• Crack or damage the valve, potentially making it unusable for the dive.
• Strike and injure someone nearby, including feet, ankles, or worse.
• Turn into a dangerous projectile if the valve breaks off under pressure (rare, but extremely serious).

Step 3: Attach Your Regulator Setup

Your regulator usually has four components (unless using an AI transmitter instead of a pressure gauge):

• Primary Regulator – The second stage you breathe from.
• Backup Regulator – Sometimes called an 'Octo'; For emergencies.
• Pressure Gauge (SPG or Console Computer) – Shows your tank pressure. (Or an AI transmitter)
• Low-Pressure Inflator Hose – Connects to the BCD’s inflator.

Connecting the Regulator

1. Remove the Dust Cap from the First Stage

   The dust cap protects the first stage from moisture and dirt. Make sure the connection point is dry. You do NOT need to blow the first stage off with compressed air from your tank. It's annoying as hell and unnecessary. Use a towel, your shirt or just blow on it with your mouth.

2. Attach the First Stage to the Tank Valve
   • Yoke Valve (Most common): Place the first stage over the tank valve and tighten the yoke screw hand-tight only. Do not overtighten—you just need a firm seal.
   • DIN Valve: Screw the regulator’s first stage into the valve snugly by hand.
3. Connect the Inflator Hose

   Locate the BCD’s inflator connection. Pull back the quick-release collar on the low-pressure inflator hose, push it onto the inflator nipple, and release. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it’s securely attached.

4. Position Your Hoses
   • Primary Regulator: Facing the tank valve, route over the left shoulder. When wearing the BCD it will route over your right shoulder.
   • Backup Regulator: Facing the tank valve, clip to the left side of the BCD. When wearing the BCD it will be typically clipped to the right side. Some divers, like me, secure it on a necklace under the chin for quicker access.
   • Pressure Gauge: If used, clip it off to a D-ring on your left side so it’s visible but doesn’t dangle.
   • If using an air-integrated transmitter, it replaces the SPG hose entirely. See our SPG vs. AI Transmitter Guide for pros and cons.

Step 4: Turn On Your Air & Check for Leaks

1. Open the Tank Valve Slowly

   Turn the tank valve counterclockwise all the way open. Do not turn it back a quarter-turn—this outdated practice has been debunked. However, some instructors still teach it. While you're in a class, do what your instructor tells you until you're diving independently. Always open the valve slowly to avoid pressure surges that can damage O-rings.

2. Check Your Pressure

   Look at your pressure gauge or AI transmitter to ensure the tank is full — usually around 2800 to 3000 PSI.

3. Listen and Inspect for Leaks

   No hissing should be present. If you hear a leak, turn off the air and recheck your connections. If the hissing persists, notify a divemaster as you may have a bad ORing on the tank (for Yoke valves).

4. Breathe from Both Regulators

   Inhale from your primary regulator while watching the pressure gauge. If the needle drops significantly, something is wrong. Test your backup regulator the same way.

Step 5: Final Gear Check

1. Inflate & Deflate Your BCD

   Press the inflate button to ensure air flows properly. Use the deflate/dump valves to ensure air can exit the BCD smoothly. You DO NOT need to fully inflate the BCD.

2. Secure Your Weights

   If using a weight belt, make sure the buckle is accessible and releases properly. If using integrated weights, or weight pockets, confirm that they click into place securely.

3. Tighten Straps & Buckles

   Adjust your shoulder straps, waist strap, and chest strap (if present) so the BCD fits snugly but comfortably.

Final Step: Do a Buddy Check

Before entering the water, always do a pre-dive check with your buddy.
See our Buddy Check Guide for the full process.

Wrapping Up

By following these steps every time, you'll build reliable habits and confidence in your gear setup. Take your time, double-check your work, and always complete a buddy check before diving.

Now you're ready to dive!