Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them?

**Monkey** · 16th July 2007, 17:45

Who actually uses checklists to prep the Rebreather for flight?

**Freef** · 16th July 2007, 18:05

I wouldn't call it a pre flight check [where and when did 'fly' apply to Rebreather's anyway?] but I check the Dolph as I assemble it, adn do flow direction and pos and neg checks pre dive.

There isn't really a post dive check, but any time the loop is broken, even changing tanks the pos and neg are done again.

n2diving · 16th July 2007, 18:47

I've developed several O2ptima checklists based on my own experiences and those of many of my students.

Assembly Checklist - lists all significant steps to assemble the unit to go diving... includes some verification tests appropriate during assembly. Takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

Post-Assembly Checklist - comprehensive list of tests to verify correct assembly and proper operation. Performed immediately following assembly. List also includes the steps needed to make the unit ready for transport. Takes about 10 minutes.

Pre-Dive Checklist - small list of critical steps and important checks/reminders suitable for the unit to be made 'ready to dive'. Performed following transport to the boat, shortly before or after the boat leaves the dock. Some are critical, like 'open valves'. Some of the checks are repeats of the post assembly; for example another positive and negative test to be sure there was no damage to a hose during transport and loading on the boat. Also a good 'quick check' list following a cylinder or cartridge change. Takes about 5 minutes.

Pre-Breath Checklist - Important checks and reminders once unit is donned and you are preparing to enter the water. Not absolutely critical, but verifies stuff like 'can you reach your inflator', is the ADV turned on, is primary at desired set point. Takes 30 to 60 seconds.

Disassembly Checklist - Nothing at all critical, mostly just to make it as fast as possible to disassemble and clean; yet not forget to do any of the routine post dive maintenance.

The sequence of operations in all these checklists has been carefully selected to provide the most time efficient approach. In various trials, I've timed divers doing the assembly and post-assembly checks from my check lists vs. any order they wish from memory. I've also had people time me do it both ways. Using the checklist consistently produces the shortest times.

bletso · 16th July 2007, 19:23

No formal check list on a piece of paper but a very rigid procedure established a long time ago. I know, bad excuse. I was interrupted by my wife a while back and ended up flooding my PO2 housing. Let's just say she doesn't bother me when I set up anymore.

Dale

**Gill Envy** · 16th July 2007, 19:37

Since we have two new Copis megs, fresh out of cross over training, we are pretty religiously using our check lists (47 checks!). I don't plan on using one indefinitely. Once we get enough experience to have a preference we'll probably at least condense the list and then committ it to memory. thought about laminating and using a wax pencil...might do that.

Dutchy · 16th July 2007, 20:09

Voted none... just a simple acronym prior to diving: FLAGS

Flow - (unrestricted and proper one way valve behaviour)
Loop - (integrity +/-)
Analysis - (Did I use the proper gasses? (Checked by flushes))
Gauges - Do I have enough gas (includes bailout) and while I'm at it brathing from that.
Scrubber - Warm up and (a tad late) how much time is left on it

Post dive its just turning of the meters. If you've gone though the battery change hassle you'll be focussed on that even without checklist.

How I love my Kiss for this simplicity

bourskov · 16th July 2007, 21:41

The predive checklist is kind of mandatory, when diving on a Boris, as it's the first thing the primary display shows after turning the unit on (in normal turn-on procedure).

It's very easy, 'cause the display prompts everything you have to do, and you have to press a button to continue...

Yes yes, you can just abort the predive check, but then you'll be diving around with an alarm for the entire dive (can be turned partly of though)...

When I dived with my Inspo I mostly followed the predive checklist, but quite quickly I memorized it, so....

Cheers
Bo Urskov

bletso · 16th July 2007, 22:12

Quote: (Originally Posted by Dutchy)

Voted none... just a simple acronym prior to diving: FLAGS

Flow - (unrestricted and proper one way valve behaviour)
Loop - (integrity +/-)
Analysis - (Did I use the proper gasses? (Checked by flushes))
Gauges - Do I have enough gas (includes bailout) and while I'm at it brathing from that.
Scrubber - Warm up and (a tad late) how much time is left on it

Post dive its just turning of the meters. If you've gone though the battery change hassle you'll be focussed on that even without checklist.

How I love my Kiss for this simplicity

I do like your approach

Dale

mriopel · 16th July 2007, 22:47

Yes every time pre and post and check and on the boat before I get int the water. Maybe after a thousand or two thousand (

)hours I may have it lock in my mind, but untill then check list.

Mike

diverreb · 17th July 2007, 03:28

Quote: (Originally Posted by mriopel)

Yes every time pre and post and check and on the boat before I get int the water. Maybe after a thousand or two thousand (

)hours I may have it lock in my mind, but untill then check list.

Mike

I'm with you Mike.... and I add a bit of what Mark does too as far as assembly & pretesting at home the night before a dive.... It's easier to catch something and fix it if need be before you get on the boat.

I use the written check lists to also log scrubber time, mv readings on the sensors, gas used, & dive location. Kind of a way to monitor all that stuff on an ongoing basis.

Richie

View Poll Results: Who uses what Checklists?
Pre-Dive Check list Only.	35	38.89%
Post-Dive Check List Only.	0	0%
Both Pre and Post Dive Check lists.	29	32.22%
No check lists.	25	27.78%
On the Boat "Mini" check list.	12	13.33%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 90. You may not vote on this poll

16th July 2007, 17:45	#1 (permalink)
Monkey Supporting Member Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Lauderdale By The Sea Florida Posts: 343	Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? Who actually uses checklists to prep the Rebreather for flight?
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16th July 2007, 18:05	#2 (permalink)
Freef Custom Title Disallowed! Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Land of the Freef, UK. Posts: 1,356	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? I wouldn't call it a pre flight check [where and when did 'fly' apply to Rebreather's anyway?] but I check the Dolph as I assemble it, adn do flow direction and pos and neg checks pre dive. There isn't really a post dive check, but any time the loop is broken, even changing tanks the pos and neg are done again. __________________ David. Currently owner of two differently sized ankles.
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16th July 2007, 18:47	#3 (permalink)
n2diving Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 270	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? I've developed several O2ptima checklists based on my own experiences and those of many of my students. Assembly Checklist - lists all significant steps to assemble the unit to go diving... includes some verification tests appropriate during assembly. Takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Post-Assembly Checklist - comprehensive list of tests to verify correct assembly and proper operation. Performed immediately following assembly. List also includes the steps needed to make the unit ready for transport. Takes about 10 minutes. Pre-Dive Checklist - small list of critical steps and important checks/reminders suitable for the unit to be made 'ready to dive'. Performed following transport to the boat, shortly before or after the boat leaves the dock. Some are critical, like 'open valves'. Some of the checks are repeats of the post assembly; for example another positive and negative test to be sure there was no damage to a hose during transport and loading on the boat. Also a good 'quick check' list following a cylinder or cartridge change. Takes about 5 minutes. Pre-Breath Checklist - Important checks and reminders once unit is donned and you are preparing to enter the water. Not absolutely critical, but verifies stuff like 'can you reach your inflator', is the ADV turned on, is primary at desired set point. Takes 30 to 60 seconds. Disassembly Checklist - Nothing at all critical, mostly just to make it as fast as possible to disassemble and clean; yet not forget to do any of the routine post dive maintenance. The sequence of operations in all these checklists has been carefully selected to provide the most time efficient approach. In various trials, I've timed divers doing the assembly and post-assembly checks from my check lists vs. any order they wish from memory. I've also had people time me do it both ways. Using the checklist consistently produces the shortest times. Last edited by n2diving : 16th July 2007 at 18:52.
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16th July 2007, 19:23	#4 (permalink)
bletso An independent diver. Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Join Date: May 2006 Location: Louisville, KY, USA Posts: 221	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? No formal check list on a piece of paper but a very rigid procedure established a long time ago. I know, bad excuse. I was interrupted by my wife a while back and ended up flooding my PO2 housing. Let's just say she doesn't bother me when I set up anymore. Dale
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16th July 2007, 19:37	#5 (permalink)
Gill Envy Shearwater Copis Diver Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Other CCR Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: seattle Posts: 1,250	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? Since we have two new Copis megs, fresh out of cross over training, we are pretty religiously using our check lists (47 checks!). I don't plan on using one indefinitely. Once we get enough experience to have a preference we'll probably at least condense the list and then committ it to memory. thought about laminating and using a wax pencil...might do that. __________________ Gill Envy ...Because I wasn't born with gills! ><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>><(°>
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16th July 2007, 20:09	#6 (permalink)
Dutchy SK#007 Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Nieuwegein (The Netherlands) Posts: 699	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? Voted none... just a simple acronym prior to diving: FLAGS Flow - (unrestricted and proper one way valve behaviour) Loop - (integrity +/-) Analysis - (Did I use the proper gasses? (Checked by flushes)) Gauges - Do I have enough gas (includes bailout) and while I'm at it brathing from that. Scrubber - Warm up and (a tad late) how much time is left on it Post dive its just turning of the meters. If you've gone though the battery change hassle you'll be focussed on that even without checklist. How I love my Kiss for this simplicity __________________ = This post is environmentally friendly. It is composed of 100% recycled electrons only. = SK #007
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16th July 2007, 21:41	#7 (permalink)
bourskov New Member Current Rebreather/s: Ouroboros Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Denmark Posts: 92	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? The predive checklist is kind of mandatory, when diving on a Boris, as it's the first thing the primary display shows after turning the unit on (in normal turn-on procedure). It's very easy, 'cause the display prompts everything you have to do, and you have to press a button to continue... Yes yes, you can just abort the predive check, but then you'll be diving around with an alarm for the entire dive (can be turned partly of though)... When I dived with my Inspo I mostly followed the predive checklist, but quite quickly I memorized it, so.... Cheers Bo Urskov
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16th July 2007, 22:12	#8 (permalink)
bletso An independent diver. Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Home Build Join Date: May 2006 Location: Louisville, KY, USA Posts: 221	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? Quote: (Originally Posted by Dutchy) Voted none... just a simple acronym prior to diving: FLAGS Flow - (unrestricted and proper one way valve behaviour) Loop - (integrity +/-) Analysis - (Did I use the proper gasses? (Checked by flushes)) Gauges - Do I have enough gas (includes bailout) and while I'm at it brathing from that. Scrubber - Warm up and (a tad late) how much time is left on it Post dive its just turning of the meters. If you've gone though the battery change hassle you'll be focussed on that even without checklist. How I love my Kiss for this simplicity I do like your approach Dale
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16th July 2007, 22:47	#9 (permalink)
mriopel Sadly Missed (RIP) Current Rebreather/s: Optima Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: usa Posts: 167	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? Yes every time pre and post and check and on the boat before I get int the water. Maybe after a thousand or two thousand ( )hours I may have it lock in my mind, but untill then check list. Mike
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17th July 2007, 03:28	#10 (permalink)
diverreb DE/MD/NJ Wreck Diver Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dover, DE Posts: 512	Re: Pre Dive, Post Dive Check Lists, Who uses them? Quote: (Originally Posted by mriopel) Yes every time pre and post and check and on the boat before I get int the water. Maybe after a thousand or two thousand ( )hours I may have it lock in my mind, but untill then check list. Mike I'm with you Mike.... and I add a bit of what Mark does too as far as assembly & pretesting at home the night before a dive.... It's easier to catch something and fix it if need be before you get on the boat. I use the written check lists to also log scrubber time, mv readings on the sensors, gas used, & dive location. Kind of a way to monitor all that stuff on an ongoing basis. Richie
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