Buoyancy & BCD Skills
Descent Procedures
To begin your descent:
- Set your timing device or watch to begin timing the dive.
- Place the 2nd stage in your mouth and signal to your buddy that you are ready to descend.
- Hold the power inflator high above your head and press the deflate button. When the BCD is completely empty, you should slowly descend when you exhale.
- If you are descending along a descent or anchor line, hold onto the line until you reach the bottom. This will help you stay with your buddy and control your descent rate.
- Remember to equalize your ears and mask early and often.
- Compression of your wetsuit may cause your weight belt to become loose. To prevent it from slipping off, tighten the belt if it becomes loose.
