TIL my old way of checking my bailout bottle was a huge risk

For years, I'd just glance at the gauge on deck and call it good. Last month in Tampa, my tender pointed out I hadn't done a full function test in weeks. Now I always do a full pressure check and regulator breath before every splash, no matter how short the job. It takes two minutes and could save my life. How often do you guys actually test your bailout, not just look at it?

3 comments

3 Comments

wood.zara3mo ago

Honestly, that sounds like overkill for a quick check dive.

park.wyatt3mo ago

Overkill" is how accidents happen though. I mean, it's still a dive.

quinns201mo ago

idk, it's funny how this applies to so much stuff outside diving too. I caught myself doing the same thing with my car's tire pressure - just glancing at the dash light thinking it was fine instead of actually checking with a gauge. Turns out that light doesn't even come on until you're way below safe pressure. Same with smoke detector batteries, I'd just see the green LED and call it good, but my buddy's went off one night with a low battery chirp and he realized the actual test button hadn't been pressed in months. Makes you wonder how many other quick looks we're trusting with our safety.