Irving Langer has spent nearly five decades as chief executive officer of E & M Associates, a real estate owner and management firm in Brooklyn, New York. Beyond his professional activities, Irving Langer enjoys spending time on the water. He is particularly interested in fishing and scuba diving.
The buddy system is one of the most important aspects of scuba diving safety. The buddy system goes into effect long before divers enter the water. Buddy safety checks, for example, involve making sure a dive partner is adequately prepared for a safe dive. Dive partners should follow BWRAF guidelines while checking a friend to ensure total diver safety.
To begin, divers should check for BCD/buoyancy by testing the inflator button, all deflate valves, and general connectivity and functionality among all BCD components. Next, individuals should ensure that their partners have weights and that all weights have been securely attached. Similarly, all releases must be thoroughly vetted, including the tank strap and chest straps.
Following a thorough inspection of a diver’s air system, including physical verification of a properly functioning cylinder valve, the BWRAF check concludes with a final assessment of both diver’s gear and overall level of preparedness before entering the water. First-time divers may find it helpful to use the mnemonic device “Begin with Review and Friend” in order to remember BWRAF.
