Surface Support Checklist
Whoever stays on the surface during a dive -- a boat crew member, a shore-based support person -- has a specific job: know who's in the water, watch for signs of trouble, and be ready to act. This checklist is for that role specifically.
Before the team enters the water
- Confirm the full roster of who's diving and expected bottom time
- Confirm the surface signal for "okay" vs. "need help"
- Confirm emergency equipment location and how to reach emergency services
While the team is underwater
- Track elapsed time against the planned dive window
- Watch for bubbles, SMBs, or other signs of the team's position
- Stay ready to act on the agreed emergency procedure if a diver surfaces early or off-course
As divers return
- Account for every diver against the roster before standing down
- Note any reported problems for the debrief
Dive Brief organizes information entered by the dive team. It does not calculate whether a dive is safe or replace training, certification, professional judgment, dive computers, agency standards, or a live predive briefing.
Turn this checklist into a shared team briefing that everyone can review.
Create a Shared Dive Brief