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Stay healthy and fit for diving.
Eat right, exercise regularly and get adequate rest.
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Have approval for diving from a
physician who has given you a thorough
medical examination, and have one
every two years.
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Be recently trained in first aid and
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
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Maintain your dive skills by diving as
often as you can.
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Get an orientation to new diving
locations, conditions or activities.
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Always have and use all the equipment
needed for the conditions and environment.
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Have your scuba equipment serviced
annually and inspected regularly.
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Dive only when feeling well, both
physically and mentally.
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Know the dive site and evaluate the
conditions.
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Refrain from alcohol, smoking or
dangerous drugs before or immediately after diving.
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Plan your dives with your
buddy and dive your plan.
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Always conduct a pre-dive
safety check; BCD, weights, releases, air, fins and mask.
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Be prepared for emergencies.
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Display the appropriate local
dive flag and stay near it.
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Begin dives against the
current, or take this into consideration.
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Equalize pressure during
descents early and often.
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Be alert for possible problems
and avoid them.
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Pace yourself, breathe
properly.
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In an emergency, stop, think,
get control and then take action.
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Ascend carefully and
correctly.
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Stop diving when you're cold
or tired.
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Stay out of overhead
environments unless you're properly trained and equipped
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Be an active diver. Dive
frequently to maintain your proficiency.
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Build your experience and
capabilities gradually under safe conditions.
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Keep a dive log.
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Don't lend your equipment to
untrained persons. Never attempt to teach another person how to
dive; leave instruction to trained professionals.
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Continue your diver education.
Remember that a good diver never stops learning.