How To | Gear Assembly

Introducing the PADI 'How To' series featuring helpful tips as you discover the underwater world. If you've just started the PADI Open Water Diver course, or simply haven't been in the water for some time, we've got you covered with a full visual breakdown on how to perfect these skills so you feel the most comfortable in the water.

Step by Step | How to Gear Assembly:
Step 1: Inspect dates (visual and hydrostatic tests)
Step 2: Inspect o-ring (for damage)
Step 3: Place BCD on cylinder
Step 4: Tighten BCD strap (and clamp on cylinder)
Step 5: Hold regulator setup (regulator hoses in right hand)
Step 6: Remove dust cap
Step 7: Attach 1st stage onto cylinder (seat on o-ring)
Step 8: Use three fingers (do not over tighten)
Step 9: Attach low-pressure inflator hose (to BCD)
Step 10: Streamline hoses (inflator, octo, gauge console)
Step 11: Place gauge console facing BCD (away from eyes)
Step 12: Fully open cylinder valve
Step 13: Check pressure for a full cylinder
Step 14: lay gear down on cylinder (or strap down on boat)

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[minni-totoro]

Thank you, needed this as I don't think they go through this as well as they could so I always forget!

[TaskSwitcherify]

It takes great skill to condense so much useful info into a 1-min video. Great job, and thank you.

[MinecraftCobblestoned]

I've got some commentary. Just to establish myself, I certified OW in 2001 and as an Instructor in 2009. I've been actively teaching classes for 10 years. First, it is not demonstrated to wet the BCD straps before putting the BCD on the tank. I was taught to do that when I first certified, have been Divemaster for several operations in which that is taught, saw it in the IDC, and teach it myself. When that dry BCD strap hits water, it expands and the grip around the tank is reduced to the point the tank may slip from the BCD. Second, I think it would be good to demonstrate or describe proper positioning of the BCD (top of BCD to the tank valve and that the o-ring of the tank valve faces the back of the head). Just my two cents.

[alisabereteli]

I think one of the most important things is to demonstrate to place a strap on the top of the cylinder in order not to lose it in case the grip opens that wasn’t shown at all. A lot of new divers forget it when they do their training dives. I also open the grip in a perpendicular position when tightening it and then close it. And of course it was mentioned in one of the previous comments the right positioning of the bcd in order to have it long enough to access and take the main regulator and the emergency one on the right side and the gauge on the left side, however, probably this video is just for general demonstration without going into detail as those who will be licensed will have to demonstrate it many times before getting the license.

[caroline]

I just finished my online learning for junior open water and I needed some help with my gear and this video helped a lot thank you

[ivoryjohnson]

Thank you for a video to help divers in training

[ava]

I am a diver in training I started in December but it’s delayed since this global pandemic I’m still on my 2nd pool lesson I need to do section 3 4 5 in the pool then I have my open water dives I am now starting to remember that I need to read the manual I have lost all my energy but slowly starting to care again so I’m reading the manual and stuff and I completely forgot how to gear up so thank you

[seikibrian]

I am *so* glad they didn't show that "open the tank valve then turn it back 1/4 turn" nonsense. That is an outdated and dangerous practice that far too many instructors are still teaching. This video has it right; all the way on or all the way off. Period.

[logancoppola]

I love to assemble my scuba gear when I’m 17 I’m gonna get scuba lessons

[olliewally]

I’m training to do my open water begginer course and was wondering if anyone could give me any help?

[gianmariacastellani]

Ma provare gli erogatori non sarebbe stata una bella idea?

[eirikjinx]

This might be the worst sound design ever. Whats the point of all the fancy graphics if the sound doesnt reflect what is going on?