Prepare buoyancy practice with equipment checks, supervised weighting and trim feedback; record the actual configuration, completed changes and follow-up.
Describe the difficulty to the instructor using an example: unplanned depth changes, difficulty hovering or an uncomfortable body position. Agree on the supervised task and an appropriate setting. Review the team’s dive plan and how to pause the exercise. Do not combine unfamiliar equipment, a new environment and a harder task without discussing the implications with the instructor.
Record the actual exposure protection, BCD or harness, cylinder, accessories and weight system. Ask qualified staff to resolve fit, service or control-access problems before use. Review the operating instructions for unfamiliar equipment. Include the water environment and relevant cylinder gas state in the session record; suit, cylinder and environmental changes can alter buoyancy, so a previous ballast amount is only historical context.
Have the instructor direct the check using the actual setup and the applicable training procedures. Let them assess the observations and any adjustment, including weight-system security and access to releases. Record the starting ballast, units, changes and final amount from the completed check. Do not use a body-weight percentage or a past result to prescribe a new amount, and do not improvise by moving or removing weights during an ordinary safety stop.
Follow the instructor’s demonstration for controlled buoyancy changes, hovering and body position. Breathe continuously; do not hold your breath to stay at a depth. Use the equipment as taught and report unexpected inflation, difficulty venting or discomfort. Let the instructor distinguish a technique issue from a fit or configuration issue. Record the specific feedback rather than pursuing a lower ballast number as the goal.
Ask the instructor to review how control changed across the session, including the effects of movement and changing gas or depth. Note unintended bottom contact, depth changes, repeated corrections and any assistance. Keep clear of sensitive surfaces and marine life. Pause and follow the agreed training response when control becomes difficult; completing a drill is secondary to maintaining the team’s planned boundaries.
Keep the exact setup, conditions, observations and instructor feedback with the completed check. The optional ballast worksheet adds the recorded signed adjustment to the starting amount and compares a separately recorded final amount in the same unit. It does not choose future ballast or validate the check. Save its report separately from this checklist download. Resolve mismatched records with the person responsible, and agree on what to recheck before a different configuration or environment is used.
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Copy this worksheet into your session notes and fill it from the actual briefing and observations. Keep unconfirmed items visible for the instructor’s review.
| Record | What to retain |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Exact exposure protection, BCD or harness, cylinder and accessories |
| Environment | Water conditions and relevant gas state during the check |
| Ballast | Starting amount, units, signed adjustment and final recorded amount |
| Assessment | Instructor observations, fit or release questions and resolution |
| Next use | Changes that require another appropriate check |
Copy this worksheet into your session notes and fill it from the actual briefing and observations. Keep unconfirmed items visible for the instructor’s review.
| Observation | Discuss with the instructor |
|---|---|
| Depth control | When unplanned changes occurred and what preceded them |
| Body position | Observed trim and any equipment or technique feedback |
| Control access | Difficulty reaching or operating the actual controls |
| Contact | Bottom or marine-life contact and how practice will be adapted |
| Follow-up | Specific task, configuration and supervision for the next session |
This guide organizes preparation and session records. Use the current course, instructor guidance and equipment instructions for the actual in-water procedures. Checklist completion records tasks only; it does not certify skill or authorize a different environment or dive.
A ballast number is incomplete without the setup, environment and completed-check observations.
Use positive for ballast added and negative for ballast removed when transcribing a completed adjustment.