Dive Briefings and Debreifings

OBJECTIVES Outline 2 techniques for giving a good briefing or debriefing. Explain one advantage of using a slate or hard copy of your briefing or debriefing. Describe 3 purposes for a briefing or debriefing. Describe 5 topics to be discussed in a briefing or debriefing. Discuss the advantages of providing a good briefing or debriefing.

Techniques Have a system –Work from: parking lot-beach-water-surface- depth Use slates –Won’t forget stuff –Liability exposure Make sure people are listening

Briefings PURPOSES Foundation for directing all types of diving Opportunity to motivate good diving behavior, establish rapport with the group, reiterate important safety information. Opportunity to set the tone of the dive.

Briefings TOPICS Orientation to facilities and sites Conditions Hazards and dangers Activity overview Establish objectives Provide specific instructions Increase safety of the activity Answer questions and avoid confusion Motivate students Make activities with limited communication run well

Debriefings PURPOSES Obtain immediate feedback about the dive. Compare performance to objectives. Assess the diver physically and emotionally. Identify problems and provide solutions. Provide praise and encouragement. Recap key points. Answer questions. Motivation for future diving activities

Debriefings TOPICS Enjoyment –How the diver felt –What did you see. –Any new experiences. Conduct of the dive –Bottom time –Depth –Where you went –Conditions –Air reserve Diver performance –What went well –What could be improved –How to improve Questions Readiness/Desire to conduct another dive