Briefing and debriefing

In short

The briefing, before the dive, gets everyone to agree on the site, the conditions, the dive limits, the route, the safety procedures and the signals. The debriefing, afterwards, compares what was planned with what happened and helps everyone improve. Both moments are short, but they are as much a part of the dive as the time underwater. Every diver plays an active role: listening, saying what matters and asking questions.

Why it matters

Many incidents start with a misunderstanding: a limit misunderstood, a signal read differently, a worry left unspoken. The briefing prevents them. The debriefing turns experience into progress: you spot a setting to change, a habit to adopt, a mistake not to repeat. It is also a time to share what you saw.

The dive leader's briefing

The dive leader (or the person in charge of the trip) speaks to the whole group, often before departure or at the mooring. They present:

• the site: type of seabed, depths, points of interest, possible hazards;
• the conditions: weather, sea state, current, visibility, water temperature;
• the organisation: composition of the teams, order of entry, rules on board;
• the general limits: maximum depth and time, time to be back at the boat;
• safety: procedure if a team gets separated, surface signals, emergency equipment on board, what to do in case of an accident.

The guide's briefing

The team guide then details the dive for their group:

• the team's limits: maximum depth, time, reserve or turn pressure, safety stop;
• the route: direction of the dive, landmarks, turning point, ascent point;
• positions: who is with whom, where to stay in relation to the guide;
• the signals they will use, especially for pressure and marine life;
• the procedures: descent, ascent, deploying the surface marker buoy, out-of-air situation, separation.

When diving independently, the team members give this briefing together and agree on each point.

What each diver should say or ask

The briefing is a conversation. Tell the guide, before entering the water:

• how you feel: tiredness, cold, seasickness, a bad night, any current treatment;
• your experience: date of your last dive, familiarity with the site or this type of dive;
• your equipment: new or borrowed equipment, uncertain weighting, computer set for Nitrox;
• your worries: apprehension about depth, current, night;
• your questions: a limit or a signal you did not understand.

Calling a dive or asking for an easier one is never a failure. It is a diver's decision.

The debriefing

The debriefing takes place after leaving the water, once everyone is safe and warm. It stays short and supportive. It covers:

• the actual dive data: maximum depth, time, exit pressure, stops made, compared with the plan;
• incidents, even small ones: a leaking mask, a buddy lost from sight for a moment, a slightly fast ascent;
• how everyone felt: comfort, cold, breathlessness, stress;
• what you saw: species, landscapes, memorable moments;
• points to work on: buoyancy, air consumption, trim, communication.

The guide records what needs to be recorded (logbook, safety sheet) and each diver completes their logbook.

With the app

After the dive, the session recorded by the watch and synced with the iPhone and the website helps feed the debriefing: depth profile, time, temperature, events and any alerts (fast ascent, stop). Photos added to the session and identified species let the team look back at what they observed. Sharing the session with your club also lets the guide keep a record.

Key takeaways

• The briefing sets the site, conditions, limits, route, procedures and signals.
• Say how you feel, your experience, your equipment and your worries.
• Ask your questions before entering the water.
• The debriefing compares the plan with what happened, without judgement.
• Calling a dive is a diver's decision, not a failure.

Further reading

The dive team guide presents the roles of the dive leader and the guide; the hand signals guide reviews the signals to confirm at the briefing; the water entry guide details the steps that follow the briefing.