Before diver entry, which statement best describes what must be checked?

• A. Air supply
• B. Communications
• C. Bailout
• D. Air supply, communications, bailout and umbilical

Answer: (D)

Before entering the water, you must verify every critical life-support and connection system is ready. This means confirming the air supply is operational and sufficient, ensuring two-way communications with the surface or team, confirming a bailout gas source is in place and accessible, and checking the umbilical for integrity and proper connection. This matters because if you only check one aspect, a failure in another area can put the diver at immediate risk—having air but no way to signal help, or a solid air supply with a faulty bailout or damaged umbilical, creates dangerous gaps. Checking all four together provides the redundancy and preparedness needed to handle emergencies, which is why this comprehensive pre-entry check is the best practice.