Why should divers conduct a "pre-dive" check?

Conducting a "pre-dive" check is essential for verifying equipment function and confirming the gas mixture used in the dive. This process ensures that all gear is functioning correctly, such as checking regulators, tanks, and buoyancy control devices. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure the correct gas mixture, particularly when diving with enriched air nitrox, as using the wrong mix can lead to serious health risks, including oxygen toxicity.

While familiarizing with the dive site and ensuring proper buoyancy control are important aspects of dive preparation and safety, these factors do not encompass the primary focus of the pre-dive check, which is primarily concerned with equipment and gas safety. Increasing dive time is not a primary goal of a pre-dive check; rather, the emphasis is on safety and preparedness to help prevent accidents and ensure a successful dive experience.