1. If your BC has web straps in the back that hold it onto the tank, it is a good idea to wet the back of the BC before attaching it to the tank. Webbing will expand when it gets wet so you will get a tighter fit if you wet the webbing before hand.

2. After assembling your gear, either strap it in or lay it down backward. Rocking boats are not the place for free standing gear.

3. It is always best to lay the scuba tank down even without gear on it to prevent it from being knocked over.

4. If you are using weight pockets in your BC, make sure that you don't leave your tank standing freely. Sometimes the unit will become top heavy with the weight.

5. When assembling your regulator onto the tank, it is always a good idea to blow through both regulators before turning the tank on. Hopefully, if a cock roach has gotten into your second stage, this action may blow it out. Check your primary and your octopus also. Next, take a slight breath in to make sure that you aren't getting air from the outside. If you get air then you will more than likely get water when you go under.

6. Anytime that your regulator is off the tank, the dust cover should be in place. If you are rinsing your regulator, you do not want to depress the purge button when putting water thru the mouth piece.

7. Don't forget to drain your BC after diving and then to wash it out with fresh water. Store your BC with a couple of breaths of air.

8. After using a scuba tank, leave the cap off so someone will not pick it up thinking that it is a full tank.