# Dive Training Curriculum: Confined and Open Water Skills

This comprehensive curriculum outlines the step-by-step procedures and responsibilities for confined water pool dives and open water dives, focusing on essential and advanced scuba skills.

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## Pool Dive 1 - Confined Water Skills

This dive introduces fundamental scuba skills in a controlled pool environment.

### Equipment

* Extra masks (including purge masks)
* Extra weights (on deck)
* 12' descent/ascent line(s)
* Pool toys

### Shallow End (Deck)

1.  **Issue Snorkeling Equipment:** Provide snorkeling equipment to students who need it.
2.  **Assemble Total Diving System:** Students assemble their scuba gear.
3.  **Don Total Diving System:** Students put on their assembled scuba gear while sitting on rubber mats at the shallow end.
4.  **Pre-Dive Check:** Conduct a pre-dive check using the **BWRAF** mnemonic:
    * **B**CD
    * **W**eights
    * **R**eleases
    * **A**ir
    * **F**inal okay
5.  **Seated Entry:** Perform a seated entry into the shallow end (lift, twist, lower into the water, and give the OK signal).

### Shallow End of Pool

1.  **Review Basic Hand Signals:** Go over essential hand signals (OK, up, down, stop, come here, watch me, do-over, air remaining, cleanup, etc.).
2.  **Inflate/Deflate BCD at Surface:** Practice inflating and deflating the BCD at the surface using both the **power inflator** and **oral inflation**.
3.  **Breathe Compressed Air:**
    * Breathe compressed air naturally, without holding your breath.
    * Start with your face in the water, then progress to kneeling or a modified fin pivot on the bottom.
4.  **Clear a Regulator:** Clear a regulator using both the **blast** and **purge** methods.
5.  **Retrieve a Regulator Underwater:**
    * **First Time:** Perform an **arm sweep** to retrieve the regulator.
    * **Second Time:** Place the primary regulator behind the head. When sweeping, students won't find it, so instruct them to locate and breathe from their **alternate air source**. Then, have them find the primary second stage, switch from the alternate to the primary, and re-attach the alternate.
6.  **Clear a Partially Flooded Mask:** Clear a mask that is partially flooded (just below eye level).
7.  **Achieve Neutral Buoyancy:**
    * Students begin negatively buoyant with legs extended and fins touching the bottom.
    * Achieve neutral buoyancy using both **power** and **oral inflation** methods.
8.  **Demonstrate Proper Swimming and Kicking:**
    * Show proper swimming and kicking technique in shallow water while neutrally buoyant.
    * Emphasize the **flutter kick** and remind students not to use their hands.
9.  **Discuss Equalization Techniques:** Talk about equalization techniques for ears, mask, and sinuses.

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### Deep End of Pool

1.  **Buoyancy Check at Surface:** An instructor stands on the ledge and holds the diver in deep water to perform a buoyancy check.
2.  **Establish Positive Buoyancy (Surface):** Establish positive buoyancy using two methods:
    * Using the **power inflator**.
    * **Oral inflation** using the bobbing method.
3.  **Controlled Descent:** Descend at a controlled rate to the deep end using 12' descent lines. One buddy team at a time makes a slow transition to the deep end, moves to the wall, and kneels on the bottom.
4.  **Locate and Read SPG:** Locate and read the Submersible Pressure Gauge (SPG) and signal the amount of air remaining in the cylinder.
    * Repeat this frequently throughout the course.
    * Encourage buddies to periodically ask about each other's air supply.
5.  **Assume Diving Position & Kick:** Demonstrate how to assume the diving position, achieve neutral buoyancy, and kick properly.
6.  **Fun Exercises:** Demonstrate and have students perform fun exercises (handstand, somersaults, throwing torpedoes, bouncing ball, etc.).
7.  **Playtime:**
    * In buddy teams, stay off the bottom and have fun.
    * **Important:** During "playing," encourage students to practice skills completed in the shallow end while in the diving position, emphasizing this as "real diving."
8.  **Scuba Unit Exit:** Using the buddy system, place the scuba unit (without weights in pockets) on the rubber mats, and have students exit the water.
9.  **Disassemble and Rinse Equipment:** On deck, disassemble, rinse **all** equipment, and show students the proper placement of all equipment in designated areas.

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## Pool Dive 2 - Confined Water Skills

This dive builds on fundamental skills, introducing more advanced confined water techniques.

### Deep End of Pool (Deck)

1.  **Assemble Total Diving System:** Assemble the scuba gear using the dive boat benches (do not don the exposure suit yet).
2.  **10-Minute Float:** Perform a 10-minute float in the deep end.
3.  **Don Exposure Suit:** Don the exposure suit (in or out of the water).
4.  **Don Total Diving System:** Sit on the dive boat bench and don your scuba gear, simulating a boat environment for a realistic experience.
5.  **Pre-Dive Check:** Conduct a pre-dive check using the **BWRAF** mnemonic.
6.  **Deep Water Entry:** When possible, perform a **giant stride entry**.
7.  **Switch Regulator to Snorkel:** Switch from the regulator to the snorkel and give the OK signal.
8.  **Descend with Buddy:** Locate a 12' descent line and descend with a buddy if possible (this allows those with ear issues to descend slowly).
9.  **Playtime:** Allows students to get comfortable and practice skills completed during the first session before introducing new skills.

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### Shallow End of Pool

1.  **Descent and Ascent Briefing:** Briefly explain how to perform a proper descent and ascent using the 12' lines.
    * **Descent:** Explain **SOS-TO-DIVE** (Signal Orient Switch Time Dive). Control the descent using the BCD, look down, and emphasize not kicking. Students should stop and not touch the bottom.
    * **Ascent:** While neutrally buoyant in buddy teams, holding the 12' line/buoy, conduct a controlled ascent and become positively buoyant at the surface. Explain **STELA** (Signal-Time-Elevate-Look up-Ascend).
2.  **Positive Buoyancy at Surface:** At the surface, become positively buoyant using the **Power Inflator**. Once positively buoyant, switch to the snorkel at the surface and keep the mask on your face (instructor included).

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### Shallow End of Pool

1.  **Stationary Air Sharing:** Perform stationary air sharing as both a **donor** and **receiver** (both methods). As a receiver, students must breathe for a minimum of three complete breath cycles.
    * Passing the Primary Regulator.
    * Passing the Alternate Air Source.
2.  **Clear a Fully Flooded Mask:** Clear a mask that is completely flooded.
3.  **Remove and Replace Mask Underwater:** Remove and replace the mask while underwater.
4.  **Air Check:** Remind students to monitor their air supply as well as their buddies'.
5.  **Breathe from a Free-Flowing Regulator:** Breathe effectively from a free-flowing regulator for at least four breath cycles.
6.  **Disconnect/Reconnect Inflator Hose:** Underwater, disconnect and reconnect the inflator hose (reconnect with assistance if necessary).
7.  **Simulate Current:** Simulate swimming with and against a mild current using the pool current generator. **Important:** Use at a 2-minute speed or slower (slower is a higher number). **DO NOT INCREASE THE SPEED!**
8.  **Combined Skills (Distressed Diver, Cramp Removal, Tired Diver Tow):** Each diver must perform these three combined skills:
    * **Approach and Calm Distressed Diver:** Approach and calm a distressed diver at the surface (tell them to calm down and inflate their BCD; slowly approach and get behind them and inflate their BCD for them).
    * **Cramp Removal:** Once the diver is calm, have them simulate a leg cramp.
    * **Tired Diver Tow:** Perform a tired diver tow after cramp removal (approximately two lengths of the pool as a donor and receiver). Recommend one length using a **cylinder tow** and the second length using a **DSMB** (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy).

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### Deep End of Pool

1.  **Descent to Deep End:** In buddy teams, with or without a descent line, descend to the deep end of the pool and kneel on the bottom (remind them to **SOS-TO-DIVE**).
2.  **Neutral Buoyancy:** Become neutrally buoyant (four breath cycles).
3.  **Mask Skills while Neutrally Buoyant:** While neutrally buoyant, have the student remove, replace, and clear the mask. When finished, have them deflate their BCD and kneel on the bottom.
4.  **Air Sharing Ascent (Alternate Air Source):**
    * Begin neutrally buoyant.
    * Instructor uses a 12' line and holds onto students.
    * Donor passes their primary regulator or alternate air source to the out-of-air buddy.
    * Once comfortable, ascend and achieve positive buoyancy at the surface. Once buoyant, each diver switches to their snorkel.
    * **Note:** The instructor must maintain contact and control during the ascent.

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### Emergency Swimming Ascent (ESA)

* **No distance requirement.**
* **Starting Position:** Begin near the drop-off wall in the deep end with the student facing the courtyard. Start with the student neutrally buoyant, just off the bottom.
* **Procedure:**
    1.  When directed, the student takes a breath and gives the out-of-air signal.
    2.  Hold the power inflator in your left hand and a weight pocket handle in your right hand.
    3.  Begin swimming to the surface slowly while exhaling.
    4.  When the student reaches the surface, have them remove their weight pocket, place it in the basket, and orally inflate their BCD using the bobbing technique. (The basket should be held by an assistant, another diver, or placed on the ledge of the pool, providing a target).
    5.  Swim to the shallow end and replace the weight pocket.
    * **Note:** You must maintain constant contact throughout this exercise to ensure the student's safety.

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## Pool Dive 3 - Confined Water Skills

This final confined water dive integrates skills in a more complex scenario, preparing students for open water.

### Equipment

* Extra weights
* Baskets
* Yellow Snorkeling Vests (hanging on the south wall)
* Platform (suggest setting it on the far (south) side using the hooks in the deep end)
* Camera (remember to take individual photos of each student; follow laminated instructions; limit to a couple photos per student only; camera is in the file room, replace dry before leaving store)
* Pool toys

### Deep End (Deck)

1.  **Assemble Total Diving System:** Assemble the scuba gear using the dive boat bench.
2.  Do not don the exposure suit yet.
3.  **Remove Weight Pockets:** Remove weight pockets and place them on the deck.
4.  **Lay Scuba Unit:** Lay the scuba unit on the pool deck next to the weights.

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### Snorkeling Skills

1.  **Don Snorkeling System:** Don the yellow Snorkeling Vest, Mask, Snorkel, and Fins (Total Snorkeling System).
2.  **Giant Stride:** Perform a giant stride entry (only a small amount of air in BCD).
3.  **Swim to Shallow End:** Give the OK signal and swim to the shallow end.
4.  **Buoyancy Check.**
5.  **Clear Snorkel and Mask at Surface:** While prone, clear a snorkel and mask at the surface.
6.  **Flutter Kick at Surface:** Perform a flutter kick at the surface.
7.  **Head-First Snorkel Dive and Surface:** Demonstrate pike and tuck, offering students a choice. Remind them to equalize their mask, ears, and sinuses, and discuss underwater finning techniques.
8.  **300 Yard Snorkel Swim:** Wearing only a mask, snorkel, and fins, swim nine (9) times the circumference of the pool without stopping.
9.  **Exit Pool and Assemble Scuba:** Exit the pool, assemble the Total Diving System, and don the exposure suit.

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### Deep End of Pool

1.  **Don Scuba Unit Underwater:** Lower the scuba unit to each student (without weight pockets) into the deep end and have students don the scuba unit at the surface (buddies help each other as necessary).
2.  **Replace Weight Pockets:** Access weight pockets from the deck and replace one pocket at a time (buddies help each other as necessary).
3.  **Pre-Dive Check (Deep End Surface):** Conduct a pre-dive check at the surface of the deep end.
4.  **Weight Check and Trim:** With a buddy, perform a weight check and adjust for proper weighting and trim.
5.  **Neutral Buoyancy:** Repeat the neutral buoyancy skill from the previous pool dive.
6.  **Remove and Replace Scuba Unit Underwater:** Remove and replace the scuba unit underwater (kneeling on the bottom).
7.  **Remove and Replace Weight Pockets Underwater:** Remove and replace the weight pockets underwater (kneeling on the bottom).
8.  **No Mask Swim (33 feet):** While neutrally buoyant, starting at the south end of the deep end, begin swimming toward the shallow end and stop at the top of the ledge.
9.  **Emergency Buoyant Ascent:**
    * Begin neutrally buoyant.
    * Ensure the student monitors their SPG.
    * You (instructor) turn off the student's air.
    * When the student runs out of air, they give you the out-of-air signal.
    * Immediately turn on the student's air.
    * The student removes both weight pockets and places (not drops) them into the basket on the bottom.
    * The student locates their inflator hose (don't add air).
    * The student begins to ascend (not kicking) while exhaling and flaring their body.
    * When they reach the surface, have them orally inflate the BCD using the bobbing technique.
    * **Very Important:** You need to maintain constant contact throughout the ascent to help prevent any potential rapid ascent.
10. **Brief Surface Marker Buoy (SMB):** Brief the use/value of a Surface Marker Buoy (e.g., getting separated from the boat, bad weather, making other boats aware, etc.). Have each student inflate their SMB at the surface.
11. **Discuss Audible Signaling Device:** Discuss the value and use of an audible signaling device (whistle, dive alert) and show them your device.
12. **Return to Shallow End:** Return to the shallow end and brief students on the underwater platform.

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### Using the Underwater Platform (Fun Stuff!)

1.  **Practice Skills (similar to dive sites):**
    * Neutral Buoyancy (could have them swim around the platform).
    * Mask (partial flood, full flood, remove and replace).
    * Regulator Retrieval (either technique).
    * Alternate Air Sharing Stationary (donor and receiver).
    * Simulate a three-minute Safety Stop (remain neutrally buoyant).
2.  **Remove Weight Pockets (Surface):** On the surface, remove each weight pocket and hand it to the "divemaster" on the deck/boat.
3.  **Remove Scuba Unit (Surface):** Remove the scuba unit and hand it to the "divemaster" on the deck/boat.
4.  **Deep Water Exit:** Exit using the ladder. While holding on to the ladder, have students remove their fins and hand them to the "divemaster" on the deck/boat. Remind them **not** to remove their mask until on the deck/boat.

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## Open Water Dive 1: Essential Skills & Team Roles

This dive focuses on fundamental open water skills, with a clear division of labor between the Instructor and Assistant to ensure efficient training.

### Before Entering the Water

1.  **Conduct Dive Briefing:** The instructor leads a comprehensive briefing outlining the dive plan.
2.  **Review Hand Signals:** Go over specific hand signals pertinent to this dive.
3.  **Assemble Total Diving System:** Students assemble their scuba equipment.
4.  **Record Air Pressure & Time (Slate):** The assistant records each student's initial air pressure and the start time on a slate for dive logging.
5.  **Don & Adjust Equipment:** Students don and adjust their scuba gear.
6.  **Pre-Dive Check:** Perform a pre-dive check using the **BWRAF** mnemonic (BCD, Weights, Releases, Air, Final okay).
7.  **Controlled Seated Entry:** Students perform a controlled seated entry from the dock.

### At the Surface

1.  **Buoyancy Check:** With an empty BCD, students should be floating at eye-level by holding a normal breath.
2.  **Snorkel & Mask Clearing:** Practice clearing both the snorkel and mask at the surface.
3.  **Snorkel/Regulator Exchange:** Perform a snorkel/regulator exchange while swimming at least 25 feet.
4.  **Combined Rescue Skills:** Combine the following three rescue skills:
    * **Approach Tired Diver:** Approach a tired diver at the surface and establish their buoyancy.
    * **Relieve Cramp:** Once buoyant, relieve a simulated leg cramp.
    * **Tow Tired Diver:** Tow the tired diver a short distance.

### Underwater Skills

1.  **Controlled Descent:** In buddy teams, perform a controlled descent using the descent line.
2.  **Attain Neutral Buoyancy & Check Trim:** Achieve neutral buoyancy, and the instructor will check and adjust students' trim as necessary.
3.  **Regulator Retrieval:** Practice regulator retrieval using both the **arm sweep** and **alternate** methods.
4.  **Clear Partially Flooded Mask:** Clear a mask that is partially flooded.
5.  **Clear Fully Flooded Mask:** Clear a mask that is fully flooded.
6.  **Fun Dive:** Engage in a fun dive to allow students to get comfortable.
7.  **Signal Air Supply:** Frequently have students signal their air supply and remind them to check each other's air supply.
8.  **Controlled Ascent & Safety Stop:** Perform a controlled ascent with a buddy, including a safety stop.

### Surface Skills (After Dive)

1.  **Establish Positive Buoyancy:** Establish positive buoyancy at the surface using the **power inflator**. (Note: Oral inflation using the bobbing method will be completed on Dive 2).
2.  **Remove Weight System:** Remove weight pockets/weight belt one at a time and place them on the dock.
3.  **Remove Scuba Unit:** Remove the entire scuba unit and place it on the dock.
4.  **Exit Water:** Students exit the water.
5.  **Record Air Pressure & Time:** The assistant records each student's final air pressure and exit time on the slate for dive logging.
6.  **Disassemble/Reassemble Scuba Unit:** Students disassemble and then reassemble their scuba units.
7.  **Debrief:** Conduct a post-dive debriefing.

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### Dive 1 - Role of the Instructor and Assistant

This section outlines the responsibilities for each group and individual during Open Water Dive 1.

#### Group 1 Instructor

* **Enter Water & Evaluate Surface Skills:** The instructor enters the water and evaluates **Surface Skills**.
* **Take Group 1 Underwater:** Once **Surface Skills** are completed, the assistant enters the water to help the instructor take Group 1 underwater. Group 2 remains on the dock.
* **Evaluate Underwater Skills:** Once everyone from Group 1 is on the bottom, the assistant returns to Group 2. The instructor then evaluates **Underwater Skills**.
* **Bring Group 1 to Surface:** The instructor brings Group 1 to the surface.
* **Exit & Debrief:** The assistant helps Group 1 exit the water. Record the students' air pressure and time. Have students disassemble and reassemble their scuba unit on the dock.

#### Group 2 Assistant

* **Disassemble & Reassemble Scuba Unit:** Once Group 1 enters the water, have Group 2 begin disassembling and reassembling their scuba unit on the dock.
* **Evaluate Surface Skills (If Time Allows):** If time allows, an Assistant Instructor can have Group 2 enter the water and begin the **Surface Skills** evaluation. Divemasters are not permitted to evaluate Surface Skills.

#### Group 2 Instructor

* **Begin/Resume Surface Skills:** The instructor begins or resumes **Surface Skills**.
* **Take Group 2 Underwater:** Once surface skills are completed, the assistant enters the water to help the instructor take Group 2 underwater. Group 1 remains on the dock.
* **Evaluate Underwater Skills:** Once everyone from Group 2 is on the bottom, the assistant returns to Group 1. The instructor then evaluates **Underwater Skills**.
* **Bring Group 2 to Surface & Exit:** Bring Group 2 to the surface and have them exit.
* **Record Air & Debrief:** The assistant helps Group 2 exit the water. Record the students' air pressure and time. Have students disassemble and reassemble the dive unit on the dock.

**Note for Assistant:** The assistant is responsible for writing each student's air pressure (before and after each dive) and their dive time on a slate. This information is crucial for logging their dives.

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## Open Water Dive 2: Advanced Skills & Team Coordination

This dive introduces more advanced open water skills, including in-water equipment donning and emergency ascents, with careful coordination between the instructor and assistant.

### Before Entering the Water

1.  **Conduct Dive Briefing:** Lead a dive briefing for the day's activities.
2.  **Review New Hand Signals:** Go over any new hand signals specific to this dive.
3.  **Assemble Total Diving System:** Students assemble their scuba equipment.
4.  **Record Air Pressure & Time (Slate):** The assistant records each student's initial air pressure and the start time on a slate.
5.  **Pre-Dive Check:** Perform a pre-dive check using the **BWRAF** mnemonic.

### At the Surface

1.  **Enter Water with Snorkeling Equipment:** Enter the water from the dock wearing only snorkeling equipment.
2.  **Don Scuba Unit at Surface:** Don the scuba unit at the surface, one buddy at a time.
3.  **Don Weight Pockets at Surface:** Don weight pockets at the surface, one buddy at a time.
4.  **Adjust Weighting & Trim:** Adjust weighting and trim as necessary.
5.  **Bobbing at the Surface (Oral Inflation):** Deflate the BCD, then orally inflate using the bobbing technique until positively buoyant.

### Underwater Skills

1.  **Controlled Descent:** In buddy teams, perform a controlled descent using the descent line for control.
2.  **Neutral Buoyancy:** Practice maintaining neutral buoyancy.
3.  **Air Sharing Stationary & Ascent:** While neutrally buoyant, perform air sharing (stationary) and an ascent (as both a donor and receiver).
4.  **Mask Removal and Replacement:** Remove and replace the mask while underwater.
5.  **Fun Dive:** Engage in a fun dive.
6.  **Frequent Air Checks:** Frequently ask divers for their remaining air supply and remind them to ask their buddies for their air supply.
7.  **Controlled Ascent with Buddy & Safety Stop:** Perform a controlled ascent with a buddy, including a safety stop.

### Surface Skills (After Dive)

1.  **Inflate DSMB:** Inflate the Delayed Surface Marker Buoy (DSMB) at the surface.
2.  **Exit Water:** Students exit the water.
3.  **Record Air Pressure & Time:** The assistant records each student's final air pressure and exit time on the slate.
4.  **Disassemble & Rinse Equipment:** Disassemble equipment, rinse, and correctly hang it on a hanger.
5.  **Place Weights:** Neatly place weights in the basket.
6.  **Escort to Third Floor:** Escort students to the third floor.

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### Dive 2 - Role of the Instructor and Assistant

This section outlines the responsibilities for each group and individual during Open Water Dive 2.

#### Group 1 Instructor

* **Evaluate Surface Skills:** The instructor evaluates **Surface Skills**.
* **Take Group 1 Underwater:** The assistant enters the water to help the instructor take Group 1 underwater.
* **Evaluate Underwater Skills:** The instructor evaluates **Underwater Skills**.
    * **Note:** The assistant must stay underwater with the students who aren't performing the Air Sharing Buddy Ascent.
* **Finish Underwater Skills:** Once everyone from Group 1 has completed the Air Sharing Buddy Ascent, the assistant returns to Group 2 on the dock. The instructor finishes the remaining **Underwater Skills**.
* **Bring Group 1 to Surface:** The instructor brings Group 1 to the surface.
* **Inflate DSMB:** Have students inflate their DSMB.

#### Assistant (for Group 1)

* **Help Group 1 Exit:** Help Group 1 exit the water.
* **Record Air & Debrief:** Write down students' air pressure and time. Have students disassemble, rinse, place weights neatly in the container, and hang their BCDs and Regulators on the hangers.

#### Group 2 Instructor

* **Evaluate Surface Skills:** The instructor evaluates **Surface Skills**.
* **Take Group 2 Underwater:** The assistant enters the water to help the instructor take Group 2 underwater.
* **Evaluate Underwater Skills:** The instructor evaluates **Underwater Skills**.
    * **Note:** The assistant must stay underwater with the students who aren't performing the Air Sharing Buddy Ascent.
* **Finish Underwater Skills:** Once everyone from Group 2 has completed the Air Sharing Buddy Ascent, the assistant returns to Group 1 to finish. The instructor finishes the remaining **Underwater Skills**.
* **Bring Group 2 to Surface:** The instructor brings Group 2 to the surface.
* **Inflate DSMB:** Students inflate their DSMB.

#### Instructor and Assistant (for Group 2)

* **Help Group 2 Exit:** Help Group 2 exit the water.
* **Record Air & Debrief:** Write down students' air pressure and time. Have students disassemble, rinse, place weights neatly in the container, and hang BCDs and Regulators on the hangers.