What must be verified before proceeding to the operational dive site?

Before proceeding to the operational dive site, it is crucial to ensure that all diving equipment is tested and verified to be functional. This step is essential because the success and safety of the dive depend heavily on the operational readiness of the equipment. Each piece of diving gear serves a specific purpose, whether it's for breathing, buoyancy control, or communication, and any failure can lead to serious risks during the dive.

Verifying equipment functionality includes checking the air supply, regulator performance, buoyancy compensators, and underwater communication systems, among others. This thorough check helps prevent equipment malfunctions underwater, which can be life-threatening. Maintaining equipment reliability is a critical aspect of dive safety protocols, ensuring that divers can perform their duties effectively in the operational environment.