I need a scatterbrain-proof system. Any one have their own?

[M DeM]

Here's the thing: I'm scatterbrained. I just am.

Not necessarily when I'm nervous, but if I'm rushed or just ... being me, I WILL forget something.

• I have forgotten to pack underwear for a 10 day vacation.
• Forgot to bring transfer cables for my camera at a 9 day photo workshop
• I forgot to pack my sneakers for a frigging marathon.

So I'm always forgetting something. Not even necessarily tangible stuff (see below for examples.) . And if I didn't actually forget something, I'm always worried that I forgot something.

When I get ready to dive, the same stuff happens but because I'm so aware of being scatterbrained that I'm OVERLY scatterbrained. As in:

1.)
ME: "Oh crap, I forgot to put my sunscreen on."
[----moving to front of boat getting in everyone's way---]
ME: "Scuze me. Sorry. Hi, could I just squeeze by? So sorry- could you pass me that bag? Yes that's the one. Thanks so much. Sorry about that"
[---puts on sunscreen, goes back to stern---]
ME: " Sorry. Just making my way back.. Last time.. so sorry, thanks, 'scuze... thanks"
[----sits down---]
ME: "Oh crap, I forgot my defog in my bag."
[repeat with 5 or 6 more items]

2.) "WAIT, DID I BRING MY FINS? OH MY GOD WHERE ARE MY FINS I TOTALLY FORGOT MY FINS I'M NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO DI-- oh. there they are. " [repeat with 5 or 6 more items]

3.) "Ugh. URRRRRRgh... Oh man, my first stage knob is stuck. I'm gonna have to ask someone to help me. Why can I never get cylinders open? I've really got to work on my wrist stren-- oh.. wait.. you turn it the other way" [repeat when trying to put on first stage]

4.) [while analyzing Nitrox, after figuring out which direction to turn the air on] "Wait, did I check the analyzer first? Oh ****, I didn't. Let me redo it. Okay, wait where's the cylinder number? I can't find it. Is this it? Oh jesus- everyone's looking at me. Oh my god, I'm making a fool of myself. Should I ask someone? I'm gonna have to ask someone and look stupid. Ugh."

And so on and so on.

None of this makes for a relaxing boat ride. Funny thing is that as soon as I'm in the water it's just like "aaahhhhhhhhhh. Finally. Calm."

So a checklist helps me but I'd need a 10 pager. Mnemonics help too, [Bruce Willis Ruins All Films, etc]. I even make my own. For instance, so that I don't get my heart rate going once it's my turn to enter, I remember RICO. Regulator in mouth, Inflate my BCD partially, Clear - as in make sure the area is clear before you enter, and OK, as in signal you're ok. But I'd need a dictionary full of them for everything.

I know this just comes with experience (but so does the over-confidence that leads to things like forgetting sneakers for a marathon.) . Does anyone have a system they use to make sure they don't leave the house without their mask or stand on the boat saying "hang on! Almost ready!" as you desperately try to turn your air on? I also realize this is due to the insecurity of being a new diver and not wanting to ruin anyone else's dive.

I've seen "packing checklists" but that's just for packing for vacation. Doesn't help for once you're at the dive center and on the boat.

My friend once described a girl who suffered from this same thing perfectly: "She's so afraid of making a mistake that she does nothing but."

Sorry so long!

 

[Marie13]

You need a packing list. Print it out and put page in a sheet protector. Use dry erase markers to check off things as you pack them.

Take list with you on the boat. Do something small and laminate it. Perhaps half the size of a regular letter sized sheet of paper.

I lay everything out on my living room floor and check it multiple times before I pack it. Check off list as I pack. If you can’t see it, you forget it.

 

[Marie13]

As for figuring out if your air is on or not, I use the Vindicator knobs on my tanks. Green when air is on, red when it’s not. Came with valves on new tanks last year and I liked them so much that I put them on all my tanks. Doesn’t help if you’re a vacation diver, but it’s an option if you have your own tanks. Cost is about $15-18.

 

[M DeM]

Do you know of a good online one?

You need a packing list. Print it out and put page in a sheet protector. Use dry erase markers to check off things as you pack them.

Take list with you on the boat. Do something small and laminate it. Perhaps half the size of a regular letter sized sheet of paper.

I lay everything out on my living room floor and check it multiple times before I pack it. Check off list as I pack. If you can’t see it, you forget it.

 

[bladder]

Scuba diving is a very gear intensive sport. There's a lot of stuff to remember and one small omission can result in a lost dive or a significant safety issue.

It might not be the sport for you.

 

[M DeM]

Do all cylinders turn in the same direction? Of course I guess it depends which way the cylinder is turned...

As for figuring out if your air is on or not, I use the Vindicator knobs on my tanks. Green when air is on, red when it’s not. Came with valves on new tanks last year and I liked them so much that I put them on all my tanks. Doesn’t help if you’re a vacation diver, but it’s an option if you have your own tanks. Cost is about $15-18.

 

[M DeM]

Scuba diving is a very gear intensive sport. There's a lot of stuff to remember and one small omission can result in a lost dive or a significant safety issue.

It might not be the sport for you.

I've actually never forgotten anything (for diving at least) it's just the *paranoia* of forgetting something!

 

[Marie13]

Do you know of a good online one?

Dive Right in Scuba, which is actually my dive shop. Big online store.

Buy Scuba Dive Gear & Accessories Online | Discount Scuba Gear Store | Dive Right In Scuba | www.diverightinscuba.com - Dive Right in Scuba

Sorry, you meant online packing list. Make your own! That way it’s customized to your needs.

 

[bladder]

I've actually never forgotten anything (for diving at least) it's just the *paranoia* of forgetting something!

Never ever?

I once left a pair of fins on the dive boat and didn't realize it until I showed up the following morning and the crew were holding up my fins waiting for their rightful owner to show up.

I once jumped in the water without weight pockets and without gloves on a cold water dive.

I've splashed with gas off and inflator hose disconnected.

On about 1/10 dives I forget to slip the pony necklace over my head and end up dragging it around during the dive.

I can't count the number of times I've forgot to adjust my computer for the right blend of Nitrox or back to air after doing the first dive with Nitrox.

So much to remember, so little time...

 

[M DeM]

Well, I'm guessing you have WAAAAAAAY more dives under your belt! I've got about 12.

For instance.... I don't even kmnow what a pony necklace is!

Never ever?

I once left a pair of fins on the dive boat and didn't realize it until I showed up the following morning and the crew were holding up my fins waiting for their rightful owner to show up.

I once jumped in the water without weight pockets and without gloves on a cold water dive.

I've splashed with gas off and inflator hose disconnected.

On about 1/10 dives I forget to slip the pony necklace over my head and end up dragging it around during the dive.

I can't count the number of times I've forgot to adjust my computer for the right blend of Nitrox or back to air after doing the first dive with Nitrox.

So much to remember, so little time...