There is nothing worse than having a bad photo dive because you missed something.  Many of these items I have learned from the hard way so I have written then down and have them in my camera bag to ensure I don’t miss anything.   You must have patience and make sure every thing is prepared properly before you head out to the dive boat.  The following are key steps I follow before heading out to the boat.

Camera Pre-loading Checklist

• Fully charged battery in the camera
• Empty Memory card or film in the camera
• Camera can turn on and off
• Lens cover removed
• O ring is clean and seated properly on housing

Post Loading Inspection

• All viable seals sealed
• Lens cover off
• Camera on or turn on from the outside
• Is the focus set to manual or auto focus
• All levers and knobs touching their buttons and switches

Port Set up Checklist

• Correct size dome or flat port for lens on camera
• Diopter for lens/port type installed to lens
• O-ring is clean and properly seated on housing and port
• Port is properly latched and secure on housing

Strobe Set up Checklist

• Fully charged batteries in the strobe
• Sync Cords(s) for primary and slave strobe
• Bolts and arms for stobe and necessary wrenches
• Diffusers attached and string to keep them from floating away
• Fire a test of the strobes to confirm they are working
• Attach strobes to camera and take a test photo to ensure sync

Pre Dive Leak Check

• Put the unit into the rinse tank and look for bubbles and leaks
• Depress all of the buttons and levers to make sure they all work and are not leaking

Any other tips or rituals to add?