What is the primary purpose of performing pre-dive checks?

Performing pre-dive checks is essential for ensuring that all equipment is functioning and ready for the dive. This process helps divers identify any potential issues with their gear, such as leaks, damage, or malfunctioning equipment, before they enter the water. By conducting thorough checks, divers can avoid problems that could arise during the dive, enhancing overall safety and ensuring a more enjoyable experience. Proper equipment functioning is crucial, especially in cavern diving, where the environment can present unique challenges and risks.

While other aspects of diving, such as impressing a buddy or familiarizing oneself with a cave, might have some relevance, they do not address the critical safety measures involved in the pre-dive preparation. Additionally, increasing dive duration is not the primary focus of pre-dive checks, as the main goal is ensuring safety and readiness rather than maximizing time underwater.