Steps in preparing your camera to go underwater.

1.                  Remove the o-rings.

2.                  Clean and check the o-rings. If the o-rings are damaged they should be replaced. Remember the cost of replacing an o-ring is cheaper than replacing a camera.

3.                  Lubricate the o-ring with silicone grease.

4.                  Clean the o-ring grooves in the casing. Make sure they are clean because even a single hair can cause a leak.

5.                  Place the o-rings back in the casing grooves.

6.                  Put a fresh or fully charged battery in your camera. Remember when underwater it?s not possible to change the battery. If using disposable batteries use alkaline batteries because non-alkaline don?t hold up well to the power demands of underwater photography.

7.                  Insert your film or memory card.

8.                  Seal the camera, making sure you don?t pinch the o-rings.

9.                  Check if your camera is working and that the case is sealed correctly.

10.              If your camera requires a weight you can attach it now.

11.              Set your camera exposure. For novice underwater photographer auto exposure is recommended.

12.              Set the focus. For a novice auto focus is recommended. Manual focus underwater takes both camera skill and good buoyancy. A point to remember is that everything looks closer than it really is underwater so set estimated focus for the apparent distance - not the real distance, because the camera sees it like you do.

13.              Ensure that you have a wrist cord or strap attached to your camera so that you won?t loose it while diving.