What should divers do to avoid equipment failures during a dive?

Conducting regular equipment inspections is essential for divers to maintain their gear in good working condition and to identify any potential issues before diving. Regular checks can include examining regulators, tanks, BCs (Buoyancy Control Devices), masks, fins, and other essential equipment for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. By performing these inspections, divers can ensure that their equipment functions properly and reduces the likelihood of failures during a dive, which can be critical for safety.

The other options, while they may hold some value in context, do not directly address the proactive measures that ensure equipment reliability. Using gear only in warm waters may limit a diver's experience and does not prevent equipment failure. Avoiding sharing equipment can mitigate some risks, but it does not address the need for regular maintenance and checks. Keeping extra equipment in a dive bag can be beneficial for emergencies, but it does not prevent failures from occurring in the first place. Hence, the most effective preventive action is to consistently conduct thorough inspections of diving gear.