What is the purpose of the "check of threes" in skydiving?

The "check of threes" serves a critical safety function by ensuring that the skydiver's equipment is correctly assembled and functioning before the jump. This procedure involves verifying three key aspects of the gear, such as the main parachute, reserve parachute, and container system, which must all be in proper condition and correctly set up. Conducting this thorough inspection helps prevent accidents that could occur due to equipment malfunction, enhancing the safety of the jump.

In contrast, verifying altitude before deployment is important but typically done through altitude awareness and is not specifically linked to the "check of threes." Assessing weather conditions is also crucial for safety but is considered separately from the gear check. Lastly, while evaluating the landing area for obstacles is an essential part of jump preparation, it falls outside the scope of the "check of threes," which focuses solely on the parachuting equipment itself.