If you want a good dive buddy, you first need to ensure that you are being one yourself. Being a good dive buddy has many more benefits than disadvantages, but it can also mean sometimes sacrificing YOUR dive for the safety or care of your buddy. As a good dive buddy, this is something that you must be willing to do, impartially. Don’t forget, on the next dive, it could be you who needs your dive buddy to end their dive early.
1. Initiate a dive plan discussion on the surface
No matter what, this is an important process for diver safety. Even when diving with a dive center and receiving a group briefing, you should still take the time to discuss with your dive buddy, what your and their goal is for the dive, as well as who will be the “leader” for this particular dive. A leader in a dive buddy partnership is important, otherwise, you can end up having a disagreement underwater as to where you want to go and how fast you swim, which can easily lead to buddy separation underwater.
This is even more important if one of you wants to take photos. A dive plan discussion also allows you to discuss your air consumption and decide how deep you want to dive, even if the dive group is planning a maximum depth of 30m, if yourself or your dive buddy is fast on air, you may consider sticking to a shallower depth to allow for more dive time.
2. Hand Signals – Do You Communicate the Same?
Now we are told that hand signals are universal and taught the same all over the world, and while this is true to an extent, some divers may know additional hand signals that they have received in more advanced courses and some divers may signal their air consumption in PSI instead of Bar or vice versa. It is essential to be aware of this before the dive so that you don’t have any unnecessary miscommunications underwater, which could lead to a dangerous situation, especially where air consumption is concerned.
3. The Buddy Check
Have you ever had a dive buddy that just keeps to themself and wants to jump into the water before you are even completely ready, I have! Make sure you tell your buddy that you want to do the predive check with them, even if they feel they don’t “need it”. A predive or buddy check isn’t just to discover any faults in the equipment assembly or the wearing of equipment, it also allows each of you to learn how your dive buddy equipment works. You don’t want to be fiddling about with your dive buddies’ gear and trying to find the BC inflator button at the surface in an emergency.
Most dive gear has a standard setup, but there are always exceptions, and it is good to know where we can find all the parts of our buddies’ dive gear in case we need to assist. Additionally, it is good to check each other that no hoses have been trapped inside the BC, the tank is open and the alternate air source is working properly. You certainly want to ensure this before you need it under the water during a dive.
4. Underwater Support
Diving, especially in challenging conditions, can be mentally and physically demanding. A good buddy provides emotional support and encouragement, helping to calm nerves and boost confidence. They provide stability by acting as physical anchors, offering support during moments of environmental turbulence, which not only conserves energy but also fosters trust.
Buddies assist each other during descents and ascents, maintaining close proximity to aid in pressure equalization and ensure safe, controlled movements. Emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility, with buddies practicing procedures like air sharing and administering first aid, fostering a sense of preparedness and solidarity. Additionally, dive buddies offer emotional support, helping alleviate anxiety and providing encouragement, creating a more relaxed and confident diving experience for both partners.
5. Streamlining Navigation
Underwater navigation can be tricky, especially in unfamiliar environments. Buddies work together to navigate the dive site safely, staying together and helping each other maintain orientation. Exploring unfamiliar environments is made easier as buddies collaborate to chart a safe course, staying together and offering mutual support to maintain orientation. Through shared observations and coordinated movements, divers can rely on their buddy’s assistance to navigate tricky passages and identify key landmarks.
6. Problem Solving
Despite careful planning, unexpected situations can arise during a dive. Good buddies are prepared to handle emergencies and unexpected challenges, working together to troubleshoot problems and find solutions. When a problem arises, it is nice to know that you are not the sole decision maker and each of you may provide valuable input as to how to solve the problem.
7. Exchange Insurance Information
Prior to your first dive together ,exchange your diving insurance information with your dive buddy. Remember, in the event of an accident your dive buddy is likely to be the first one to assist you, you may be too flustered, in pain or even unconscious and unable to provide anyone with your insurance details. This could slow down the speed of your assistance and evacuation process, which could result in a longer recovery time.
Some dive centers don’t even take down your insurance information and if you are not diving with another family member there may not be anyone with to provide this information to the emergency services on your behalf. In the event of an accident, after calling the emergency services the next step is to contact your insurance provider for assistance and advice. It only works in your favour to have at least one other person on the dive that has this information at hand.
Discover here why diving insurance should be part of your diving check list.
8. Making Diving more Enjoyable
Being a good buddy enhances the overall enjoyment of the dive experience. Sharing the wonders of the underwater world with a reliable partner makes the adventure more fulfilling and memorable for both divers.
By embodying these qualities, you not only contribute to your own safety but also to the safety and enjoyment of your diving partner, fostering a culture of responsibility and camaraderie in the diving community.
Buddy up with us at DiveAssure, become a DiveAssure member today and enjoy some fantastic benefits.