SAFETY continued
The most important step in establishing a functional and safe buddy relationship happens before you ever enter the water. A short but intentional conversation can dramatically improve coordination during the dive. This conversation doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, a simple structure works best. It can start by simply learning a little about your buddy. How many dives have they done recently? Are they
means that you may have very little breathing gas remaining once your return to the planned exit point to complete a “safety stop” with the required amount of breathing gas re- maining once you reach the surface or have breathing gas in reserve for any unexpected situations or emergencies. Whatever approach you and your diving companion decide upon, both of you must fully agree to abide by it. If one
comfortable in the current conditions? Have they dived in similar environ- ments before? Share your experiences and really listen to theirs. Be sure to also observe their body language. A diver who does most of their diving in calm tropical water may have less experience with surge or strong currents. Another diver may
diver expects to begin their ascent at 1,000 psi and the other at 500 psi, problems may arise. It is critical to have a shared understanding of all aspects of the dive plan to avoid any surprises underwater. Personally, I don’t like surprises, except perhaps the pleasant kind, underwater! Many divers treat the buddy check
The buddy system works best when two divers quickly become a team. Dive operators play a critical role in creating that teamwork by encouraging communication, setting expectations, and helping strangers enter the water with con fi dence.
have extensive experience but has not dived in several years. These factors matter, and they should influence how the dive is conducted. Next, you can talk about the proposed dive plan. You have both heard details about the dive site and any limitations recommended by the divemaster or dive guide so now it’s time to take that information and develop a dive plan. The dive plan should give the greatest opportunity to fully enjoy the dive site while assuring that this dive is within the safe limits. When you and your companion discuss your dive plan, you should both agree upon maximum diving depth, maximum planned bottom time, time or breathing gas pressure when you “turn” the dive and head back to the exit point, communication frequency during the dive and safety stop time and depth. You should also both have a shared un- derstanding that either diver can call the dive at any time, for any reason without discussion or repercussions. This “no fault” approach to calling a dive an extremely im- portant safety procedure. Agreeing on these parameters helps prevent or at least reduce the likelihood of serious misunder- standings once the dive begins. One area that requires constant vigilance and buddy communication is breathing gas management during the dive. Breathing gas management strategies can vary widely among divers. Some follow the classic “rule of thirds” philosophy where you use 1/3 of your breathing gas supply to go out, 1/3 of your breathing gas supply to return and the remaining 1/3 of your breathing gas supply as a reserve for emergencies. Other divers may use a simple minimum pressure or a “turn at half” strategy. Be aware, however, that “turning” the dive at one half
as a formality. For some, it becomes a quick ritual performed seconds before entering the water. In my opinion, all divers and especially traveling divers should take a more deliberate approach. Remember, a proper buddy check accomplishes several goals. It confirms that equipment is functioning correctly, it familiarizes each diver with the other’s equipment configuration, and it firmly establishes a pattern of mutual awareness. As I detailed in a previous article about checklists and pre- dive rituals ( Scuba Diving Industry Magazine June 2025), a complete buddy check provides the opportunity to conduct a dynamic rehearsal reviewing how each buddy would manage an emergency procedure such as the exchange of breathing gas, how to locate and use the buddy’s BCD inflator or how to locate and jettison the buddy’s weights in an emergency. In addition, performing a thorough buddy check signals that you take safety seriously. That attitude often encourages your partner to do the same. Most divers learn a standard set of underwater hand signals during training. However, actual communication practices vary widely. Some dive operators rely heavily on tank- banging devices or lights. Others expect divers to maintain very close proximity for visual signals. Before the dive, confirm and review some of the basic signals with your bud- dy: “Turn the dive” ▪ “Low on breathing gas” ▪ “Out of breathing gas” ▪ “Problem” ▪ “Ascend” ▪ “OK?” and “OK” ▪ PAGE THIRTY-THREE | SCUBA DIVING INDUSTRY
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