Why is a buddy so important in diving?
Divers-loners do not exist. Together with the technical basics of diving, we learn to be in a group, to communicate correctly under water, and to dive in pairs with the dive buddy. While we are diving together, we are responsible for each other, watching each other. In case of lack of air, our life will be in the remained in the tank of your dive buddy. There is always someone who you can rely on under water.
But keep in mind that being a dive buddy is not the same as being everyday friends on land. I came across situations when two bosom friends absolutely could not be dive buddy for each other!
Every diver has his own opinion on what the “ideal dive buddy” is. But there is a number of standard qualities:
✅ EXCELLENT COMMUNICATION SKILLS
This is not just an exchanging “Ok” under water. Frequent “OK” can even be irritating. Good communication during diving means having a mood for your diving buddy, understanding his/her needs without requests from his/her side. It also means checking the air of each other under the water, checking safety of the dive equipment before diving with your dive buddy is also a very important moment in communication.
✅ OBSERVATION
Observing the style of diving and the pattern of air bubbles can help you to see whether your dive buddy is uncomfortable. It helps to prevent problems before they occur.
✅ ABILITY TO KEEP THE RIGHT DISTANCE
It is necessary to stay close enough under water for an urgent help and assistance, if necessary. And at the same time, not very close, so as not to “push” one another, not to interfere, not to annoy.
How do you know if you go with your dive buddy?
In most cases, we get to know our dive buddy just before our dive. There is something should be clarified before diving:
• Find out what diving experience your diving buddy has.
Usually divers pair up according to the level of their certification. But the dive certificate does not show the diving experience! Perhaps your dive buddy has just completed the diving course. He had the required number of dives in the comfortable conditions of the pool or in warm water without current. Instead of asking questions about the certification level, you may ask: “What is your dive experience?”, “When was the last time you have dived?”, “Where else did you dive?” Ask kindly so that your dive buddy does not feel like being interrogated.
• Honestly tell where your limit is
It goes without saying that we dive at the depth according to the level of a dive certification and experience. But what if you are paired with someone of a dive certification level different from yours? In this situation you will always dive to the limits of a less experienced diver. This applies not only to depth, but also to the level of difficulty of the dive. For example, if your Dive Master has announced an optional dive, make sure your dive buddy is ready to do it. Do not be afraid to tell your dive buddy that you do not like or you are not comfortable with something. Be patient to your and others’ restrictions. This is your safety.
If it happens that you and your dive buddy are a different level of certification take don’t be frustrated. Just benefit from the situation: as a more experienced diver, you may have the opportunity to share your experience (and fables😉). As a less experienced diver, you can learn something new (and how to brag 😉).
Dive2BeBornAgain Lifehack:
Remember the rule: any diver can cancel any dive at any time and for any reason without any condemnation from the rest of the group.
❗️This rule is especially useful if you are less experienced and if you worry that you might not be able to handle something during diving.
• Decide on the dive plan, a target and speed of your dive.
Make sure that you and your dive buddy understand each other correctly regarding the target and speed of the dive. You may not be the most suitable pair if you like to leisurely explore each recess underwater but your dive buddy prefers to dive at a fast pace. Or if you are a photographer, and your main goal of diving is to search for objects for shooting, and your dive buddy is not interested in cameras. Discuss with your dive buddy what you expect from the dive before diving.
• Agree on dive signs and signals
You probably think that the signs of underwater communication are universal throughout the world? But no. For example, the sign of remaining air may vary. It depends on whether you measure it in bars or PSI. Do not be too sure in the knowledge you already have. Do not be lazy to watch the signs during the briefing. And check that you understand the signs of you dive buddy well before diving.
Dive2BeBornAgain Lifehack:
Take note board with you if you plan a rather complicated dive plan but you have doubts in underwater communication with your dive buddy. It will help out a lot in an unexpected hitch in communication.
Before diving, decide how you will attract each other’s attention under water, what sound you will use. It should be noted that the source of sounds and the way to call each other can truly separate and irritate divers. So, make sure your dive buddy agrees that you have attracted his attention in one way or another. As an alternative to the sound, you can use a flashlight or a lightly touch a shoulder or pull the fins, i.e. a way that will be comfortable for both of you.
• Find your dive buddy in advance
Your dive buddy could be your second chance at your life. So, I just wanted to remind you how it’s important to find the right dive buddy and to be a good dive buddy. Not every diver is travelling with a trusted dive buddy. I often go diving with my former dive students. And I know that the task to find the right dive buddy is very much complicated. Being a great dive buddy doesn’t come instantly!
In addition to safety under water, an experienced dive buddy will make your diving much more driving. Watching the underwater world is much more interesting when you have someone to share your experience with! Spend some time to find your dive buddy at your future dive site before your arrival.
Dive2BeBornAgain Lifehack:
It is worth considering hiring a private dive guide to get the desired result from your diving.Who is your dive buddy? What qualities make him/her so wonderful and special? Share your stories about your super dive buddy.
