Diving and the buddy system belong together like a mask and a snorkel. I’m sure I’m not the first to stress its importance, but for something so fundamental, repetition is useful. For beginners, buddy is not an option, but a necessity. And even if you’ve done hundreds of dives, a good buddy can save your skin at a critical moment. We look at why the buddy system is so crucial, how to find the right buddy for the water, and how to become someone everyone wants to dive with.
Why is the buddy system so important?
Diving with a buddy is so much more than just having company underwater. It’s a sophisticated system that starts before you even enter the water. First you need to find the right partner, agree on a dive plan and communication, and establish procedures for any problems. And then actually follow through with it all once you’re underwater. A good buddy system is built on trust and accountability.
Novice divers shouldn’t dive without a buddy, even in a bathtub. If you desire solo dives, you need special training for solo diving. Until then, the buddy is your second self underwater.
Anything can happen underwater – you can get tangled in a net, panic, lose your bearings or run out of air. Although you are primarily responsible for yourself, with a good buddy by your side you can handle most problems much easier.
Diving as a pair also brings the joy of sharing. Showing someone a rare starfish or watching an octopus with someone who shares your enthusiasm is simply better than being alone for such an experience. And over time, your dive buddy will often become a good friend out of the water.
How to find a reliable buddy?
Finding a good buddy is a bit like finding a life partner – you need someone you get along with and can trust. Although everyone has different preferences, there are certain qualities that every good buddy should have.
- Similar experience and skills
Look for someone on a similar level. There may be misunderstandings with an advanced buddy – he or she may want to go deeper or stay longer than you are comfortable with. With a less experienced buddy, again, you may need to adjust your dive and may be frustrated by their higher air consumption. The ideal partner has similar limits to you.
- Common interests
If you like to photograph corals, find a buddy who appreciates a slow pace and frequent stops. If you love technical wreck dives, look for a buddy with the same enthusiasm. When your interests diverge too much, it can lead to dissatisfaction – your buddy will get bored while you take another shot of an anemone, or you’ll be nervous about his desire to explore every part of the wreck.
- A calm nature
The last thing you need underwater is a partner prone to panic. Pay attention to how your potential buddy behaves before the dive. Is he or she nervous? Does he or she not listen to instructions? Or does he seem calm and focused? Behaviour at the surface often reflects how a person behaves at depth.
- Long-term perspective
Finding a new buddy for each dive is tedious and loses the main advantage of the buddy system – mutual understanding. With a regular buddy, over time you learn to read each other’s signals, anticipate reactions, and work together effectively. The best place to find such a buddy is your local dive club or centre.
When you are paired with someone you don’t know on a course, take the time to introduce yourself to each other. Ask about experience, preferences and expectations. Even a short conversation will give you a clue as to whether you will be compatible partners.
How to be a better buddy?
It’s not enough to find a good buddy – you have to be one. Here are some ways to become a better dive buddy:
- Plan together
Diving starts long before you enter the water. Talk to your buddy about the planned depth, dive time and route. Don’t forget to mention your personal needs – if you need more frequent equalization, have balance issues, or are a bit of a glutton for air. Honesty at this stage prevents problems underwater.
- Gear check is essential
A missed buddy check can lead to unpleasant surprises. Always check your buddy’s gear and have them check yours – no exceptions. Check the cylinder is on, the inflator is working, an alternate air source is accessible, and the weights are properly adjusted. A few minutes spent doing this can save you a lot of grief underwater.
- Stay in the right formation
The best way to dive with a buddy is to swim side by side at a distance so that you can see each other at all times. In tight spaces such as caves or wrecks, try a formation behind you, where the less experienced person usually goes first. That way the more experienced diver can keep an eye on his buddy and react in time to any problems.
- Communicate clearly and often
Underwater, effective communication is key. Agree on basic signals in advance and check your buddy’s status regularly during the dive. It’s not enough to just show OK at the start of the dive – communicate continuously. With time, you’ll learn to recognize even the more subtle signals, such as body language and facial expressions.
- Stay in sight
The golden rule: your buddy should never be more than 2-3 paces away. You don’t have to swim “on the body”, but you should be able to swim to each other quickly. Especially in low visibility conditions, proximity is essential.
- Have a plan for emergencies
Always agree in advance what you will do if you get lost. Standard procedure is to search for 1 minute, then surface. Time drags on underwater – a minute can seem like an eternity, but it’s important to follow a set procedure. Safety always comes first.
Being a good buddy isn’t rocket science, but it does require awareness and a willingness to cooperate. Follow agreed upon procedures, communicate and learn from each dive. Having a good buddy by your side will make diving safer, more interesting and just plain more fun.