An important part of safe diving is a buddy. He or she can keep an eye out for you and can help you if your gear gets tangled or you are injured. A buddy can also communicate with each other to slow down their breathing. Here are some tips that will help you keep your diving buddy safe.
Communication skills
It is vital to communicate with your diving buddy if you want to have safe diving experiences. Good communication skills allow you to communicate effectively and stay safe. Practice with your buddy, and discuss any issues that may arise while you dive. It is important to learn how to evaluate situations underwater and develop a plan for dealing with them.
Listening is the most important communication ability. If you are able to listen and respond to each other, you can prevent an injury. If you are running out of gas, your buddy can inform you to get the regulator. You can also use voice systems to communicate and prevent danger if you are moving in a different direction than your buddy.
Checking dive gear
It is a good idea to inspect all equipment before you dive with a buddy. This includes the BCD and any weights as well as all straps and releases. The dive buddy needs to know how to remove the weights and where to locate them.
While you're checking your gear, make sure to check both the primary and backup oxygen supply. You should also change places while inspecting your equipment. After you've checked your equipment, your buddy and you should do a quick inventory. If you notice something is wrong, or if it isn't working properly, it is important not to dive. It can be embarrassing for yourself and others if your equipment is not working properly.
Keep an eye out for your buddy
Scuba diving is a sport that requires constant contact with your diving partner. If your buddy is having trouble, this will prevent you from getting into trouble. If your buddy is in trouble, it is a good idea to check their air levels often, bang their tank loudly, or use a flashlight. It is also very important to know the correct technique for releasing your buddy's weight.
It is important to dive with a buddy so you can breathe together. Your buddy will help you if you get sick or experience an emergency. Your buddy is able to see any potential problems faster than you. For example, if you've unclipped your reel or are using a leaky alternate-air source, he or she will know to look for you.
After a dive, keep an eye on your buddy.
A vital part of safety diving is keeping your buddy safe while you dive. It is important to be vigilant for signs such as narcosis. However, you also need to keep track of your buddy’s air levels and whereabouts. It is also important to keep your basic safety skills and training in mind.
If you spot your buddy struggling in water, immediately rise and start looking. You should wait at most one minute to try and locate your buddy if he isn't surfacing immediately. Even if he is in the exact same area as you, it does not mean that you are his only friend.
Plan a dive match
The most important part of scubadiving is choosing a dive buddy. Divers will have more fun and be safer if they have a good partner. Your buddy should be able understand your body language and express your emotions in non-verbal terms. This means that your buddy should be able read and communicate with you through facial expressions and gestures. A good dive buddy will be patient and supportive, but won't push you too hard.
Discuss your dive goals with your new buddy before you go diving. You and your partner should know each other's certification levels, time commitment, and activity level. You should also know your buddy's comfort level when it comes underwater photography. If your buddy is more experienced than the rest of you, it may be easier to dive with them.