When SCUBA diving, it is essential that each diver has a buddy. Diving with a buddy helps ensure that all safety procedures are followed and that someone is there to help in the event of an accident. A good dive buddy should possess specific attributes to make the most of the dive. These qualities will allow everyone involved to have a safe and memorable experience.
What classifieds a good dive buddy?
One quality that a good dive buddy must have is a positive attitude. A diver’s attitude topside is often a good indication of how they will behave underwater. For instance, if your dive buddy is very conscious about safety measures (as we all should be), they will likely exert conservatism when down below. This buddy likely won’t push the limits or do anything that will cause others to be in harm’s way.
Another quality a diver buddy should have is an awareness of their surroundings. On every dive, the buddy must be aware of their buddy or diving team, their equipment, and their environment. A good buddy will know when to correct their buoyancy to avoid dropping onto coral or other marine habitats. Besides this, a good buddy will have complete control over their equipment and keep tabs on their diving party, not allowing their equipment to drag through the substrate or wander off alone.
One of the most essential qualities for a good dive buddy to have is a calm demeanor. Many risks and dangers that come with diving, and the last thing anyone wants in a buddy is the propensity to panic in high-stress situations. The best buddy will react calmly to emergencies or conditions that may develop underwater and follow their training. There is much to say about the expression “Cooler heads will prevail” regarding SCUBA diving.
When hunting for a buddy to go diving with, looking out for individuals who bear these traits is a good idea. If these traits are evident from the get-go, you can be relatively comfortable on the dive, knowing you’ve chosen a good dive buddy.
