It happens to the best of us, and it most certainly will happen to new divers: losing your buddy. In most cases, it can be blamed on becoming so enraptured with the sights below the surface that you (or they) simply lose track of time, and basically anything else. We know, because we’ve been there. But it’s not always due to a lack of attention; sometimes visibility can play a tricky role in keeping track of your dive buddy. If you’re diving in an area with limited visibility, take some extra precautions to ensure you don’t find yourself alone and needing to surface. Nothing kills a SCUBA buzz quicker than having to call a dive short for a non-emergency situation!
Stay By My Side
As much as possible, whenever you dive, try to keep in line next to your buddy. This is the best way to stay in each other’s line of vision, and really get the most out of your dive. If your buddy is right there next to you, complications can be dealt with more swiftly, and you’ll help each other see things you might not have seen on your own. Best of all, you won’t be on your own when you need someone!
Make Some Noise
Disclaimer: this is not an admonition to go about banging on your tank or making unnecessary noise throughout the dive. Because the origin of noise is so much harder to determine underwater, you want to make sure you only make a noise specifically for the purposes of calling attention to your buddy, who is not in your direct line of sight. Underwater noises are disturbing to sea life as well, so try to use this method of finding your buddy the least.
Let There Be Light
A dive light is a handy accessory to have on your BCD, and for more than just night diving. Even during the day, if visibility is low due to the bottom being stirred up, or the water is simply murky, turning on your dive light and searching your immediate area can help illuminate features of your dive buddy, like their fins or BCD. It will also create a beam noticeable enough for your dive buddy to follow back to you.
I Wanna Hold Your Hand
In severe cases of low visibility, holding your buddy’s hand or using a line can help tremendously. You’ll want to be sure, if you’re using a line, that the line doesn’t become entangled in corals or other marine life. You don’t want to create an emergency situation through making the effort to stay safer underwater. If visibility is that bad, you may want to call the dive altogether.
Remember SCUBA guys and gals, the number one responsibility of a diver is the safety of themselves, their buddy, and others, so stay with your dive buddy and you’ll have plenty of great dives ahead!
