How to Choose a Dive Buddy

Scuba divers must always dive with a dive buddy. If you don’t bring your own dive buddy, you will be able to find one on the dive boat. A dive buddy can be a true life saver; so choose wisely and communicate well. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

How to Choose a Dive Buddy

1. Check in with the dive boat captain or a crew member and let him know that you do not have a dive buddy. She will help pair you with another scuba diver that needs a dive buddy. It is also a good idea to chat up your fellow divers and see if any are diving alone. This way, you can find your own dive buddy.
2. Once you have a dive buddy, it is a good idea to have your gear next to each other. This makes it easier to communicate and makes exiting the boat for your dive much easier. Set your gear up next to your dive buddy’s gear.
3. Once you and your dive buddy have set up your scuba equipment, you should check each other’s equipment. Make sure the equipment has been assembled correctly.
4. Talk with your buddy to find out his diving style. Does she like to dive slow and easy, or is she in a rush to get to the end of the dive? Let him know what your diving style is. You and your dive buddy should be in agreement on how you should proceed with your dive. For example, are you or your dive buddy a photographer? Discuss how you want to handle stopping for pictures. And you should always stick to the dive plan.
5. Review hand signals with your dive buddy. These are life saving tools for a scuba diver. Common hand signals include: “Okay," “Stop," “Up," “Down," “I’m out of air,” “Share air.”
6. Once your dive boat captain or crew member has given the dive briefing, you and your dive buddy should develop your dive plan. But remember, you should always follow the captain’s instructions. You don’t want to end up adrift! You and your buddy should discuss the following questions:
   a. Who will lead the dive?
   b. How deep should the dive go?
   c. How long should the dive last?
   d. What is the course of the dive?
   e. How far apart should we be? (The recommended protocol is two arms length apart for you and your dive buddy). This makes it easier to communicate and it keeps your buddy in sight at all times).
   f. How do we end the dive if there is a problem or an emergency?
7. Scuba Diving in Cozumel Once you get to the dive site and the captain tells you “The pool is open," it’s time to get wet! Go diving with your new buddy!

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot get along with your dive buddy, or if you are uncomfortable with him, feel free to let the crew know so that they can pair you with another dive buddy--or pair the both of you with a larger group.
• Scuba diving can be a dangerous sport. No one should attempt scuba diving who has not been properly certified or who isn’t being taught by a certified dive instructor.
• If you ever feel sick, your gear fails, or you feel uncomfortable at any time on the dive, you should end the dive. Signal your buddy. Make sure that both of you ascend. You should both follow proper ascent procedures.