How to Find a Dive Buddy

Safe diving involves diving with a buddy for assistance, redundancies and enjoyment. In the unlikely event of an emergency, open water divers are trained to use their buddy's alternate air. In a predive safety check, the buddy system provides a method of checking gear set up and safe dive planning. For most divers, especially underwater photographers, a dive buddy helps to point out interesting subjects to make each dive memorable. Finding a dive buddy requires time and patience--establishing a network of dive buddies ensures that you continue to keep your skills current by diving more often and each person shares his experiences and knowledge with the other.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Telephone
• Internet access

Dive Shops

1. Contact your local dive shops. Most dive shops offer dive clubs or have clubs affiliated with them. Dive clubs sponsor local group events and pair up members for that day or dive.
   The dive club members often exchange contact information for local trips outside organized group outings.

2. Contact dive shops in an area where there are popular dive spots to see whether they have a dive club. The dive shops also are reliable sources to find a divemaster, who may introduce you to other divers.

3. Take a scuba class. Even though you're certified as an open water diver, specialty and advanced courses are available, and you may find a dive buddy who shares your interests. (During your class partners are usually assigned for the ocean dives.)

4. Contact dive boat operators and let them know you'll need a dive buddy. The divemasters on the boats can pair single divers during the trip, or include single divers with their tour group.

Scuba Associations and Internet

5. Enroll in your scuba association. Many associations have community services and social networking set up. For example, the Professional Association of Dive Instructors provides a profile page with a "Buddy Finder" section.

6. Subscibe to scuba diving newsletters. Many diving newsletters and publications have websites where divers can seek buddies.

7. Browse the "Activities" section in your local Craigslist for divers seeking dive buddies. Or, post for a dive buddy as an activity partner.

Are You a Good Dive Buddy?

8. Ask your dive buddy how long he's been diving and where. Be prepared to answer the same questions.

9. Ask your dive buddy about her experiences and her usual dive buddy. This will give you insight into her level of adventure and whether she needs additional attention. Clearly state your limits for safety and comfort.

10. Make sure your dive buddy has an alternate air source and that you know how to use it. If the gear looks unfamiliar, ask your buddy how it works and seek technical information. Wait for these details before making any comments about its age.

11. Perform your buddy check before entering the water. Each diver should be familiar with her buddy's gear. Check that equipment is properly turned on and set up.

Tips & Warnings

• If diving with someone for the first time, dive in an area with a lot of dive traffic. If you don't know that person, talk with him over the phone or meet before your dive excursion. If your soon to be dive buddy mentions that he's a dive professional, verify that with the certifying agency.
• If you don't feel comfortable diving with that person, don't dive. Be careful if someone doesn't have the correct gear and wants to borrow yours or uses makeshift solutions.

References

• PADI Profile
• Dive Club of Silicon Valley
• Scuba Board Buddy Forum

Resources

• SF Craigslist

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