It's interesting that this thread came up after I was just recently out with another open water class in yet again, terrible visibility. I made a joke about using a retractable dog leash and just reeling them in if they go out to far. hehe... I'm kidding of course, and I would never want to see any diver actually attached to another, but bad visibilty, especially with open water students stirring things up, is a fact of life in these parts. We use a line across the bottom for skills, but of course they need to let go of that line to go on their tours. Instructors and DMs use lights for improved visibility and communication, and try to surround students as well as possible with staff, or break off into small groups, where applicible, but it can still be a challenge. I've used the hand-holding technique, but I like to have my hands free for lights, compass, signalling and checking gauges (not to mention it can throw off your buoyancy being linked to a new diver like this) I've also used gauge holding, and to stay together on descent (once they're beyond decending with the float line) it can work ok, but I don't like it for actual diving as we should all be able to check our own gauges at all times, and of course not let them dangle. Of course keeping open water students in sight and safe is priorty one, so I am curious about the buddy line. I've never tried it myself. If it were relatively short, and only held, never attached, it sounds like it could be useful with students? Are there any other DMs (or instructors) out there who have thoughts on this, or have tried it?