Buddy System

[MXGratefulDiver]

Bob, THAT is a story that needs to be broadcast! People really need to read about this event to hammer home the importance of following lost buddy process.

Our LDS used to send new divers and pretty well anyone who wanted a buddy to join us on our regularly scheduled dives. We got fed up when we started having dives ruined by divers harassing critters, ignoring dive plans, buddy procedures and not fitting with our rather environmentally committed group.

The last straw when one did exactly what you describe. Separated from the group and his assigned buddy in poor viz and continued the dive anyway. The group (we weren't there that dive) surfaced, left two on the surface to watch for him when he didn't surface, two went down to do a search pattern, didn't locate then all were on the way to shore to call emergency services when the guy nonchalantly exited. When he saw nothing wrong with what he did, he was told he was not welcome to dive with our group in the future. Now we have a "closed group" and only a group member can invite someone to dive with us then the group will decide if they will be invited back. It has sure made our dives much safer and more enjoyable.

... and I guarantee you that the person who "trained" those divers now refers to your group as elitists ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

---------- Post Merged at 04:43 AM ---------- Previous Post was at 04:39 AM ----------

I must say, that in our club, if you lose your buddy, then, no-one will surface. What will happen is that the buddy-less divers will then continue the dive alone or return to the anchor or exit. This is something that we have all agreed on. However, this does not apply if we have a new or experienced diver with us.

In most cases, to surface when on a shore dive will have more danger (from boats) than the dive back to the exit. For boat dives, then it is safer to swim back to the anchor. In 40 years, this has never caused a problem.

I should say that our divers have probably an average of 750+ dives as a minimum and are used to diving in all sorts of conditions.

... and this isn't a problem as long as it's the plan, and everyone expects it.

We've all heard "plan your dive and dive your plan" ... but who out there really comprehends what it means? Most divers don't even bother with a plan ... they just jump in the water and follow someone else around, trusting them to know what they're doing.

It means ... at the most basic level ... that your buddy should be able to predict what you're going to do. Buddy diving is all about predictable behavior. When you do something that your buddy isn't expecting ... or something you didn't discuss and agree to ... it can lead to stress. And stress leads to accidents.

That's the point. What you do is less important than that the person(s) you entered the water with know to expect you to do it ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)