One more reason

[Trace Malinowski]

In any sport, team-building takes time. As divers, we are handicapped by the fact that we can't usually communicate our needs by speaking. When backpacking, if one person is walking too fast, the other can simply say, "Slow down." The buddy system usually only benefits the weaker teammate unless adequate training takes place to allow two individuals to work together in unison. The system is flawed in that respect, but fortunately, recreational diving is relatively safe. Since most of the "bad buddies" we meet come from times like you describe where two divers are partnered together temporarily, it often just isn't worth the time to fix issues and create a working team. Time has become a precious commodity and it does seem easier to invest this valuable resource in the joys of our own pursuits rather than endure the frustration and time required to create solid teams.

 

[lowviz]

So teams are everything?

 

[chillyinCanada]

kharon et al: what's the problem? You like to solo dive and so does your assigned "buddy" (wicked grin)

People wonder why I keep going back to the same places to dive. One reason is because they know me and don't try to pair me up with a "buddy". Ya . . . :^)

 

[Trace Malinowski]

So teams are everything?

Not at all. Even in the best unified teams peer pressure and self-imposed pressure not to let buddies down creates a safety issue that may be comparable to the safety issue of not having help when solo.

Alone, you may not bite off more than you can chew because you can dive within your comfort zone at any given time being solely responsible to and for yourself. In teams, you may be forced outside your comfort zone causing stress, which may be a link in an accident chain, or affect your ability to effectively lifeguard teammates.

In a team, you have more help, but you may be placed at risk by a diver needing help. Solo you don't have help, but you reduce your risk of being placed in danger in a lifeguard role.

Redundancy of equipment and gas is needed in both cases. In teams, your buddies may have gear and gas, but they may be too far away if not paying attention to team awareness. Solo divers may have gear and gas on them, but are not always able to reach or operate redundant equipment.

The worst type of diving is when divers are buddied with strangers providing a false sense of security. Their abilities to donate gas or rescue one another are unknown. You really have two solo divers now handicapped by the unknown.

 

[DaleC]

Trace.. Excellent post.

 

[lowviz]

Definitive post. Cut, copied, and laminated.

 

[victorzamora]

Awesome post, Trace!

One thing to add is that a typical buddy team is the equivalent of two people sharing one set of redundant gear. All but a perfect buddy will act like someone shielding you from the rest of your gear.