If you’re planning on going scuba diving, it’s important to have a great buddy system in place. Having someone with you who knows the ropes can make your dive much more enjoyable and safer. If you’re an experienced diver, we have some tips on how to be a great scuba diving buddy for less experienced divers. Whether visiting the world-class scuba diving centre in Fujairah or anywhere else in the world, here’s how to be a great scuba buddy.
Never Forget Buddy Checks
Perhaps most importantly, never forget to do buddy checks before diving. This is when you and your buddy go over all your gear to make sure everything is in good working order. This is also a good time to go over any hand signals you might need to use underwater. Even if you have been diving all week with the same person, it is still crucial to do a buddy check before each dive.
Stay Close to Your Buddy
Especially when diving with beginners, it is important to always stay close to your buddy. Once you are both in the water, try to stay within arm’s reach of each other. This way, if there is any trouble, you will be close enough to help. Not only will this help your buddy, but it will also help you if you get into trouble. Working as a team is key to being a good buddy.
Be a Good Listener
When scuba diving, it is important to be a good listener; this is because your life may literally depend on it. If your buddy is trying to tell you something, make sure you are paying attention. It could be something as simple as a problem with their equipment, or it could be something more serious. In any case, it’s critical to be attentive and listen to what they are saying.
Communication is Key
Just as with any relationship, communication is key when scuba diving with a buddy. If you are unsure about anything, make sure to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. You should also let your buddy know if you are feeling uncomfortable or unsafe at any point during the dive. A good rule of thumb is to always err on the side of caution.
Don’t Compete
Every year, there are diving accidents and fatalities reported all over the world. While most of these incidents are due to human error, competition can also be a factor. Remember that you are diving with a buddy, not against them. There is no need to race each other or see who can go the deepest; take your time and enjoy the underwater world around you.
Keep Practicing
Nobody masters the art of being a great buddy on the first attempt. It takes time, patience, and practice. So, keep at it, and soon you’ll be an expert. Whenever possible, dive with others and get feedback on your performance. By doing this, you’ll quickly learn and improve. One of the biggest mistakes that you can make as a diver, in general, is to assume that you know everything. The ocean is an ever-changing environment, so it’s important to always keep learning.
Have Fun
At the end of the day, diving is supposed to be fun. So, make sure that you and your buddy are always enjoying yourselves. If someone isn’t having a good time, take a break and come back to it later. Diving really is more fun with a buddy and you’ll get to share some incredible moments together. There’s no reason to force it if it’s not working out!