Every diver’s got a story about a legendary buddy — the one who spotted the tiny frogfish, shared snacks on the boat, and made the whole trip better. And then… there are the other stories. The ones about the buddy who disappeared as soon as they hit the water, or who turned up late, still half-asleep, as everyone else was kitted up.
Being a good buddy isn’t complicated, but it does make a huge difference. Here’s how to keep your dives safe, smooth, and fun for both of you.
Pre-Dive: Don’t Be That Diver
Nothing kills dive vibes like waiting on the one person who’s always late. Being a good buddy starts topside:
- Be on time, be kitted up, and be ready when the boat’s ready.
- Do a proper buddy check — not just a quick pat on the cylinder.
- Talk about the dive plan: depth, time, signals, and what you both want out of it. (One of you might be hunting for nudis, the other for wrecks — worth knowing before you jump in.)
Underwater Etiquette
Good buddying isn’t about being glued together, but it’s also not about vanishing into the blue.
- Stay in sight — close enough to help, far enough not to bump masks.
- Match pace and depth. Nobody loves a yo-yo diver.
- Share the dive. If you’re all about macro, don’t drag your wide-angle buddy 20m off course and vice versa.
Situational Awareness
A buddy’s not there just in case something goes wrong — they help you avoid things going wrong.
- Keep an eye on your buddy’s air and body language, not just your own.
- Be predictable. Sudden turns or chasing after a turtle leaves your buddy wondering where you’ve gone.
- Respect limits. If your buddy’s not feeling the current or the depth, dial it back.
Be Useful, Not a Liability
The best buddies are the ones you know have your back.
- Carry the extra basics: torch, SMB, maybe a slate. Little things that make you a stronger dive partner.
- Be self-sufficient with your own kit.
- Don’t treat your buddy like your personal guide. It’s teamwork, not babysitting.
Surface Interval Behaviour
Being a good buddy doesn’t stop when you hit the surface.
- Keep it positive — even if the dive wasn’t perfect.
- Share the best bits (that octopus sighting, not just your foggy mask drama).
- Remember, a good vibe on the surface = a better dive next time.
FAQs
Q: Why is having a good dive buddy important?
A dive buddy improves safety, helps manage unexpected issues, and makes the whole experience more fun.
Q: What’s the most important dive buddy rule?
Stay close, stay visible, and communicate — everything else builds from there.
Q: Can you dive without a buddy?
Solo diving exists, but for most divers (especially recreational), a buddy is the safest and smartest option.
At the end of the day, being a good dive buddy isn’t about following a rulebook — it’s about making dives safer, smoother, and way more enjoyable. A solid buddy can turn an average dive into one you’ll be talking about for years.
