What is the role of a dive buddy?

The role of a dive buddy is fundamentally centered on providing assistance and ensuring safety throughout the dive. A dive buddy system is an essential safety practice in scuba diving, where two divers pair up to look out for each other. This cooperative approach helps mitigate risks associated with underwater diving, such as assisting in case of equipment failure, providing aid in emergency situations, and ensuring that each diver adheres to safe diving practices.

Having a dive buddy allows for mutual monitoring; divers can observe each other for signs of distress, help manage air supply, and assist with navigation or any potential issues arising during a dive. The buddy system promotes caution and shared responsibility, fostering a safer diving environment. While aspects such as guiding the dive route or sharing gear may be part of a dive, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a dive buddy as clearly as the emphasis on safety and assistance does.