Diving Etiquette - The Buddy

By Claudio Di Manao

"Who's this guy who wants to teach us how to behave? Do we really need this?"

The first misconception is that common sense is a kind of talking cricket, ready to suggest the best way to behave under any circumstance.

Boats and sea depths are unfamiliar environments for most people, so there's always the risk of taking a faulty step.
 
Most codes of conduct were created to prevent misunderstandings from triggering duels, wars and other unpleasant events. On average, diving incidents are less dramatic, but remember that propellers and nitrogen can do as much damage as swords and katanas.

Let's face it: the way some divers behave can be annoying. Luckily, there's also a lot to laugh about. Blunders and mistakes are often the sparks that trigger fun and laughter.

This series on diving etiquette is the result of careful observation of divers, their social behaviour and, of course, from experience, as defined by Oscar Wilde: The Sum of Our Mistakes.

THE BUDDY | Some divers find it hard to believe, but safety and fun in diving both rest on the same foundation: the buddy system. Simply put, thanks to a close companion, you can count on extra help and air supply. Four eyes are better than two for safety checks and to enlarge the scope of our observation. Two people see more than one and can have more fun together.

Treating your buddy well and ensuring they are at ease is the duty of every diver. If you don't, then it is very likely they'll get even, ignore you or fail to report that fantastic whale shark's passage while you adjust your BCD. So, whether your buddy is the one you brought from home or found on-site, respect and duties remain the same. Little friendliness will go a long way if you don't know each other yet.

Present yourself as a diver. Go beyond a friendly smile and a "Hi. I'm John". Tell (briefly!) about yourself, your experience, and what you like to see underwater. Breaking the ice using these conversation topics will help your buddy pay more attention to you and talk about their dives and expectations. Ask them where he dived and how many dives he has in the logbook. Show yourself genuinely interested in their experiences. Knowing their limits will help prevent surprises underwater or make you more confident. Ask them where they prefer to position themselves to you because you both should find each other at a glance, just by turning your head. New buddies can be easily recognised by their continuously rotating on three axes. If you brought your buddy from home, you do NOT need to ask them again about their life.
 
Adjust your pace, depth and timing to their abilities and air consumption. If your buddy is less experienced than you are, be courteous by adapting to their skills and the limits of their certification, and not vice versa. Avoid making them uncomfortable or putting them in a stressful situation. Sneaking to 40 meters to admire a gorgonian while leaving an Open Water buddy at 18 metres ("but it was only for a little while!") is just rude.

Agree on underwater signals. Shakers, ducks and balls are (unfortunately) very common, and everyone knows how to recognise them. However, only some know you can scream in the regulator to be heard. If you want to use this system, tell the buddy and do some tests while on the surface.

Grabbing someone by the fins is not the best option, but still better than a slap on the thigh. The shoulder is the right place to (gently) touch people, if needed, even underwater.
 
Communicate. Show your buddy what you find interesting. But avoid prolonged contemplation of things your partner might discover as dull as a road sign. Ten minutes in front of an artillery bullet is a long time if your buddy is not a military history lover. If, on the other hand, you are matched with an underwater photographer, then ask the diving centre manager for a substantial discount on the dive!

DONT'S | Avoid grabbing your buddy by the BCD hose if he has lost control and is sinking. The reason for this should be apparent. If not, it may be time to re-read your Open Water manual, equipment and buddy-system sections.

Tricks and jokes, like closing the air or removing masks, especially with a buddy you do not know well, are inappropriate and may precipitate life-threatening situations.

Use the P-valve when close to your buddy. Urinating in a wetsuit is OK – if it is your own!

FINAL CONSIDERATIONS | Whether your buddy is a stranger or a life-long dive companion, always extend the courtesy of doing a safety check, even if it is a simple dive boat like a rubber dinghy: this is one of the most neglected rules. It's a little thing that takes less than a minute but guarantees safety and comfort.

Abandoning your buddy, both in the water and on the surface, is not only rude. In the event of an accident, this could have legal consequences.

Divemaster tip. Unless a particular dive centre has specific guidelines (e.g., pairing up people who know each other), experts should be paired with experts and newbies with newbies. A golden rule is to create harmonious pairs if you are organising the dive and assigning buddies to each other. I know it can be more demanding, but the usual method of placing divers who need more attention closer to you is a wise decision. After all, experienced divers who paid for the dive are not there to take care of others: that's your job!