Three-Diver Buddy Teams
Who looks out for the third buddy? Short answer: nobody.
Three-buddy "teams" are notorious for neglecting one diver, especially when the
third is a stranger to the first two. That happens often when a divemaster tells
the single diver, "You buddy with these two." The existing buddy pair doesn't
know him, doesn't want him and easily forgets him. Groups dilute individual
responsibility: each of the first two can imagine that the other is watching the
outsider. If it's offered to you, refuse the threesome and buddy with the
divemaster instead.
Same Ocean Buddies
In the real diving world, experienced divers often agree that
they'll dive as "same ocean buddies." In essence, they agree to look out for
each other before and after the dive, but to effectively dive solo when they
submerge. For reasons of both safety and liability, the practice is taboo on
most dive boats and forbidden by training agencies. But why not legitimize the
practice as an option for divers who choose to exercise it?a€?
Same ocean buddies could be expected to carry redundant gear or even have solo
certification. They would agree to help each other gear up and check each
other's readiness to dive until the moment they both leave the surface. After
surfacing and returning to the boat, they would agree to help each other with
gear, watch each other for DCS signs and make sure the other diver is accounted
for.Divers often vote with their fins against "shotgun"
buddy weddings and end up as unintentional same ocean buddies. At least when
divers agree on the practice in advance, they're prepared for any additional
risks.
By John Francis
|
