The Buddy System – Responsibility, Safety & Real-World Diving
The Buddy System in Recreational Diving
Understanding Responsibility, Procedures & Safety
The buddy system is one of the most fundamental safety principles in recreational scuba diving. Every certified diver learns it during their Open Water Diver course — but how well do you remember it? And more importantly: how consistently do you apply it in real-world diving?
This guide explains why the buddy system exists, how to dive properly with a buddy, what to do if you lose your buddy, and how responsibility works in guided recreational diving.
Do You Remember Your Open Water Diver Course?
The Open Water Diver course is the first full certification in recreational scuba diving.
During this course you:
- completed theory (classroom or online)
- trained in confined water (pool or limited open water)
- completed 4 open water dives
- and earned your Open Water Diver certification
This certification allows you to dive independently with a buddy, within the limits of your training, rent equipment, and participate in guided dives worldwide.
But an honest question:
Do you still remember what you were taught about the buddy system?
Why Do We Dive in the Buddy System?
The buddy system is not optional — it is a core safety principle of recreational diving.
Important: Unless you are certified and equipped as a Solo Diver, you are bound to the buddy system. Solo diving requires additional training, specialized equipment, and a different certification.
Diving with a buddy is:
- ✓ safer
- ✓ less stressful
- ✓ and simply more enjoyable
A buddy is not just "someone diving next to you", but an active safety partner.
Your buddy can:
- assist in an emergency
- share air if needed
- help with equipment issues
- provide support and reassurance
- communicate and navigate together (see: Hand Signals PDF)
How Do You Dive Properly With a Buddy?
Before the Dive
- perform a buddy check together (BWRAF / SEABAG or similar — see: Pre-Dive Safety Check)
-
verify:
- air supply
- weights
- inflator function
- releases
- correct equipment fit
During the Dive
- maintain constant visual contact
- regularly check each other's air (related: Gas Consumption)
- communicate clearly with hand signals
- adjust speed and depth together
👉 Distance: no more than one arm's length, exactly as taught in the Open Water course.
What To Do If You Lose Your Buddy?
The procedure is clear and trained worldwide:
- Search for a maximum of 1 minute
- If the buddy is not found → controlled ascent
-
No safety stop required, because:
- recreational dives are NDL dives
- a direct ascent is possible at any time without significant risk
This is not an emergency – and not a drama.
Even very experienced divers occasionally lose their buddy or the group. Underwater photographers in particular are well known for focusing on a subject and unintentionally creating distance 😉
That is exactly why the buddy procedure is clearly defined and part of every diver's training.
For more on safety stops and ascent procedures, read: Safety Stop.
Local Tip – Especially for Koh Chang
At most dive sites around Koh Chang:
- a rock or reef structure reaches close to the surface
-
by following the reef shallower, you will naturally:
- reach this structure
- and remain close to the boat
👉 In practice, this means you usually stay within a radius of about 20 meters of the dive boat.
Learn more about our local dive sites: Dive Sites Koh Chang.
What If I Lose My Buddy While Diving in a Group With a Guide?
Very important:
- Immediately signal the guide
- Do not give an "OK" sign if your buddy is missing
-
Especially in reduced visibility:
- the guide cannot see every diver at all times
- your feedback is essential
👉 If your buddy is missing, the dive is interrupted for your buddy team, and the guide must be informed.
Why Do Buddy Separations Happen?
Realistically and honestly:
- reduced visibility is a natural condition
-
causes include:
- wind
- waves
- currents
- tides
👉 Neither the dive operator nor the guide can control these factors.
Under such conditions, buddy awareness becomes even more important:
- keep proper distance
- slow down
- communicate actively
- stay focused
Moving too far apart means leaving the buddy system, intentionally or not.
What Is the Role of the Dive Guide?
The guide:
- leads the dive
- knows the reef
- shows marine life and site-specific highlights
- assists in case of problems
However:
A guide does not replace personal responsibility.
The guide swims ahead.
You remain responsible for yourself and your buddy.
Interested in improving your diving skills? Check out our courses: Advanced Open Water Diver and Rescue Diver.
What If an Entire Buddy Team Gets Separated From the Group?
This depends on the dive briefing, but in general:
- you are two divers, not alone
- you are certified Open Water divers or higher
- you are allowed to dive independently as a buddy team
At our dive operations in Koh Chang:
- maximum dive time: 60 minutes
-
if you do not surface after that time:
- the crew will initiate a search
👉 This is not a failure — it is a defined safety procedure.
Conclusion – Responsibility Is Part of Diving
The buddy system is not a theoretical concept from a textbook.
It is an active responsibility for every
certified diver — in good and challenging conditions.
Guides assist.
Boats provide logistics.
Dive centers ensure organization and safety.
👉 But diving remains a buddy sport.
That is why the buddy system is taught from the very first pool session onward.
