How to Be a Good Dive Buddy

How to Be a Good Dive Buddy

When you’re underwater, your dive buddy is more than just a companion—they’re your lifeline, your partner, and your biggest safety net. Being a good dive buddy isn’t just about sticking close; it’s about trust, communication, and knowing how to support each other. Here’s how you can become the dive buddy everyone hopes for.


Why It Matters So Much
The buddy system is the cornerstone of safe diving, but it’s also about shared experiences. The underwater world is mesmerizing, but it’s not without risks—no diver is completely self-sufficient. Your buddy is there to double-check your gear, monitor your safety, and step in when something doesn’t go as planned.
More importantly, being a good dive buddy builds trust, strengthens friendships, and turns dives into unforgettable shared adventures. Whether you’re exploring vibrant reefs or navigating deep wrecks, knowing someone has your back gives you the confidence to truly enjoy the dive.


Safety, Limits, and Overcommunication
A good dive buddy prioritises preparation and communication at every stage—before, during, and after the dive.

  1. Stay Dive-Fit: Being a responsible buddy starts with yourself. Stay physically fit for diving, keep your skills sharp, and make sure you’re mentally ready to hit the water.

  2. The Buddy Check: Never skip a proper buddy check. This simple step can prevent many potential problems underwater. Take the time to check your buddy’s gear and ensure everything is functioning perfectly.

  3. Know Your Limits: Recognize when you or your buddy might not be fit to dive—whether it’s fatigue, illness, or nerves. There’s no shame in calling off a dive. A good buddy respects boundaries and knows that safety always comes first.

  4. Over-Communicate: Before diving, discuss your dive plan, hand signals, and emergency procedures in detail. Underwater, frequent eye contact and clear signals help you stay connected. If something doesn’t feel right, communicate immediately—overcommunicating is always better than staying silent.

 

Anxiety in Diving
Diving can be an overwhelming experience, even for seasoned divers. Being a good dive buddy means knowing how to recognise anxiety in your partner and supporting them through it.

  • Recognise the Signs: Look for irregular breathing, hesitation, wide eyes/avoiding eye contact, or erratic movements. Anxiety can sneak up on anyone, especially in unfamiliar conditions like strong currents or deep dives.

  • Respond Calmly: If you notice your buddy is anxious, stay calm and reassuring. Slow your movements and breathing, signal them to do the same, and offer physical reassurance like an OK signal or gently taking their hand.

  • Know When to Surface: Sometimes the best way to help an anxious buddy is to end the dive early. Safety always trumps pride.

  • Take the Rescue Diver Course and/or basic freediver course: If you want to feel even more confident helping an anxious or distressed buddy, these courses are a  game-changer. This course teaches you how to recognise stress, respond to emergencies, and support your dive buddy in any situation. It’s one of the most empowering steps you can take as a diver!

 

The Dive Buddy You Want to Be
Being a good dive buddy is about more than following rules—it’s about being dependable, prepared, and compassionate. The ocean challenges us, but it also brings us together. By prioritizing safety, communication, and empathy, you can ensure every dive is a safe and joyful experience for you and your buddy.
At Dive Like a Girl NZ, we know that great dive buddies lift each other up and make every underwater moment count. So, who will you buddy up with on your next dive?

 

Maureen Placente
Dive Like a Girl NZ- Wellington volunteer
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