News
Dive Buddy Assessment – Increasing Safety with a New Dive Buddy
Chris had just over 100 dives under his belt and thought himself to be an experienced diver, though he hadn’t dived in over a year. He recently moved back to the west coast from Oklahoma and joined a local diving group. Eager to dive as soon as possible, Chris buddied up with Nick, a stranger from the dive group. Nick was glad to learn that his new buddy was experienced because he was barely just certified with fewer than 20 dives. Though Nick had dived the local waters, he still wasn’t quite comfortable with his new skills and wanted to make sure that if something went wrong, a more experienced diver would be there to assist. Since Chris hadn’t dived in the area for some time, he was glad to be buddied up with someone who was more recently familiar with the site and he was happy to help out a newly certified diver with adding some dives to their logbook. They reviewed hand signals and did the proper buddy check procedures before entering the water.
Unfortunately, this dive would put one of these divers in the emergency room.
What went wrong? Chris didn’t tell Nick that his gear was in storage for over a year and that he hadn’t dived in as much time. Chris was overconfident in his diving skills and decided not to take a refresher course. As an Open Water diver, Nick was limited to 60 feet (18.3 meters) so the two divers planned to not exceed that depth. However, after 25 minutes at depth, Chris’ inflator valve stuck open and he began a rapid ascent to the surface. Now in a full panic, Chris held his breath the whole way up and was consequentially treated for pulmonary barotrauma at the local hospital. Nick was angry that Chris failed to tell him about his diving history and lack of equipment maintenance (in this case, a rusted inflator mechanism that was easily replaced). Nick felt that if Chris had shared more information, he would have considered finding a different buddy and diving with Chris once he had gone through a refresher course and had his gear inspected.
It is without doubt that there are things that Chris should have done better, but what if Nick was equipped with a way to determine if his new buddy was safe to dive with? In our Open Water class we are taught how to assess the water conditions, plan a dive, conduct a pre-dive buddy check, how to communicate with each other under water and practice out of air situations but we’re never taught how to find a safe buddy. We are encouraged to exchange numbers with people in our class and dive with them, but that’s not always realistic if you have different diving plans than they do (for example, they are vacation divers and you want to dive locally). Sometimes newly certified divers are left looking for buddies to dive with and so join dive groups where those needs are met. Seasoned divers can wind up in a situation where a new diver asks to join them or where, for various reasons, they are buddied up with a stranger on a dive boat. We are not taught how to assess a potential dive buddy and ensure our (and their) safety before jumping into the water with them. What if you instead asked qualifying questions that enabled you to determine if you want to dive with this person or not?
Here are some example questions that you can ask when you are approached by another diver who you are unfamiliar with and who wishes to dive with you:
1. What is your diving experience (number of dives and certification level)?
Determines if this is a newer or infrequent diver who may need some encouragement. Are you comfortable with their certification level and potential depth limits?
2. How many dives do you have in this location and in these conditions?
Our certification qualifies us to dive in conditions similar to what we were trained in. Can this diver handle getting through the surf, maintain composure in low visibility or conduct a night dive in an unfamiliar environment?
3. When was the last time you dived?
Don’t be deceived. Just because someone tells you that they have 400 dives doesn’t mean that they have been in the water recently. Are you comfortable risking safety to dive with someone who may not remember how to assist you if you need help or who may panic when their mask floods?
4. How is your gear working and do you have it serviced regularly?
Determines if they care about their safety in the water and ensures you have a reliable air source in an out of air emergency. How do you know if they have the skills to handle an equipment failure? If they dived recently, did they encounter any gear problems?
5. How long are your dives and what is your average depth?
This is a quick way to help determine who may be the first to run out of air. Are they using steel or aluminum tanks and what is their capacity?
It would be inappropriate to ask people about their medical or physical conditions, but you should use your own best judgment to determine if you want to dive with someone who appears to have obvious signs of impairment that you are uncomfortable with. For example, I’ve heard of people who reeked of alcohol insisting they were fit to dive. That’s definitely not someone anyone should want to dive with!
You can tailor questions to fellow divers to suit your needs. For instance, if you are a wreck diver, your questions would be changed to satisfy the skills needed on a dive to penetrate a ship. The idea is to encourage you to ask questions to benefit the safety of you and your buddy. Keep in mind that if you are asking questions and don’t feel like the other person is being honest with you, follow your gut instinct. If you find out that they weren’t being honest (maybe after something goes wrong) then at least you did your part in attempting to ensure your (and the other diver’s) safety. If you feel uncomfortable asking divers questions about their skills and level of diving consider what the consequences are if you don’t. I’d rather tell a diver, “No, I don’t feel comfortable diving with you until you have your gear serviced or take a refresher course,” than face a family who is mourning the loss of their loved one because of a gear malfunction that contributed to their death.
Also, consider that as you ask another diver questions about their skills and comfort levels, you too may want to volunteer the same information to them. If you are a new diver looking to dive with others, ask questions and reciprocate with honesty about your skill level as well. Know that divers may feel hesitant to dive with you, so be candid about your weaknesses and point out your strengths. This tells them that, in the least, you have an understanding of what you’re doing in and out of the water as a newly certified diver.
Of course, there are some divers that are okay jumping in the water with just anyone and that’s fine if he or she is comfortable with the risks. However, there are plenty of divers out there that have scary buddy stories to tell or who may have had a better experience if they had taken steps to find out a little more about their new dive buddy. Of course, asking questions doesn’t mean that it’s ultimately going to eliminate any dangers. We all know that anyone, no matter his or her skill level, can have a bad day in the water, even leading to loss of life. Unexpected things do happen. However, by putting information out on the table from the start increases your chances of having a great day in the water. It can help determine a safer dive plan, lead to improved buddy alertness, boost skill confidence, enhance safety awareness, and most importantly build a foundation of trust with a potential lifelong diving friend.
The above story is based on true events. Names and details have been changed to protect privacy.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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