Agree the rule before diving
Do not wait until separation happens. Agree the lost buddy procedure, search time, ascent plan and surface meeting point during the briefing.
Diving Safety & First Aid
Lost Buddy Procedure for Divers
A calm, simple plan for one of the most common underwater problems.
Know the plan before anyone gets separated
Buddy separation can happen in low visibility, current, busy sites, photography dives or when divers focus on different things. The key is not to improvise underwater. Agree the procedure before the dive.
Many training protocols use a brief search followed by a safe ascent if the buddy is not found. The details may vary by agency, site and local briefing, so follow your training and the plan agreed before the dive.
Key points
Practical reminders to discuss before the dive and apply within your training and local briefing.
Do not chase bubbles blindly
Bubbles can belong to another diver. Stay controlled, search sensibly and avoid creating a second problem by rushing or losing depth control.
Surface safely
If the search does not reunite the team, ascend at a safe rate, monitor gas and make yourself visible at the surface.
Photography needs extra discipline
Macro photographers may separate while following different subjects. Keep buddy contact active and agree how close you will stay.
Important note
This guide gives general awareness only. Follow your training agency, instructor, dive guide and local site briefing for the exact lost buddy procedure used on your dive.
This guide is for general diver education and does not replace formal training, medical advice or the guidance of your instructor, dive centre, emergency services or a diving doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I search for a lost buddy?
Follow your training and the dive briefing. Many recreational procedures use a short search of around one minute before ascending safely if the buddy is not found.
Should I continue the dive if I cannot find my buddy?
In normal recreational diving, no. If you cannot reunite underwater, ascend safely, establish buoyancy and reunite at the surface or with the boat or shore team.
What should I do first if my buddy disappears?
Stop, control your breathing and look around carefully. Check above, below, behind and around the last known position before following the agreed procedure.
Should I deploy an SMB during a lost buddy ascent?
Use an SMB or DSMB if it is part of the local procedure and you are trained and able to deploy it safely without creating entanglement or ascent problems.
Why do photographers lose buddies?
Camera focus can narrow awareness. A photographer may stay with a subject while the buddy moves on, or both divers may follow different subjects without noticing.
How can a buddy team prevent separation?
Agree roles, stay close enough to assist, signal before moving, check each other frequently and avoid long periods of camera tunnel vision.
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