Dive Buddy vs. Solo Diving: Weighing the Pros and Cons for Safe and Enjoyable Dives

Introduction

Scuba diving is an incredible hobby, I have met many of my closest friends through diving, and diving with a friend can be an incredible experience. However, sometimes you are in a position where people you know are not available to dive with. It could be because you’re taking a holiday others couldn’t make it on, it could be because you have a Monday off work. For many, this lack of a buddy can cause a frustration with diving and cause people to not dive as much. The traditional practice of diving with a buddy remains prevalent in the diving community and also across training standards, but do we always need to have a buddy to go diving?  This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of having a dive buddy, incorporates expert opinions, and discusses the additional measures necessary for solo diving.

The Cultural and Historical Context of the Buddy System

The widespread belief in the necessity of a dive buddy stems from both cultural and historical contexts within the diving community. The buddy system was established as a foundational principle in the early days of recreational scuba diving, primarily for safety reasons. Diving agencies, such as PADI and NAUI, have ingrained the buddy system into their training curricula, emphasizing its role in ensuring diver safety and minimizing risks. The rationale is that having a companion underwater significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents, as buddies can assist each other in emergencies, monitor each other’s status, and provide moral support. This training approach has been reinforced by numerous case studies and incident reports highlighting situations where a dive buddy played a crucial role in averting disaster. Consequently, divers are taught from their very first certification courses that a buddy is not just a companion but an essential safety measure. This long-standing tradition has cultivated a deep-rooted belief in the indispensability of the buddy system, shaping the practices and mindset of divers worldwide.

The Advantages of Having a Dive Buddy

Safety and Emergency Assistance:

One of the most significant benefits of having a dive buddy is the enhanced safety it can provide. In case of an emergency, such as equipment failure, disorientation, or medical issues, a buddy can offer immediate assistance. According to Dr. Richard Vann, a diving safety expert at Duke University Medical Center, “A buddy system significantly reduces the risk of dive accidents, as divers can monitor each other for signs of distress and intervene if necessary.”

Shared Experience:

Diving with a buddy also means sharing the underwater experience. Whether it’s pointing out a rare marine creature or navigating through a ship wreck, having someone to share these moments with can enhance the enjoyment of the dive. Marine biologist and seasoned diver Dr. Sylvia Earle emphasizes, “Diving is not just about exploring; it’s also about connection—both with the underwater world and with your dive partner.”

Navigational Support:

Navigating underwater can be challenging due to the lack of landmarks and the potential for limited visibility. A dive buddy can help with orientation and ensure that divers stay on course. This mutual support system can prevent divers from becoming lost or separated from their intended dive site.

The Disadvantages of Having a Dive Buddy

Compatibility Issues:

One of the primary drawbacks of diving with a buddy is the potential for compatibility issues. Divers may have different skill levels, air consumption rates, or interests, which can lead to a less enjoyable experience. As noted by veteran dive instructor John Bentley, “Mismatched buddies can lead to frustration and potentially dangerous situations if one diver feels pressured to keep up with the other.”

Dependency:

Relying too heavily on a dive buddy can sometimes lead to a lack of self-reliance. Divers who are accustomed to having a buddy may become complacent about their own skills and safety procedures. This dependency can be problematic in situations where a buddy is not available or gets separated during a dive.

Logistical Challenges:

Coordinating with a dive buddy can also introduce logistical challenges. Scheduling dives, agreeing on dive plans, and accommodating each other’s preferences can sometimes complicate the diving experience. This is particularly true for divers who travel solo or those who prefer spontaneous diving adventures.

Getting “Paired Up”:

When traveling solo on a dive trip, it's common for captains or cruise directors to "pair up" divers without a buddy. Typically, an experienced diver will be matched with a less experienced one. While this practice ensures that all divers have a buddy, it can lead to an unbalanced experience. For the more experienced diver, having to monitor and assist a beginner can detract from the dive's enjoyment, especially if the novice diver relies heavily on their buddy for essential tasks like navigation or deploying a DSMB. This dynamic can create added pressure and reduce the freedom that more experienced divers often seek.

Expert Opinions on Solo Diving

While diving with a buddy is the norm, solo diving is gaining acceptance in the diving community, particularly among experienced and technical divers. Solo diving advocates argue that with proper training and equipment, diving alone can be safe and liberating. Renowned technical diver Jill Heinerth explains, “Solo diving requires a high level of self-sufficiency and preparedness, but it offers unmatched freedom and the ability to dive at your own pace.”

Additional Measures for Solo Diving

Advanced Training:

Solo divers should undertake specialized training, such as a solo diving or self-reliant diver course. These courses teach essential skills, including advanced navigation, self-rescue techniques, and equipment redundancy.

Equipment Redundancy:

Solo divers must carry redundant equipment to handle potential failures. This includes an extra regulator, a backup air source and additional dive computer. Having a well-thought-out equipment setup can mitigate risks associated with solo diving.

Dive Planning and Communication:

Thorough dive planning is crucial for solo divers. They should inform someone on land about their dive plan, including entry and exit points, dive duration, and emergency procedures. Utilizing surface signaling devices and underwater communication tools can also enhance safety.

Conclusion

The decision to dive with a buddy or solo is deeply personal and depends on individual preferences, experience levels, and the specific dive conditions. While having a dive buddy offers significant safety benefits, shared experiences, and navigational support, it can also present compatibility issues, dependency risks, and logistical challenges. Solo diving, on the other hand, demands a high level of self-reliance, advanced training, and meticulous planning but provides unparalleled freedom. I personally enjoy to solo dive, I find it relaxing as I no longer have another person to worry about, but this confidence comes after thousands of dives in all sorts of conditions and taking many different training courses. Solo diving is not something to be taken lightly, but can be some of the most enjoyable diving you will ever do.