What is a dive buddy and why do you need one?

A dive buddy is another diver who plans, enters, and completes the dive with you. The buddy system is the foundation of recreational diving because it adds a layer of awareness and safety that no piece of equipment can replace. Each diver is responsible for monitoring their own air, depth, and safety. Your buddy’s job is not to do that for you but to remind you, back you up, and be there if something goes wrong.

The real purpose of a dive buddy is prevention. Two people paying attention catch small issues before they become serious. A buddy can help you spot leaks, confirm direction, or recognize stress you might overlook in yourself. A good buddy also makes the dive more enjoyable by sharing the experience and keeping communication open. While solo diving is possible with extra training and redundant gear, recreational diving is designed around having someone nearby who knows your plan, your signals, and your limits.

Buddy Skills

Strengthen your teamwork with practical buddy skills, from clear role assignment and positioning to mentoring new divers and handling challenging situations.

Teamwork Skills

Build effective team diving habits with skills that improve awareness, shared responsibility, and coordinated ascents from start to finish.

Handling Bad Buddy

A bad buddy is about attitude, not experience. This guide shows how to spot risky behavior, address it calmly, and know when not to dive with them.