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<font color='#000080'>Having thought about this for some time I have to say I am going to ensure that I understand and agree all signals from my buddy. I do a proper buddy check before every dive, so I know their kit, they know I know their kit, they know my kit, I know they know my kit, and that it all works and is plugged in.
A favourite of mine is I never plug in my drysuit hose, which is usually when I pick it up, on a buddy check.
And as discussed at length with Daz, My buddy and I are in full understanding and agreement that we are a buddy pair, which means we STICK TOGETHER. Size by side, at am arms reach and a slight glance away. Non of this (as has happened in the past) I'll lead and you'll probably end up following 'Behind'. No Your either next to me, or I'll remind you that you should be. If for any reason I or my buddy have any problems whatsoever, we'll be right with each other. My Octopus/Pony will literally be an arms length away and visa versa. there is no point buddying with someone if your not there right when they need you.
I know this is going to sound very anal and restrictive, especially those who like to wonder off and do their own thing. I'm not saying you can't wonder off, just tell me and I'll follow you, right beside you! at all times. These sorts of things I think, should be all agreed on before we enter the water. I appologise if I has upset you with this. I'm not starting a training thing, just a Dicipline thing. If anyone feels they don't want to dive with an upstart like me, I'm quite happy for you to feel that way.
Before all hell breaks free on me, please remember that Daz's original post asked what we should do when diving with a buddy who we have not met before and who's practices and experience we can't be cirtain of. If like a lot of diver on here I'm sure, you dive with your buddy every weekend and have developed some super human sixth sense then fine carry on, fill your boots even. This statement from me is aimed at what I will be doing in the future and what I see as 'good practice' for those what have not dived together in the past, and are meeting for the first time.  |