Regularly loosing buddies....

[thehappychappy]

I seem to be loosing more than my fair share of buddies.

Deepstop Blog

Nothing exciting really, rubbish visibility, three shore dives on Scottish Sea lochs, one lost buddy, over weight (not pie eating), flat torch battery and a valve not turned on.

Move along now.


Davie.

[Finless]

It takes discipline from all divers to remain together in poor vis ........ for everyone to see anything (esp on a wall or wreck) it usually means finning in single file and a moment is all that's needed. I find that, if I'm in front, looking back along my stomach between my fins is the simplest way to check behind.

Of course, extra signals using your dive lights helps .......... I know DIR use a lot more than you learn through PADI (and presumably BSAC) but I don't know if they are readily available for others to learn without doing a DIR course?

For most of us it is 'learn through experience'.

Over weighted ......... well that takes some dives (or pool sessions to work out).

Leaking at the first stage O ring ........... was that not discernable when turning the gas on when kitting up?

Anyway, learning from the problems is what makes all better divers than we were.

[Finless]

The following extract is from the Halcyon web site (Halcyon: Primary Lighting Systems) :-


Light signals can be an important means of communication because they work in a variety of situations and are especially effective in gaining a team member's attention. In dark surroundings, individuals can easily communicate with their lights over large distances. Even in close quarters light signals may be preferable, especially if divers are not facing one another. Many open water divers are starting to realize how lights can simplify communication and enrich a dive. Divers frequently use light signals over hand signals because they are:

• Easy to see
• More efficient to use
• Effective at much greater distances

DIR Tips courtesy of Global Underwater

[B]

Oh bless you Davie.... I thought the Scottish Lochs were lovely and clear...

Some days a dive just goes pear shaped, just the way it is, all experience eh... lol.... get home and do some studying (says she who should be doing exactly that but ... lol)

Finless, that is a really good tip.. do you know of any and what they mean (light signals that is)

B x

[GLOC]

One thing to bear in mind is that people must be looking for the light signals which means you must be paying attention to where they are. When I dive with someone who doesn't use light signals all the time, it does become frustrating as you do become 'reliant' on the light being there.

The main point is that the light is used passively, if I am leading and I can see your light beam all the time, then I know you are there. If the light isn't there for more than 5-10 secs then I assume something is wrong and then I signal to you , "Are you okay?", you reply "okay", if no reply is received, then I signal again, if no reply then I turn around and see what is wrong. If the No 2 is not watching the lead, or where they are pointing their light, then it becomes a nugatory exercise as lead is constantly trying to work out where No 2 is. It does take lots of practice but it is an excellent way of remaining in contact without physically watching where your buddy is.

The common light signals used are:

Circle - okay. This is sent as a command and replied straight away. No reply, means that something is not right so signal again as above. No reply again, then turn around/look to investigate what is wrong.

Slowly side-to-side - I need your attention but it is not life threatening. Buddy stops what they are doing and joins you to resolve the issue.

Fast side-to-side - I need your attention now as there is something seriously wrong such as OOA or entanglement. Buddy immediately swims over to buddy ready to donate.

Slowly back and forward in a direction to swim as if marking a line in the sand/on the bottom - This is the direction we are going to swim in. Useful if there is a 'discussion' about where to go next.

Thats about all the light signals that I can think of, the rest of the communication can be done by hand or wetnotes once you are next to each other in the water.

However, the most important one is the one detailed at the start, make sure your lead can see your light. If not, you are missing the most useful part of light communications.

HTH

[pauldiving]

your lucky i have a job to keep dive partners away from banging into me

some buddies just fin away with there faces glued to a camera or follow a

fish,look round and there on there own,

if each person dedicates there time to looking out for there dive partner then

it might be easy to stay together

i found side by side formation good as long as the finning speed stays the same

fail that put a dog lead on them

[nickb]

Originally Posted by thehappychappy

I seem to be loosing more than my fair share of buddies.

You need to tighten them more often - it's a common mistake

[milldog]

Dive solo no problem

[nickb]

Originally Posted by milldog

Dive solo no problem

You're clearly getting used to diving with Gary then mate

[GLOC]

Nick, Is that speaking from experience?