What are the steps that should be taken after buddy separation?

After a buddy separation during a dive, it is essential to take immediate and systematic steps to maximize safety and minimize risk. The recommended approach is to search for one minute in the immediate vicinity of the last known location of your buddy before ascending to the surface.

This method allows for a brief but crucial period to attempt to locate your buddy, while also not prolonging your own immersion unnecessarily if they are indeed missing. A one-minute search is a reasonable timeframe that acknowledges the importance of air supply management and the need to return to the surface safely. Ascending after this brief search is vital because staying underwater beyond your air limits can lead to life-threatening situations, including the risk of shallow water blackout or nitrogen narcosis.

In contrast, immediately surfacing without searching does not provide any opportunity to find your buddy, which could be dangerous if they require assistance. Therefore, while quick action is critical, taking a moment to assess and attempt to find your buddy is recommended before deciding to ascend.

The choice of searching for two minutes may seem beneficial, but it could lead to potential air consumption issues, especially if the search extends beyond what is practical. Continuing to dive until finding the buddy may also pose unnecessary risks, such as potential disorientation and further separation