You check in at the dive shop, sign your waivers, get your gear on the boat, and set up your BCD on your first tank for the day. The divemaster introduces you to your dive buddy for this trip — a total stranger from another part of the world who is here for the same things you are: great diving and returning home safely.
What should you ask your new acquaintance to ensure both of you are as safe as possible? The following are some topics to cover that might help you and your new dive buddy work together.
Dive Certifications and Recent Dives
Knowing your dive buddy’s training level can create a safer dive plan that fits everyone’s limits and expectations. Discussing when you did your last dives can be a great way to determine if you need to review procedures and best practices before splashing together.
Medical Conditions and Medications
Has your new buddy been recently diagnosed with a new condition or prescribed a new medication? Do they have emergency medications such as glucose or an inhaler? If so, where do they keep them? During an emergency at depth, the dive buddy is typically the first responder and is also at risk of injury should something go wrong. Create a plan, along with contingencies, to mitigate any risks.
Health and Mental Status
Is anyone feeling off today? DAN always recommends that you forego diving if you are not feeling 100% healthy. Any congestion or other symptoms are viable reasons to cancel a dive.
Is your dive buddy under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Are they experiencing psychological events such as anxiety? Do they seem to be in the right mindset for a safe dive?
Tasks
Will your buddy be bringing an action camera? Ensure you both know the priorities for your dive. Photography should be a lower priority than finishing the dive without issues.
Dive Plan
After discussing the above items to determine training, experience, risk mitigations, and how you both feel, it is time to determine your goals. Use the planning mode on your computer along with a dive table to ensure you are on the same page about time and depth limits.
Is your buddy a DAN member? Share your emergency action plan with your dive buddy so everyone has the same information about resources and procedures in case something goes wrong.
Signals and Communication
Determine the best way to communicate with each other at depth. Do either of you have a writing slate? Do you know sign language? Are you familiar with each other’s hand signals? Sometimes a language or training barrier can exist between two divers, so ensure you agree on communication before you dive.
Gear Familiarization
Did you get a new mask or fins? Are you using a new or rental BCD for the first time? Make sure you and your buddy know where to find your reserve regulator and how to access it. Familiarity with your own and your buddy’s gear can help avoid confusion and stress.
Review and Buddy Checks
It’s a great idea to check your buddy’s setup. Make sure tanks are secured, the valves are open, pockets are zipped closed, the flashlight has batteries, and you each have your dive computer set up correctly. Ensure their BCD is inflated, and check for anything else you and your buddy can do to help each be safe and ready for your dive.
The Fun Stuff
Once your dive plan and gear are ready, discuss your hopes for the dive. What marine life do you want to see? Are there any creatures you don’t want to be near? Would you like a megalodon tooth if we find some? Are you bringing a mesh bag to clean up trash? The divemaster should know what to expect on your dive, so include them in your discussion to make sure you accomplish everything you want during the dive.
This is not an all-inclusive list of everything you should discuss before a dive. Many dive operators offer thorough briefings before the dive, but that does not mean you will get every bit of information to keep yourself and your buddy safe and informed.
When it comes down to it, it is our responsibility to ensure our safety and the safety of those around us.
© Alert Diver – Q2 2025
