If a diver becomes separated from their buddy during the dive, what is the recommended action?

The recommended action when a diver becomes separated from their buddy during the dive is to spend no more than one minute looking for them. This approach emphasizes the importance of safety and the buddy system in scuba diving, where divers rely on each other for support and assistance.

By spending a brief period searching for their buddy, the diver can assess the situation to see if the buddy is nearby or if they have simply drifted out of sight. This short search allows the diver to make a reasonable effort to reunite with their buddy without jeopardizing their own safety, as prolonged searching could lead to disorientation, rising to the surface unreasonably, or getting lost themselves.

If the diver does not find their buddy within that minute, the focus should shift to establishing safety. After this brief search, the diver should then proceed to surface in a safe and controlled manner, or signal for help if necessary, ensuring that they have a clear plan for what to do next.

Other options, such as surfacing immediately or continuing the dive without addressing the situation, can increase the risk of accidents or complications while underwater. Additionally, signaling for help may be appropriate, but it is not the initial recommended action when the buddy is simply out of sight for a moment in a controlled