Buddy diving in many cases today from what I have personally witnessed is not taught. It is given lip service by instructors who then demonstrate in no uncertain terms that it is optional and not important.
Ever see new OW divers single file on checkouts? Instructor just told them the buddy system is horsecrap and he/she does not believe in it. He may not have said it with words but he clearly showed them.
Were you clearly paired with a buddy in your OW pool sessions and told no matter what you stick with them? If not then the instructor again just told you he doesn't see the value in the system.
Did he/she go over how important positioning is in relation to your buddy and where you should be? No? Well, well, well, seems again he/she showed it's not important.
Did they go over how to communicate effectively about the dive on the surface and under it? When that communication should begin?(here's a hint - it's not at the dive site) No? Damn, they left that out as well.
No wonder we see herds diving behind a shepherd and being prodded and corralled by wranglers (DM's) to keep the wolves from stealing the lambs. Of course it's not all their fault, Most were never taught how to teach buddy diving. Selling the next course that someone is in no way ready for was more important for them to learn.
Ever see new OW divers single file on checkouts? Instructor just told them the buddy system is horsecrap and he/she does not believe in it. He may not have said it with words but he clearly showed them.
Were you clearly paired with a buddy in your OW pool sessions and told no matter what you stick with them? If not then the instructor again just told you he doesn't see the value in the system.
Did he/she go over how important positioning is in relation to your buddy and where you should be? No? Well, well, well, seems again he/she showed it's not important.
Did they go over how to communicate effectively about the dive on the surface and under it? When that communication should begin?(here's a hint - it's not at the dive site) No? Damn, they left that out as well.
No wonder we see herds diving behind a shepherd and being prodded and corralled by wranglers (DM's) to keep the wolves from stealing the lambs. Of course it's not all their fault, Most were never taught how to teach buddy diving. Selling the next course that someone is in no way ready for was more important for them to learn.