Buddy Line

[uncfnp]

The retractable leashes for small dogs are not large and are pretty inexpensive. Could be a disposable item, used only as needed. You might also use a small spool or reel but someone would have to be designated to keep track of the line. Both options less than ideal. I like Richards option, pretty pricey but maybe worth it if you are truly worried and will get enough use from it.

 

[flots am]

All good replies, thanks. Just to put your minds at ease, both boys are reasonably experienced (although nothing close to many of the people on this board) and have dived in many different environments around the world. We would never dive without a dive plan and they know what to do if we get separated, although it has never happened so far. The reason for my original question was that our dive site last weekend was a flooded quarry in the UK where a number of objects have been sunk / placed which makes for quite a fun dive. However, with the visibility at around 2 meters I found myself glued to my compass to navigate between features and I thought it would be reassuring for me to have them on a buddy line. I know you can use any kind of static lines but I didn’t fancy a couple of meters of trailing line whilst exploring the features. Anyway, I guess the answer to my original question is no and I thank you time.

Sounds like a great opportunity for training.

Tell them that their job is to stick with you and that if they lose you, they need to do the "lost buddy" procedure, and you'll all meet on the surface, and the dive is over. It gives them an incentive to pay really close attention to their buddy.

Having a minor penalty is much more effective in the long term than working to "keep them safe". It makes "not losing a buddy" a personal responsibility instead of something that's done for them.

flots.