What to do in this situation as a buddy?

[boulderjohn]

Bonaire + shore dive = no DM

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

While I certainly can't talk about all of Bonaire, in my experience that is also true of boat dives. In general, the DM's I saw on boat dives were in the water for you if you were interested in using them, but generally everyone did their own dives.

 

[PlayaCountryBoy]

This seems to be a common problem for some new divers. The way I avoid fast ascents chasing after someone is simple: Watch closely your buddy in the first 5 minutes underwater. Assess what type of diver they really are. I seasoned pro will see signs of stress early. Once I see the slightest hint of distress or panic, I then focus on them and which way I am going. On the couple times where I have looked back and one has started treading water while clearing the mask, I start up after them all the while signing the others to stay put. I arrest the ascent, get close and give the OK sign. Once the mask issue is over we return back to the bottom with the others. That being said, I never have more than a couple divers with me, thus reducing the chance of diving accidents. In the past years, I have worked in shops where I had to guide up to 8-10 divers and that is just NOT good diving practice.

 

[Scott from LongIsland]

actually, since we were both very new to diving, we hired a "guide" who served as our DM.

Bonaire + shore dive = heaven >>>that is a very accurate statement.