First, if you and your newfound (or assigned) buddy did not perform a through dive planning ritual then the dive is bound to be a diaster. But it takes more than just this alone (planning).
I have been assigned or assigned a buddy that even after a good dive planing session was totaly inept once in the water. I had them stir up the silt, shoot to the surface or simply swim off in directions unknown.
The key here is NOT to place yourself in danger just because your buddy chose to do so (or did not known any better).
If the buddy silts up the place you are more or less obligated in helping this diver to safety. If the diver shoots to the surface, you are obligated to do a safe ascent to check on the diver's condition.
If the diver simply takes off without and leave you, you are NOT obligated to go after them if you feel it will also place you in danger too (like losing track of where the anchor line is located).
Like it or not as a buddy you have a LEGAL obligation to your dive buddy. But, you have to excersize this obligation very defensively.
I have personally found that teamimg up with other instructors even if they have students works for me. If you have the luck of being assigned a buddy, make every effort to learn about this diver. It is NOT bad manners to ask the divemaster for a different mate if you feel the one your are with is simply not in your class. After all, its your money and you should get what you paid for. A nice relaxing dive.
I have been assigned or assigned a buddy that even after a good dive planing session was totaly inept once in the water. I had them stir up the silt, shoot to the surface or simply swim off in directions unknown.
The key here is NOT to place yourself in danger just because your buddy chose to do so (or did not known any better).
If the buddy silts up the place you are more or less obligated in helping this diver to safety. If the diver shoots to the surface, you are obligated to do a safe ascent to check on the diver's condition.
If the diver simply takes off without and leave you, you are NOT obligated to go after them if you feel it will also place you in danger too (like losing track of where the anchor line is located).
Like it or not as a buddy you have a LEGAL obligation to your dive buddy. But, you have to excersize this obligation very defensively.
I have personally found that teamimg up with other instructors even if they have students works for me. If you have the luck of being assigned a buddy, make every effort to learn about this diver. It is NOT bad manners to ask the divemaster for a different mate if you feel the one your are with is simply not in your class. After all, its your money and you should get what you paid for. A nice relaxing dive.
