I look at the issue this way: What do I need my buddy to know to be comfortable diving with them? They need to know to stay close to me and be aware of me; they need to know how to share air; they need to be calm enough to assist me if needed in getting free from an entanglement; they need to know the proper emergency ascent to use if the need arises, and they need to know how to stop me if I am a "runaway ascent." If we are diving alone at a remote location, I want them to know basic first aid, including cpr, and I want them to be able to get me out of the water if i am in distress. Some of you solo divers don't really think in those terms, but I do. My wife and I go off on or own regularly at fairly remote sites. She is by no means a rescue diver, but she can what needs doing if the need arises. We review and practice sometimes. Isn't that a novel idea? How much rescue and first aid skill a diver NEEDS is relate to the type of diving they do. Trail ride dives from a boat to 40 feet in calm seas with a DM or two in the water is a lot different that a more taxing dive from shore or boat, with only the buddies around. Too often we try to prescribe for everyone when not everyone does the same kind of diving. So when I buddy up, I share information about myself and get information about the buddy, and make sure each of us is adequate for the diving planned.
DivemasterDennis
DivemasterDennis