Why the Buddy System is Dangerous
by Paul Humann
I am confounded by the illogic of many of those who try to defend the buddy system, even the spokesperson for a training agency such as PADI - the same folks who preached the dangers of dive computers and Nitrox a few years back. Here is some of the nonsense I've heard and why it is just that:
The buddy system makes diving more fun and practical
Of course, neither has anything to do with the buddy system. Fun is touted as sharing the dive and the after-dive experience with your buddy. Practicality means helping your buddy lug around equipment, get suited up, and other niceties. These benefits can be enjoyed with any dive companion without that person being a "buddy" for whose safety you are legally responsible.
The buddy system makes diving safer
Safety is the only issue that gives the buddy system credibility. Let's be perfectly clear here: I am not calling for the complete abolition of buddies. Anyone who feels uncomfortable underwater without someone around and anyone who is willing to assume responsibility for a buddy can benefit from it. A beginning diver will naturally feel anxious if teamed up with an experienced diver.
However, the advantages of an ever-present buddy dwindle rapidly as divers acquire confidence through experience and additional training. In fact, most of today's experienced reef divers rarely stay close enough to their partners to be considered good buddies. And let there be no misunderstanding: For the buddy system to work, one must be constantly aware of his buddy's situation. Anything less invites failure should an emergency occur.
Anyone who has dived understands the dilemma: We dive in order to be distracted by the wonders of the underwater world, yet we impose a system of diving directly at odds with that purpose. As a result, rather than increasing safety, the buddy system as currently practiced fosters a false sense of security and increases the likelihood of panic.
The fear of being sued by a buddy is exaggerated
This response is incongruous: Certification agencies employ teams of lawyers to draft liability waivers that they ardently defend in court. It is also hypocritical: You and I are forced to sign these same documents before we dive with any operator. You bet the training agencies worry about legal liability. Why are they telling you not to?
Fellow divers: It's time to stand up for your rights
Do you recognize this scenario? At a dive resort, the divemaster assigns you a buddy who is a stranger. You don't know this person's skills, gear, or habits. You're not comfortable. You say, "No thanks, I'll dive solo." the divemaster replies, "If you're going to dive today, you will accept this buddy." You recall some fine print about your prepaid vacation being non-refundable for missed dives. You accept the stranger as your buddy. You're stuck and liable, like it or not.
The divemaster and his boss are only doing what they feel is necessary to protect them from liability, waivers aside. Unfortunately, they are protecting themselves by coercing you with the threat of canceled dives into a liability situation. Are you willing to accept this? I'm not and I don't think you should be either.
I urge you to become certified as a solo diver, to carry your own solo diver liability release, and most of all, to refuse to be used as a patsy in someone's attempt to lessen their own liability at the expense of yours.
A former lawyer, Paul Humann is co-author of the popular Reef Fish Identification books and a licensed private pilot who, by virtue of education, training, and experience, is allowed to fly solo, a far more dangerous undertaking than diving ever could be for passengers, himself and those on the ground.
reproduced from http://atlantisdivers.com/Editorials.html
