In an out of air emergency, what should you do if your buddy is close enough?

When an out of air emergency occurs, the most effective response is to swim to your buddy, give the out of air signal, and share air. This approach is grounded in the principle of buddy assistance, which is a critical component of safe diving practice.

In emergencies, having a buddy system in place is vital. If your buddy is close and you can communicate your need for air, they can provide you with their alternate air source. This allows both divers to remain safe while addressing the immediate issue of air loss. The act of signaling is crucial because it ensures that your buddy understands your situation and can react swiftly to assist you. This response is both efficient and effective, enhancing the chances of a successful resolution to the emergency.

Other options, while they might seem reasonable in certain contexts, do not prioritize the immediate safety offered by a buddy system. Signaling distress and surfacing immediately could put both divers at risk, especially if the ascent is rapid and not controlled. Assessing the situation is important, but in a critical out of air scenario, immediate action to secure a backup air supply is necessary. Finally, attempting to reach the nearest dive boat might not be possible or safe, especially if the location is far or there are environmental hazards. Therefore