In the event of a lost buddy, what is NOT recommended?

Ascending without searching is not recommended in the event of a lost buddy because it can increase the risk of missing an opportunity to locate them. If a diver ascends without attempting to search for their buddy first, they may leave them in a potentially dangerous situation. Instead, the recommended procedure involves staying calm and conducting a thorough search in the last known location while maintaining a safe buoyancy level. If the buddy is not found after a reasonable amount of time, returning to the surface is a more suitable option to ensure safety.

Staying calm is vital because panic can lead to poor decision-making and increase risks. Looking around at the last known location is important, as divers are often lost within a relatively small area. If a buddy cannot be located after these efforts, returning to the surface ensures that both divers can regroup and signal for help if necessary.