What is the best way to ensure safety during a dive?

Diving with a buddy is fundamental to ensuring safety during a dive for several reasons. First, having a partner allows for immediate assistance in case of an emergency, such as an equipment failure, a sudden medical issue, or disorientation underwater. In a buddy system, divers can maintain visual contact and regularly check on one another, which enhances situational awareness.

Moreover, buddied divers can share their experiences and monitor each other's air supply, helping to prevent complications like running low on air. In addition, when planning a dive, buddies can discuss potential problems and suitable responses, promoting a better understanding of the dive site and agreed-upon safety procedures. This collaborative approach not only fosters a safer diving experience but also enhances enjoyment and confidence.

The other options do not contribute positively to dive safety: solo diving increases risk since there is no one to assist in emergencies, rushing through a dive plan undermines preparation and increases the likelihood of mistakes, and ignoring dive tables disregards important safety protocols related to ascent and decompression, which can lead to serious health risks.