If you become separated from your buddy during the dive, what should you do?

The most appropriate action when separated from your dive buddy is to pause, look around, and then ascend to the surface to wait for them. This response prioritizes safety and reduces the risk of potential complications that may arise from panicking or engaging in a search underwater.

When diving, maintaining effective communication and the buddy system is vital for safety. If separation does occur, it's important to remain calm and assess the situation. Staying in one place allows you to be in a known location for your buddy to find you if they surface or if they are in close proximity and can return. Ascending to the surface also allows for clearer visibility and it is safer to establish a rescue point.

Remaining underwater in an attempt to search may lead to increased anxiety or pressure, which could result in further complications, like running low on air or encountering dangerous situations. Thus, ascending and waiting is a calculated, safer option to allow for reunion.