SDI Open Water Scuba Diver Practice Exam 2025 - Free Scuba Diver Practice Questions and Study Guide

The appropriate response to a lost buddy during a dive is to perform a search pattern for a maximum of 1 minute. This action is grounded in the buddy system's fundamental principles, which emphasize diving with a partner for safety. Conducting a quick search allows for the possibility of reuniting with the buddy if they are nearby but momentarily out of sight.

During the search, the diver should maintain a calm demeanor while using standard search patterns, such as circular or linear patterns, to cover the area efficiently within that minute. If the buddy is not located within this short window, the diver should then safely ascend to the surface and begin a search from there, which may allow for visual communication or signaling for help if they surface without their buddy.

Immediate ascent to the surface without any searching could expose the diver to risks associated with surfacing too quickly, including decompression sickness. Continuing the dive alone without seeking the buddy presents significant dangers, as the lost buddy may require assistance. Simply signaling for help without attempting a search ignores the immediate context of the incident and misses the opportunity to reunite with the buddy quickly if they are close by. Thus, the answer emphasizes a practical and systematic approach to handling the situation effectively while prioritizing safety.