Underwater Safety
Buddy systems that keep both divers safe
A buddy system keeps two divers watching out for each other. Learn the pre-entry checks, how to stay in sight, which signals to agree on and what to do if separated.
The collection
Underwater Safety
Habits that keep divers and snorkelers out of trouble: buddy systems, dive planning, hand signals, cold water, warning signs and what to do before flying after a dive.
Underwater Safety
Hand signals divers and snorkelers use underwater
Underwater, speech does not carry, so divers and snorkelers rely on hand signals. Learn common signals for air, cold, problems and direction, and how to confirm them with a buddy.
Underwater Safety
Planning a dive around air supply and time
Plan a dive so air and time do not run short. Check gas before entry, use the rule of thirds, set a turn-around point and keep a margin for a slow, safe ascent.
Underwater Safety
Staying warm and safe in cold water
Cold water drains body heat quickly. Learn how to match thermal protection to the temperature, spot early signs of cooling and warm up safely after you leave the water.
Underwater Safety
Warning signs during a dive that mean you should end it
Learn the warning signs that mean a dive should end, including equipment trouble, strong current, low air and feeling unwell, and when to seek medical help after surfacing.
Underwater Safety
Why you should wait before flying after a dive
Flying soon after diving can raise the risk of decompression sickness. Learn how cabin pressure and surface intervals work, and when to seek medical advice.