Posted by Eins on September 09, 2000 at 20:09:11:
In Reply to: Re: Explain that to me, please posted by Randy on September 09, 2000 at 18:40:50:
Randy,
I think you have experienced what I firmly believe: a buddy is only as good as he is available and experienced to help. In reality, too many buddies are not there when they are needed. Some of the infamous seven solo deaths prove this point.
I don't think that any research is needed to prove added safety of a buddy. As long as he is there to help, the proof is in the pudding.
My position is that unless a buddy team is trained and dedicated to stick with their partner, it creates a false sense of safety and leads to being too lax about one's own safety.
A good solo diver knows that he is by himself from the start and throughout the dive, and if he prepares for that and conducts his dive accordingly, he is safer than the buddy diver without his buddy when he needs him.
Eins