In Reply to: Quick question about buddy seperation posted by divinotter on December 28, 2006 at 11:05:01:

I agree with Ken, if you have been separated from your Buddy, you have to assume the worst and hope for the best.
Safety stop is just that, a safety margin which most likely will not cause problems and if you omitted it, you could make up by a longer surface interval. The well being of your buddy comes first and in my case, I would not waste time even for a deco stop, if I had some serious worries about my buddy.
As far as safety stops, there are certain conditions that require a mandatory stop, but again only if possible and based on other considerations. I have witnessed enough divers making a stop being unaware of a current and finding out they are too far from the boat to swim for it, if they see the boat at all.
As everything else in diving, all actions have to be carefully planned, taking all factors into account.

Happy Bubbles

Dahlia
Los Angeles Travel
and Scuba Center
818-715-9158
www.upperclassscuba.com