What does the buddy system involve in scuba diving?

The buddy system in scuba diving involves pairing divers together to enhance safety and support underwater. By diving with a buddy, divers have someone to rely on in case of an emergency, ensuring that they can assist each other with navigation, monitoring gas supplies, and managing any unexpected situations that may arise during the dive.

This system encourages regular communication and coordination between partners, helping to ensure that both divers are aware of each other's well-being and diving plans. The buddy system fosters a sense of teamwork and provides an extra layer of safety, which is crucial in the potentially hazardous environment of underwater diving.

Other options such as diving in groups of four or using advanced diving equipment may enhance safety but do not specifically relate to the core principle of the buddy system. Diving at different depths simultaneously could also increase risks rather than mitigate them, making it contrary to the ideals of the buddy system that emphasizes ensuring both divers are on the same page throughout the dive.