What should divers do if they lose track of their buddy underwater?

When divers lose track of their buddy underwater, the appropriate action is to ascend to the surface, check for the buddy, and wait. This approach prioritizes safety and allows divers to regain contact with their buddy while minimizing the risk of becoming separated in deeper water. By ascending, divers are also more likely to be visible and can communicate effectively to signal each other.

Continuing the dive as planned could lead to increased separation and complicate the search for the buddy, creating potential safety risks. While signaling for help from other divers can be part of the response if the buddy is not found, it is more effective to first try to reunite at the surface. Immediately returning to the last known position might not be the best choice, as the buddy could have moved or taken a different route, potentially leading to confusion and difficulty in finding each other.