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> I'm sorry - I thought that never diving alone was the first rule
>  people were taught - yet 90% of the people on this list seem to think
>  nothing of it.

I've wondered about this too.  It seems that many "experienced" divers scoff
at having a buddy.  While I don't want a "velcro buddy", I do like the idea of
having one.  I like being able to share the dive with someone.  Self-
sufficiency or any lack there of is not the issue.  

From a safety standpoint, having a buddy makes sense to me too.  Equipment can
fail, entanglement in fishing line and nets can occur, even to the best of
divers, not to mention many other scenarios which are no direct result of the
diver's abilities.  A buddy can help.  A buddy can also be too slow to react
and unable to help, but at least with the buddy, there is a chance that they
can assist.

The bottom line for me is that I don't count on my buddy to get me out of
trouble -- I try to avoid trouble, and resolve any small problem myself before
it turns into anything.  I still like having a buddy around.

I understand that there are some situations where solo diving may be required,
but these are not the majority of dives.  I've heard many instructors say
"when I dive with students, I am solo diving."  While there is some truth to
that statement, I could also argue that it's not exactly the same thing as
diving alone.

I'm curious about other's opinions on this issue.  Let me define a qualified
buddy as being one equally qualified to do the dives you choose to do.  Is the
qualified buddy so hard to come by that diving alone is preferable?  Why do
you or don't you dive with a buddy?  Is a buddy a help or a hindrance?  

.. 
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