What is a buddy check in diving?

A buddy check in diving is a crucial safety procedure that involves divers inspecting each other's equipment before a dive. This thorough examination ensures that both divers are properly equipped and reduces the risk of equipment failure during the dive. During the buddy check, divers typically verify that each other's gear is functioning correctly, including checking the tank pressure, ensuring buoyancy control devices are operational, verifying that all necessary safety gear is present, and confirming that the dive plan has been understood by both parties. This collaborative effort promotes safety, builds trust, and ensures that both divers are adequately prepared for the dive.

Other options, while relevant to diving, do not accurately define a buddy check. Discussing dive plans is an essential part of pre-dive preparation but does not encompass the physical inspection of equipment. Tracking dive time is important for dive management but does not involve a safety check with a partner. Underwater navigation is a skill learned during dive training but is not related to the pre-dive safety check process.