If separated from your buddy underwater, search for no more than how many minutes before meeting on the surface?

When diving, the buddy system is paramount for safety, allowing divers to assist each other in case of emergencies. If you become separated from your buddy underwater, the recommended practice is to search for a brief period—specifically no more than one minute—before ascending to the surface to regroup.

This guideline is crucial because spending too much time searching can lead to a situation where both divers become disoriented or unsafe. The underwater environment can be unpredictable, and staying below for extended periods without knowing your buddy's location can increase the risk of complications like running low on air or getting lost. By limiting the search to one minute, divers ensure that they maintain a focus on safety and can ascend to the surface where visibility is usually better, allowing for easier reuniting. This practice emphasizes the importance of the buddy system and ensuring safety in the diving environment.