What is one correct response if a diver loses their buddy during a night dive?

Initiating a systematic search pattern is the appropriate response if a diver loses their buddy during a night dive. This approach maximizes the chances of locating the buddy efficiently by ensuring that the search is conducted in an organized manner.

Utilizing a systematic pattern helps maintain coverage of the area and allows the searching diver to continually orient themselves, which is particularly important in the limited visibility and disorienting conditions often present during night dives. This method is effective in making sure that no areas are overlooked while searching for the lost buddy.

While triggering an emergency buoy activation, beginning a free ascent, or signaling for help using surface markers may be considered in certain situations, they do not directly aid in the immediate search for a lost buddy. These actions might be more appropriate if the diver was in a severe emergency situation or if the search was unsuccessful after a reasonable time. However, the priority should always be a thorough search for the buddy before escalating to these other measures.