What is the correct response to a buddy signal indicating a problem?

The appropriate response to a buddy signal indicating a problem is to immediately assess the situation and provide assistance. This is crucial in ensuring both the safety of your diving buddy and yourself. A buddy signal often serves as a vital communication tool underwater, allowing divers to convey information about potential issues such as equipment malfunctions, distress, or other concerns that may arise during the dive.

By assessing the situation first, you can gather necessary information on the type and severity of the problem. This enables you to determine the best course of action, whether that involves providing help, signaling for additional support, or executing a dive plan tailored to the emergency. Your quick and appropriate response can make a significant difference in resolving the issue and maintaining safety in the dive environment.

The other responses fail to prioritize safety and effective communication — ignoring the signal risks worsening the problem, signaling back without checking could leave the buddy in distress, and surfacing immediately could lead to uncontrolled situations without understanding the problem's nature.