Stress reactions may appear before panic develops.

Early recognition and calm intervention can prevent escalation.

Monitor your buddy closely for behavioral or physical changes. If signs of stress appear, stop the dive temporarily, establish control of breathing, and regain composure.

If stress continues or worsens, safely terminate the dive and ascend in a controlled manner.

■ Restless Behavior

Unusual silence, excessive talking, or visible agitation before or during the dive.

■ Nervousness

Repeated or overly anxious equipment checks and difficulty focusing on briefings or instructions.

Excessive concern during equipment checks

■ Delayed or Poor Response to Signals

Slow, confused, or absent response to standard underwater hand signals.

Delayed response to signals

■ Muscle Tension

Excessive grip strength when holding a buddy, rigid posture, or unstable fin movements may indicate increasing stress.

Unstable fin movement