When must a standby diver be ready?

• A. At all times during the dive
• B. Only during descent
• C. Only during ascent
• D. At the end of the dive

Answer: (A)

Being ready throughout the dive is essential for fast, effective rescue if something goes wrong. The standby diver is positioned to provide immediate assistance to the team, so emergencies can be addressed without delay—from descent through bottom work to ascent and even just after surfacing. This means staying in a ready state, with equipment checked, an adequate air supply, and clear communication with the surface and other divers, and remaining available to respond at a moment’s notice. Because hazards and equipment failures can occur at any point, readiness cannot be limited to a specific phase; it must be maintained continuously during the dive.