I think most of you have just about summed it up. Briefing and De-Briefing is ctirical on all aspects of the dive. Finding people who know the importance of staying together at all times within a few feet of each other. Someone who loves the same dive activity as you do (are you a speed racing traveler or an observer who loves to dive extremely slow) A good buddy is just as concerned for your life as they are for their own and treats both equally important. Air consumption can be an issue unless your buddy doesn’t mind the working of your large lungs. I’ve been searching for an ideal divebuddy for a long time and I found that if you love to dive slowly as I do, if all else fails find a good U/W photographer and dive with them.