In the event of a trapped diver, what is one of the first actions the buddy diver should take?

Attaching a tending line to the trapped diver is a crucial first action in this scenario because it provides a secure connection between the buddy diver and the trapped diver. This line allows the buddy to maintain control and communication while potentially preventing further entrapment or injury. It aids in providing stability, which is vital in emergency situations, particularly if the trapped diver is in a precarious position or if their situation changes.

A tending line also facilitates easier recovery because it can be used to guide the trapped diver back to safety without putting the buddy diver at unnecessary risk. In a rescue situation, establishing a direct line of support is often essential to ensure no further incidents happen during the rescue attempt.

While checking the time underwater is important from a dive safety perspective, it doesn’t directly help in the immediate actions necessary to assist the trapped diver. Continuing with the dive tasks could lead to worse outcomes, as it would neglect critical rescue efforts. Signaling for immediate rescue could be a reasonable action, but doing so without first securing the trapped diver limits the buddy's ability to provide immediate assistance.