Self-Reliant/Solo Diver

The Course

Although diving with a buddy is the norm, there are reasons for an experienced diver to develop self-reliance and independence while diving. Learning to carry out dives without a partner can make you a stronger diver in most dive situations.

With proper training, equipment and the right attitude to accept the risks involved in independent diving, an experience diver can responsibly engage in dives without a buddy. Self-reliant diving is an adventure activity that is not for everyone, but does have its place. If you have the mental discipline and commitment to learn and follow self-reliant diving techniques, you’ll bolster your skills and confidence when diving alone, in a dive pair or as part of a team.

Requirements

You need to be an Advanced Open Water Diver who is at least 18 years old and has at least 100 logged dives to enroll in the Self-Reliant Diver course. You’ll also complete a skills assessment with your Self-Reliant/Solo Diver Instructor before diving into the course.

The Learning

Learning how to compensate for situations you would normally handle with a buddy is the focus of the Self-Reliant Diver course. This includes proper dive planning using air consumption rate calculations, life support system redundancy, and independent management of dive emergencies. During three self-reliant training dives, you’ll practice:

Performing an air consumption rate swim to gather information for later calculation.

Switching to a redundant air supply system during simulated emergency situations.

Swimming without a mask.

Navigating to various points, including your exit.

Using a DSMB.

Pricing

$424

Course tuition includes:

Learning materials
2 or 3 open water instructional dives with your professional instructor
Certification processing
Certification card

Get Started

Stop by or call us to enroll in the course and get started.

The Gear

Besides your basic scuba equipment, you’ll need a DSMB and spool/reel with at least 100 feet of line, redundant gas source and mounting hardware, BCD capable of carrying a redundant gas source, redundant dive computer, redundant surface signaling device, underwater slate or notebook with pencil. Your International Scuba Instructor will suggest other gear as appropriate.

The Next Step

With your Self-Reliant/Solo Diver certification, you’ll be prepared to be a better, stronger part of any dive team. Consider earning additional specialty diver certifications or the prestigious Master Scuba Diver certification. You may want to expand your diving skills even more with the Rescue Diver course. Ask your instructor or divemaster, stop by, or give us a call for more details.