Solo Diver

At one point or another, many divers have found themselves alone during a dive, whether it was intentional or not. SDI’s Solo Diving is the practice of self-reliant scuba diving without a “dive buddy. ”Solo diving, once considered technical diving and discouraged by most certification agencies, is now seen by many experienced divers and some certification agencies as an acceptable practice for those divers suitably trained and experienced. Rather than relying on the traditional buddy diving safety system, solo divers should be skilled in self-sufficiency and willing to take responsibility for their own safety while diving.

This course stresses proper dive planning, personal limitations, and accident prevention, as well as the benefits, hazards, and proper procedures for diving solo. You will also learn the additional equipment that is required for solo diving including its proper usage and assembly. This is the perfect course for underwater photography and underwater video divers as well as those diving with their children or buddies that may not very experienced in scuba diving.

Who this course is for

• The certified SDI Advanced Diver (or equivalent) who is interested in learning how to dive independent of a dive buddy, or looking to strengthen your buddy team diving skills.

Course prerequisites

• Minimum age 21
• Certified SDI Advanced Diver or equivalent
• Provide proof of 100 logged dives, at least 10 should be in cold water and recent.

Gear Requirements

• Redundant air source, such as a pony bottle (minimum 40cf) with regulator and gauge
• Cutting tools, at least two
• spare mask
• Surface marker buoy (SMB) and dive reel
• Navigation tools, compass
• Underwater slate or wetnotes

What you can expect to learn

• Why solo dive?
• History of buddy diving
• Pros and cons of buddy diving and solo diving
• Legal liability assumed by buddy diving
• How to use the SDI Solo Diving waiver and release
• Who must solo dive?
• The solo diving mentality
• When not to solo dive
• Equipment for solo diving
• Planning and conducting a solo dive
• Navigation
• Management of solo diving emergencies
• Review the SDI Solo Diver Liability Release and Express Assumption of Risk Agreement Form
• Navigation skills – demonstrate proficiency of navigation with compass
• Demonstrate emergency change over to redundant air supply (not to exceed 30 metres/100 feet)
• Deploy surface marker buoy (SMB)
• Use of audible signaling device

Certification Requirements

• Pre-Course Study: Prior to the start of the course, students must successfully complete either the Student Manual with IQ Review or Online Training.
• Open Water Dives: With a qualified instructor, students will complete two dives in an open water environment.

Course fees do not include gear, tanks, airfills, travel, accommodations, training materials.