SDI solo diver certification

[Blackrock]

I was curious about the SDI solo diver certification. Can anyone who has taken the class or teaches the class tell me anything about it? I know you need AOW and minimum of 100 logged dives, but that's where my knowledge ends.

How many class hours / dives?
What's involved? What exactly is taught in the class?
Did the class help tremendously?
Personal experience or story?
Anything you could tell me would be helpful.

**Please no replies about how dangerous solo diving is and how it should be avoided like the plague. I am well aware of the majority opinion in the industry.

Thanks

 

[Papa_Bear]

Check on line you can find the course outline. I took it in 2001 and it is about redundancy and management of equipment issues! Does it make you a better diver? Diving makes you a better diver! It educates you as to what if's you might face and relieves operators from baby sitting you! Cave diving training is the best dive training you can ever do and will make you a better diver! Period! It will or you will know just how bad you are! I have been a sole diver for years and now I am official!

 

[Jim Ernst]

I was curious about the SDI solo diver certification. Can anyone who has taken the class or teaches the class tell me anything about it? I know you need AOW and minimum of 100 logged dives, but that's where my knowledge ends.

How many class hours / dives?
What's involved? What exactly is taught in the class?
Did the class help tremendously?
Personal experience or story?
Anything you could tell me would be helpful.

**Please no replies about how dangerous solo diving is and how it should be avoided like the plague. I am well aware of the majority opinion in the industry.

Thanks

Dont worry I NEVER solo dive...... I always take my camera with me!!!!!

I hope someone has some info On your questions as I have not ever seen the class discused!

 

[liuk3]

You might wanna check out the solo divers forum. I think that there was a thread recently about the class. Good luck!

 

[wedivebc]

I was curious about the SDI solo diver certification. Can anyone who has taken the class or teaches the class tell me anything about it? I know you need AOW and minimum of 100 logged dives, but that's where my knowledge ends.

How many class hours / dives?
What's involved? What exactly is taught in the class?
Did the class help tremendously?
Personal experience or story?
Anything you could tell me would be helpful.

**Please no replies about how dangerous solo diving is and how it should be avoided like the plague. I am well aware of the majority opinion in the industry.

Thanks

I really wish SDI would make the standards available to non-members on their website (Doppler, are you listening?)
there are 2 required dives, skills include swim test 200m in full scuba gear
navigation skills and SMB deployment. I also include some self rescue skills including don and doff equipment to allow cutting away snags. You will be taught gas management and emergency change over to redundant breathing source, equipment required for solo. You will learn some emergency procedures such as dealing with lost mask, current and entanglement and how to deal with stress and break the stress/panic cycle. You will discuss some legal aspects and will be introduced to a special waiver for use when solo diving as well as filing "flight plan" with someone who knows where you are and what you are doing.

 

[wedivebc]

Check on line you can find the course outline.

Do you know where non SDI members can access it?

 

[Jim Ernst]

I really wish SDI would make the standards available to non-members on their website (Doppler, are you listening?)
there are 2 required dives, skills include swim test 200m in full scuba gear
navigation skills and SMB deployment. I also include some self rescue skills including don and doff equipment to allow cutting away snags. You will be taught gas management and emergency change over to redundant breathing source, equipment required for solo. You will learn some emergency procedures such as dealing with lost mask, current and entanglement and how to deal with stress and break the stress/panic cycle. You will discuss some legal aspects and will be introduced to a special waiver for use when solo diving as well as filing "flight plan" with someone who knows where you are and what you are doing.

Thanks for the great info!!

I doubt PADI Will ever catch on to this type of diving , But it sure would be nice to have the class to offer.

 

[Papa_Bear]

Try:Solo Scuba Diving

 

[Alex777]

Interesting. The course description includes this:

"One of the following must be used as a redundant air source: pony bottle, twin cylinders with isolation valve, independent doubles, Spare Air(TM)."

 

[wedivebc]

Interesting. The course description includes this:

...., Spare Air(TM)."

Not when I teach it:no