Covid 19 changes options.

[scuba127]

I can second that TDI saying PADI Tec 40 involves no decompression is incorrect. My PADI Tec 40 card says Deco Max 10 Minutes right on the card.

 

[markmud]

I can second that TDI saying PADI Tec 40 involves no decompression is incorrect. My PADI Tec 40 card says Deco Max 10 Minutes right on the card.

Hi scuba127,

I feel, they classify Tech 40 the way they do because it does not align well with their Advanced Nitrox or Decompression Procedures certs. I don't think TDI is demeaning Tech 40; it is just off by a half step, relative to their course offerings.

cheers,
m²V2

 

[Cdncoldwater]

Hi Cdncoldwater,

Your statement above used to be absolutely correct. Lately, I have not found that to be the case. I think the tide turned when SDI/TDI published their equivalency charts. As for PADI, they always advertised the course as an independent or diving "alone" course. They did stress being self-reliant in a buddy pair or while diving with a team. I have found that diving self-reliant with a buddy or a team is really smart. I am glad they stressed diving in a "solo" state of mind with solo rigging while being a dedicated buddy.



Attitudes really have changed! I used to get guffaws and push-back when I asked to solo off a boat. Now, I don't even get a reaction in many cases. Positive or negative. I get the old: "Yeah, whatever!"

Recreational Sport Diver Equivalences - SDI | TDI | ERDI | PFI
TDI Equivalent Ratings with Other Scuba Diving Agencies - SDI | TDI | ERDI | PFI

Note: TDI indicates that PADI's Tech 40 does not include deco which is not true. I learned to do 10 minutes of decompression with PADI's Tech 40. "You will qualify to make limited decompression dives to 40 metres/130 feet." Tec 40 | PADI

Self-Reliant Diver | PADI

We really have come a long way since the dark ages when little old ladies and weasels (professors) would report me to the skipper for diving solo.

I remember getting into arguments with PADI instructors who insisted that PADI would never have a solo cert. I would then show them PADI's Self Reliant page and read the multiple times the description used words like "alone" "independently", separately, and etc.

Times really have changed.

As for SARS-Cov-2, I haven't changed anything regarding my diving. Wearing facial underwear while boarding and disembarking the boat is the only difference.

cheers,
m²V2

Thanks for the info markmud! I haven't traveled yet to dive solo so was only going from what I had read on this forum and heard. I was lucky to have an opportunity to qualify. Oath for very little extra and decided it was worth the few dollars. My limited experience has shown me that being an independent buddy is in my best interest lol.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

When I took my PADI40/45 course I had classmates doing TDI AN/DP. It was pretty much the same. I think I had to do one extra dive over the TDI students. It's a ford/chevy equivalent if you ask me.

Once you start going the tech route, you learn you need to be self-reliant.... you're part of a team, but you really need to take care of yourself.

I have not taken the solo/self-reliant course, but after taking Tec40 or DP, i'm thinking you'd be well prepared to safely solo dive... If there are differences in the course... i'd love to know.

 

[Uber Dave]

I needed a bunch or dives before I went for my dive-master cert. I had no choice but to solo dive several times a week in Jamestown R.I. to get them. Never thought twice about it.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

I needed a bunch or dives before I went for my dive-master cert. I had no choice but to solo dive several times a week in Jamestown R.I. to get them. Never thought twice about it.

They teach/require valve drills and/or how to rig and use alternate air supplies in the divemaster course?

 

[Uber Dave]

Its been years since I took the course so my memory is a little hazy on what was taught and the criteria might have changed in the past 22 years but I don't recall any training for rigging up alternate air sources.

 

[lukeb]

reckon I can admit this here. I do PADI Tec 40 dives solo side mount which means not more than 10 minutes of deco solo. Curious to know if there are other solo divers out there that deco solo?

I have been diving solo more often than not for the past 8 years. So last year when I became deco certified through TDI I started doing solo deco dives (similar to yours with probably no more than 15 minutes total deco time on each dive). It felt a little strange at first but I feel confident in following my dive plan. I am really enjoying it how it has expanded the scope of my diving.