Diving alone?

[jpcpat]

:no I realize it is unsafe to dive alone but my question is, is there a law that states you cannott dive alone? If so, who controls this? The reason I am asking is I was wanting to go to Destin florida and dive around the jetties just of the beach but i would be by myself. I'm new to this diving experience and I know it is safer to dive with a buddy but sometimes it's impossible

I would be really uncomfortable having you dive alone if you are new. Before going solo, you should have quite a bit of experience, training in solo diving and the right equipment. Also, diving around jetties adds to the risk factor. Not a good idea.

 

[ShallowDiverDave]

hahaha, N has arrived.

 

[NorCalDawg]

:no I realize it is unsafe to dive alone but my question is, is there a law that states you cannott dive alone? If so, who controls this? The reason I am asking is I was wanting to go to Destin florida and dive around the jetties just of the beach but i would be by myself. I'm new to this diving experience and I know it is safer to dive with a buddy but sometimes it's impossible

You're not ready to dive solo yet. Go to the Florida section of the forum, and start a topic looking for a buddy. There are plenty of people on here that would be very willing to come out and dive with you. If you are new to diving you don't need to be diving by yourself.

 

[Nemrod]

"hahaha, N has arrived."

Well, I see your still solo diving in that paint can--lol--and doing a fine job of it.

As to diving around the various rocks, piers and jetties in the Destin--Pensecola area, I have done so many times SOLO. There is no scuba police. There are lot's of people who think they are scuba police and lecture about dive planning and gas management and then it turns out they don't even plan their dives. The conditions in Destin such as the jetty or the Navarre Beach pier are relatively mild and of no real danger. As solo diving goes, this is about as close to a bathtub as your going to get.

At the jetty dive at slack water or incoming tide. On the several beach dives I know of be aware of sometimes significant longshore currents. Be sure to determine how far is required to stay away from active fishing piers before the dive. I think Navarre Beach has some sort of small marine sanctuary from the ruins of the old pier--not sure about that. I think about 30 feet will be max at Navarre Beach and maybe 50 feet or less at the Destin Jetty. Also, be aware of boat traffic.

N

 

[Web Monkey]

Generally, there are no laws that effect recreational diving, execpt that some locations have dive flag laws.

However, you are always subject to the laws of Natural Selection, and it's entirely possible to extinguish yourself while diving solo.

This isn't to say that solo diving isn't possible, or that it can't be made reasonably safe, however you shouldn't be doing it until you've been diving for long enough to understand at least some of the risks.

There are all sorts of issues that can crop up that a buddy could help you with or prevent, that could easily be fatal or dangerous if diving alone.

Terry

:no I realize it is unsafe to dive alone but my question is, is there a law that states you cannott dive alone? If so, who controls this? The reason I am asking is I was wanting to go to Destin florida and dive around the jetties just of the beach but i would be by myself. I'm new to this diving experience and I know it is safer to dive with a buddy but sometimes it's impossible

 

[Nemrod]

At Navarre Beach I was approached by some of the "tongue ring" generation as I waded from the water who inquired in rather disdainful attitudes as to my purpose there. I told them that I had been hired by the Univ. of Florida to study sharks and that there were a bunch of them there to observe. They left.

Moral, always have comebacks at least five deep, most run out after the first and then they are yours.

N

 

[GLENFWB]

:no I realize it is unsafe to dive alone but my question is, is there a law that states you cannott dive alone? If so, who controls this? The reason I am asking is I was wanting to go to Destin florida and dive around the jetties just of the beach but i would be by myself. I'm new to this diving experience and I know it is safer to dive with a buddy but sometimes it's impossible

The Destin jetties are in my backyard. First, there are plenty of us around here who would be glad to dive with you so you won't have to dive alone. I grew up in the waters of Destin. Spent many days fishing off the jetties, but as a new diver I would NOT dive them alone. To many changing variables at the jetties.

Second, as some have said, you must watch tides (I have a link I can provide you for that), for visibility you want to dive on high tide when the Gulf water is coming in. There is no state park to regulate diving at the jetties. You do need to have a diving flag which is probably the main thing you will have to observe unless you plan on diving off of a private boat.

During certain times of year (like right now) high tide is at night which makes for a good night dive. Come over to the Florida Conch Diver/North Florida trips and let us know when you want to dive and you probably will find some folks who are willing to go. Nemrod is correct, there are some easy shore dives in Destin, Navarre, and Pensacola. (Hey Nemrod, why not come down and give a local newbie like me the benefit of your diving experience....would love to tag along with you sometime!)

Just a few thoughts....let us Florida Panhandlers know if we can help.

 

[Nemrod]

GlenFWB, someday I hope to return to the panhandle forever.

I never said I was an expert, I learn from people every dive. Mostly these days I am learning that I am getting old)er)--lol.

The recent storms have severely changed the lay of the land. Is that darn dredge still out there mucking things up?

I am passing through, very briefly late March on our way to a vintage dive ralley down Ocala way.

I don't recommend the gentleman solo dive either until he get's perhaps a bit more time but that Navarre Beach Pier is pretty darn easy and that little pile of rock there at the Pensecola fishing pier as well, maybe start with a snorkel adventure there. The problem with the jetties, unless I am lost more than usual is that the shallow place is gone that was so nice to orient yourself in.

N

 

[GLENFWB]

GlenFWB, someday I hope to return to the panhandle forever. I never said I was an expert, I learn from people every dive. Mostly these days I am learning that I am getting old)er)--lol.

Okay, expert was my word...how about WAY more experienced then me? I do understand about the getting older.

The recent storms have severely changed the lay of the land. Is that darn dredge still out there mucking things up?

Yes, they are trying to build up the beach that goes from the jetties out toward the point on the harbor. Storms have taken its toll on that section. We are hoping that the dredge will disappear before spring. We did a dive at the jetties a few months ago and noticed the bottom has changed quite a bit recently. We didn't even see the anchor on that dive.

I don't recommend the gentleman solo dive either until he get's perhaps a bit more time but that Navarre Beach Pier is pretty darn easy and that little pile of rock there at the Pensecola fishing pier as well, maybe start with a snorkel adventure there. The problem with the jetties, unless I am lost more than usual is that the shallow place is gone that was so nice to orient yourself in.

There is still some good places to ease in. Last time we went in from the beach just a few yards back from the jetties and had an easy entry and exit. You are right about Navarre Pier, that is an easy, shallow dive. And since there is no active fishing going on around there now, it makes for a pretty safe dive. Like I said, if you do come through sometime let me know. I am always looking for an excuse to dive.

 

[all4scuba05]

WC46 says:
Solo diving with the equipment and planning needed is not the same a neophyte and inept buddy team becoming seperated and having some misfortune befall one of them. Solo divers are prepared for being solo--imagine that--buddy divers are not. Do not confuse the two.
N

Exactly!!!