DaleC
Contributor
The "which is safer" argument is a bit specious IMO. It assumes you have two choices in regard to the activity; a safe form and a less safe form. Solo diving can be (should be) an activity in itself, not a substitution or "lesser form of another activity. An intentional solo diver is not minus a partner because a partner is not an intended part of the activity. It's a different approach to diving.
To me, the danger is when you think in terms of buddy diving but choose to dive without one. That would be more dangerous because then you are lacking something. I think if one is going to solo dive they should view it as a stand alone event and retool accordingly. Whether that's equipment, environmental knowledge, improved navigation skills or a more conservative approach in general is up to the individual and conditions.
When I made the decision that I would dive solo I took my diving back several notches and worked myself forward again from a new perspective. I used to argue with Sas about this sometimes on the board as she believed one should be able to solo dive anything one would buddy dive. I did not believe so as I know I am far more willing to extend my safety envelope with a good buddy than I am solo. I not only look at my capacity, but my ability to cope with a loss of capacity. With a buddy I trust, I know I would risk that loss more.
To me, the danger is when you think in terms of buddy diving but choose to dive without one. That would be more dangerous because then you are lacking something. I think if one is going to solo dive they should view it as a stand alone event and retool accordingly. Whether that's equipment, environmental knowledge, improved navigation skills or a more conservative approach in general is up to the individual and conditions.
When I made the decision that I would dive solo I took my diving back several notches and worked myself forward again from a new perspective. I used to argue with Sas about this sometimes on the board as she believed one should be able to solo dive anything one would buddy dive. I did not believe so as I know I am far more willing to extend my safety envelope with a good buddy than I am solo. I not only look at my capacity, but my ability to cope with a loss of capacity. With a buddy I trust, I know I would risk that loss more.
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