Is it (a relatively) safe idea or are we crazy?

[uncfnp]

My husband and I will be back in Bonaire this spring. I know from past trips that he will want to do more of the shallower dives then me. Usually it's on the house reef and we have already had a full day of diving so I am ready to drink my mimosas and relax. We agreed our last trip that he could do a solo dive for about 30 min and no more than 30 feet so a cesa is possible. Everything went well. We have all the typical safety gear, except no pony bottle. Not sure that it is possible to fly with one. And do not see it listed as rental where we go.

So, without a pony pottle for air redundancy. Am I crazy to let him do this. He has done about 120 dives in all.

Tell me what I am overlooking...

 

[knfmn]

If he is confident and comfortable doing it, then he can do it. I personally don't solo w/out redundant air, but with a max depth of 30', he should be able to CESA if he needs to. I would bring a pony bottle down with me. You can fly with one as long as the valve is out of it and there is nothing covering the tank opening. I would check with the local dive shops and/or resorts to see if they will fill one for you if you bring it in. It might cost you the price of an inspection. I'm not going to say whether your husband should or should not do the solo dives. He's the only one who can make that decision. He would probably be able to find a buddy to go out with in a place like Bonaire if he would rather go with someone else.

Kristopher

 

[RJP]

Pick up a sling kit and grab an extra 80 at the fill station...

Stage strap sling kit at www.DiveSeekers.com

Cheaper than buying a pony bottle, and a lot easier to carry on a plane!

 

[ajduplessis]

No extra gas will help you when you have a medical issue once submerged.

As long as both of you understand the risk and comfortable with the decision them who are we (read me) to say no.

I do know that a large % of dive fatalities happen we the diver is alone/separated.

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/files/Fatalities_Proceedings.pdf
http://d35gjurzz1vdcl.cloudfront.net/ftw-files/Day1/Evidence/2.pdf

 

[dkktsunami]

unc, it has to be his decision, not yours. He is the only one that knows his comfort level and the degree of confidence in self-rescue and problem solving abilities. This is what solo diving is all about - self reliance, not approval of others. Time and depth limitations do not necessarily make this any safer. Having redundant air is a must in most cases but in 30' of clear, open water probably ok without. If hubby is generally safety conscious and a person who plans and thinks well he is likely ok to do this.

---------- Post added January 2nd, 2013 at 09:34 AM ----------

No extra gas will help you when you have a medical issue once submerged.

As long as both of you understand the risk and comfortable with the decision them who are we (read me) to say no.

I do know that a large % of dive fatalities happen we the diver is alone/separated.

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/files/Fatalities_Proceedings.pdf
http://d35gjurzz1vdcl.cloudfront.net/ftw-files/Day1/Evidence/2.pdf

Of this percentage, how many started out with a buddy and the buddy system failed?

 

[Wookie]

A class would let him know what he is missing. An internet chat board is no substitute for a formal class and training in solo diving. That's why the agencies offer them. Now, an internet chat board will give you opinions you can use to determine which class is the best one....

 

[ScubaSteve]

I say as long as you and your husband know the risks, are comfortable with those then you are free to do whatever dives you so choose. RJP has the best solution IMO......a simple sling kit in Bonaire guarantees your free redundant air. But, as has been stated, things can happen that redundant air will not prevent. Know the risks and do what you can to mitigate them, and then enjoy.

Of this percentage, how many started out with a buddy and the buddy system failed?

IMO, Irrelevant. The fact that they had no support there when needed is what matters here.....not the why.

 

[BDSC]

I'm in the camp where I don't see a problem with it. I have done numerous solo dives in Bonaire when my buddy wasn't up for it. I do pretty much what you have described. I keep my depth in the 30 to 40 ft range and it has usually been on one of the house reefs where I am staying like Buddys or Sand Dollar. I don't carry any redundant air source. I actually enjoy that kind of diving where I don't have to worry about another person.

 

[Kharon]

Spent 2 weeks on Bonaire diving solo (max 88 feet, ave 60 feet - mostly shore, one boat). I took a 13 cf pony in checked bags (valve removed) and had no trouble getting it filled. Also, no VIP by dive center there required for fill. Current VIP was honored (I doubt they even glanced to see if it was there, let alone current)

 

[Mustard Dave]

No extra gas will help you when you have a medical issue once submerged.

As long as both of you understand the risk and comfortable with the decision them who are we (read me) to say no.

I do know that a large % of dive fatalities happen we the diver is alone/separated.

https://www.diversalertnetwork.org/files/Fatalities_Proceedings.pdf
http://d35gjurzz1vdcl.cloudfront.net/ftw-files/Day1/Evidence/2.pdf

I'd recommend everybody watch this video, both those who agree with solo diving and those against it. It is a lecture by UK based TDI instructor, Mark Powell. He is a highly respected technical diving instructor and author of 'Deco for Divers'.

The lecture, recorded at the London International Dive Show discusses many of the common opinions on solo diving. The concluding messages, which I have paraphrased are:

• Solo diving does carry additional risks, but these can be reduced by undertaking suitable training and following procedures
• If you are not going to solo dive, ensure your buddy pair/team is actually effective

Another thing he looks at is accident statistics. Under analysis, they suggest that a lot of the accidents attributed to solo diving are more likely to be separation issues - bad buddy diving rather than solo diving.

One of the points he discusses is the point you make about having a medical issue. He asks if anybody is in the habit of blacking out and then says if so, diving is probably not for anyone with that condition. He mentions a number of tasks people undertake solo - driving, horse riding, skydiving, climbing, fishing, flying. All of these pose a significant risk if you have a sudden medical issue.

Personally, I occasionally dive solo and the situation the OP describes could be one of them, however, I would never endorse the idea to others. What I always do is have some sort of redundancy. Although a CESA is an available option, it is not the preferred option, which is a normal breathing ascent. The suggestion of taking an extra side slung cylinder if a pony is unavailable is a good idea.