Is this possible

[Kharon]

I've been planning for a trip to Grand Cayman specifically to shore dive solo. Now I seem to be reading that:
1. you can't rent tanks and dive anywhere but at that dive shop;
2. no dive shop will let you dive solo;

I know that there are shore diving sites that don't have any dive shop. How do you dive those sites If you can't rent air to go.

I've been to Bonaire several times and was never even asked if I was diving with a buddy or solo. My checkout dives were all done solo. I was even told I could go solo on a boat dive without even asking. Guess I'm spoiled. I'd much rather go to someplace other than Bonaire (or Curacao) this time just for a bit of change but I am certainly having a hard time identifying any other options.

 

[Alex777]

You might be able to rent 1 or 2 tanks from Divers Supply by just showing 1 Certification card. I have. By the way, how can a "checkout dive" be done solo? Who's checking?

 

[diversteve]

By the way, how can a "checkout dive" be done solo? Who's checking?

It's the Bonaire Marine Park Orientation dive. If you show any level of competence during the overview they cut you loose to do the dive solo at the facility you're at. Can't get a BMP tag (or air) without doing it first. It's supposed to be a buoyancy check more than anything else.

---------- Post added December 9th, 2013 at 05:27 PM ----------

I've been planning for a trip to Grand Cayman specifically to shore dive solo. Now I seem to be reading that:
1. you can't rent tanks and dive anywhere but at that dive shop;
2. no dive shop will let you dive solo;

I know that there are shore diving sites that don't have any dive shop. How do you dive those sites If you can't rent air to go.

Besides Divers Supply^ in West Bay, another option is Eden Rock downtown. They have a 24hr. rental program. Scuba Equipment Rental
I have yet to find a third rental location on Grand Cayman.

 

[Alex777]

It's the Bonaire Marine Park Orientation dive. If you show any level of competence during the overview they cut you loose to do the dive solo at the facility you're at. Can't get a BMP tag (or air) without doing it first. It's supposed to be a Buoyancy check more than anything else.

---------- Post added December 9th, 2013 at 05:27 PM ----------

You also can't bring rental tanks onto some sites if the affiliated shop/resort owns the land to the waterline. And some like Sunset House have a no tank removal from the premises policy - even if you're staying/diving there.

Besides Divers Supply^ in West Bay, another option is Eden Rock downtown. They have a 24hr. rental program. Scuba Equipment Rental
I have yet to find a third rental location on Grand Cayman.

Hi, Steve! I'm not arguing with you, but ...

To me, a "solo" dive means that no other diver is within visual range throughout the dive. So, what good is a buoyancy check? It doesn't reassure "them" because they can't see you, and if the diver NEEDS to do one he shouldn't be diving solo, IMHO. Just asking.

Yah, Eden Rock may (?) rent a single tank, but I'm not sure of that.

 

[diversteve]

Hi, Steve! I'm not arguing with you, but ...

To me, a "solo" dive means that no other diver is within visual range throughout the dive. So, what good is a buoyancy check? It doesn't reassure "them" because they can't see you, and if the diver NEEDS to do one he shouldn't be diving solo, IMHO. Just asking.

Yah, Eden Rock may (?) rent a single tank, but I'm not sure of that.

I don't pretend to understand it myself either. It's the rule set out by STINAPA (the BMP people) and everybody follows it. I have seen DM's lead the dive also.

Going by what's at the top of the link I posted. I assume that includes tanks since the first six items are:

We offer a full selection of Scuba Diving and Snorkeling equipment for rent. A rental day is from 9:00 AM one day until 9:00 AM the next day.

65 Cubic foot tank (full)
$12.50
80 Cubic foot tank (full)
$12.50
100 Cubic foot tank (full)
$14.00
Nitrox tank 65 or 80 cubic foot (full)
16.00
Air fill up to 80 cubic foot
$8.00
Air fill up to 100 cubic foot
$10.00

At least no one I've referred there ever said they couldn't. I try to avoid downtown...

 

[Alex777]

Yes, I'm sure they rent a variety of tank sizes. The question (to which I don't really know the answer) is whether they will rent Kharon a tank without seeing 2 (not just 1) certification cards.

 

[diversteve]

IDK either - I've only dove there once with a buddy.

 

[tkaelin]

Hey Kharon, I have been diving in GC and Bon multiple times and solo cert. Why are you planning the GC trip to just solo shore dive? Have you been to GC before? Depending upon your answers I may have some suggestions for you.

 

[Mike]

Hi, Steve! I'm not arguing with you, but ...

To me, a "solo" dive means that no other diver is within visual range throughout the dive. So, what good is a buoyancy check? It doesn't reassure "them" because they can't see you, and if the diver NEEDS to do one he shouldn't be diving solo, IMHO. Just asking.

Yah, Eden Rock may (?) rent a single tank, but I'm not sure of that.

I've experienced the check out dive with the check out person standing 100 feet from the shore standing at the pool having a drink while he waves at you and gives you a thumbs up.

 

[Damselfish]

Checkout dive can have a variety of meanings. And often just means it's an opportunity to check yourself out. I've seen everything from fairly formal checkout dives with a DM, to a vague wave of the hand in the direction of the ocean.