PADI Self Reliant vs SDI Solo
- Thread starter Pyramid65
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) to click around tonight I guess.
Its listed under distinctive specialty
While both you and I understand that the PADI Self Reliant course is intended for solo recreational diving just as is the SDI Solo Diver I full well know that there will be those who stand between me and the water and who wish to parse words as to the meaning of "self reliant" vs. "solo" and I have reached a point in life where I do not wish to or have time to argue with such persons. One is clear to the intent, the other requires definition.
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To repeat myself, I have never been asked for a solo diving card.
My experience with operators around the world have either had a set solo diver policy and PADIs card would be fine or have a zero solo diving policy where buddy diving was strictly enforced to the point that no card or training was going to change their policy.
Do some research on who you want to dive with. locally, our dive boats don't plan your dives for you, they provide no dive master. If you choose to dive in without a buddy, that's your choice.
My experience with operators around the world have either had a set solo diver policy and PADIs card would be fine or have a zero solo diving policy where buddy diving was strictly enforced to the point that no card or training was going to change their policy.
Do some research on who you want to dive with. locally, our dive boats don't plan your dives for you, they provide no dive master. If you choose to dive in without a buddy, that's your choice.
Its simply called that because PADI doesn't use the word 'solo' - it's a nomenclature thing, not a skills thing.
---------- Post added May 26th, 2015 at 07:07 AM ----------
There is no such thing as "standardized distinctive specialty" course in PADI. They have "standard specialty" courses like Wreck, and Deep, etc and they have "distinctive specialty" courses such as Self Reliant. But, although some people have really grabbed on to the term, it does not exist in any PADI material... because the two terms are mutually exclusive.
What it is "called" is not really important. The important things are a) the instructor and b) the skills.
I went with (and teach) SDI Solo. the why is simple. SDI recognized several things in developing the course concept.
1) people want to solo dive and the buddy system does not really answer ALL issues for divers
2) many divers already dive solo and need better training and skills. This is the big one for me. If you are an instructor, divemaster, dive guide, spearfisher, photographer, etc...you already dive solo (a.k.a "same ocean"). I may be a good distance from those I'm diving with or be in the water with students or inexperienced divers who I cannot rely on. the Solo class gives me the training and skills to better take care of me. 70% of my dives are probably solo for all practical purposes.
The SDI Solo course also gains a lot from the TDI technical mindset. Great training concept, materials...just need a great instructor to bring it home.
I have been told that PADI's class was done in response to SDI's initial foray into Solo. Now mind you a great instructor will really teach you the same skills regardless of what agency. I personally find the SDI class to be well developed and well thought out.
I went with (and teach) SDI Solo. the why is simple. SDI recognized several things in developing the course concept.
1) people want to solo dive and the buddy system does not really answer ALL issues for divers
2) many divers already dive solo and need better training and skills. This is the big one for me. If you are an instructor, divemaster, dive guide, spearfisher, photographer, etc...you already dive solo (a.k.a "same ocean"). I may be a good distance from those I'm diving with or be in the water with students or inexperienced divers who I cannot rely on. the Solo class gives me the training and skills to better take care of me. 70% of my dives are probably solo for all practical purposes.
The SDI Solo course also gains a lot from the TDI technical mindset. Great training concept, materials...just need a great instructor to bring it home.
I have been told that PADI's class was done in response to SDI's initial foray into Solo. Now mind you a great instructor will really teach you the same skills regardless of what agency. I personally find the SDI class to be well developed and well thought out.
You might find this interesting...
Here is a link to, it claims, the instructor manual for PADI Self Reliant
http://scubabutch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Self-Reliant-Diver-Instructor-Outline.pdf
It may give you a little insight into the PADI course.
I planed to post a link to an SDI Solo course outline but can't find the link. Will keep looking.
Here is a link to, it claims, the instructor manual for PADI Self Reliant
http://scubabutch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Self-Reliant-Diver-Instructor-Outline.pdf
It may give you a little insight into the PADI course.
I planed to post a link to an SDI Solo course outline but can't find the link. Will keep looking.
Kharon
Contributor
I have a SDI Solo card. My instructor was excellent - and I think this is key. Still, I considered the card a learners permit. Lots of practice, practice, practice before I considered myself a solo diver.
If you look at page 5 to 9 in above link it discusses PADI's position on buddy diving and self reliance and "diving alone" or "independent diving." It looks very carefully worded to avoid the term "solo."
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