cfsdiver18:I was wondering if dive operators will allow someone to dive solo if they don't have a buddy? assuming everyone is paired up and most of your dives have been solo would the dive operator allow you to dive solo? Would they create a more restrictive dive plan for you? Based on other comments about having the DM as your buddy, it sounds like you may be diving solo anyway. I have never had the chance to go on a dive trip but I would like to and would run into this problem/concern also.
Depends where you are. Some places dont allow it. Others do. Sometimes, you may have to email first and ask - you're likely to have better luck with the smaller, owner-run type of shops (which are the ones I prefer to dive with anyways).
I've had reasonably good luck diving solo when I travel. However, if I am at a new site/location, I'd rather follow the DM anyway, as s/he knows where the good stuff is. So even though I dont have a buddy, I'm usually in a group of divers anyway and not really diving solo.
Side note - if someone is diving solo, they better not be accepting a dive plan made by someone else.
Vandit