SDI solo diver certification

[NAM001]

My main issue with the certification is that many shops/boats are not going to recognise it. (I just had a PM conversation with a member who mentioned that Divetech on Cayman will not allow solo diving even with the certification)

Seems fairly pointless to pay the money and get the card only to find that its useless.

that is the insurance policy ilmitations. try mamoth lake in texas and they will not let you in with out a buddy unless you have a solo card.

 

[F106A]

Dont worry I NEVER solo dive...... I always take my camera with me!!!!!

I like it!

 

[tkaelin]

Just returned from Bonaire and I picked up my SDI Solo. Some basic observations. If you are not sure why you would want or need the cert than you probably don't need it or shouldn't get it. For an experienced diver, the course is simple and straightforward and reinforces what you should know already. I dive recreationally - no deco dives - no really deep dives. I do like to dive though. 21 dives in 6 days in Bonaire. I wanted the freedom of heading out at 6 AM for a sunrise dive when most everyone else was asleep. Could I have headed out (and I did and have) by myself without the cert - yup. Did I feel a better having taken the course - yup. The only new issue for me was the requirement of a redundant air supply and the recommeded size of 40 cu. Talk with your instructor. For me, diving in 60-40 ft of clear water in waters I know well, I am comfortable without redundant air, but more comfortable with a small bottle with a reg and gauge. Carrying a 13 was barely noticeable and more air than I would need. I think I would be completely comfortable with a 6. But that is for the conditions I described. Pushing the computer and going deep, I can see why you would want more and add the extra margin of safety. Just some thoughts. TK

 

[Air Head]

Hello all,

As a new diver, i'm surprised to see that some have complete dependence in their buddy as their independent air source.

My personal feeling is that (again as a new diver) if i go to a resort or dive site and get paired with a total stranger, i'm unaware of that persons abilities, frame of mind, or intentions as well as their ability of clarity of thought under pressure. Therefore, it becomes my responsibility to check their kit (buddy system) and double check my own. Of course this is a different story when you work with someone all the time and understand each others expectations and way of working.

The thing that really worries me, is that if there were an OOA situation or emergency, theres no telling how they will react or whether they are capable to help, thus making me assume that i need to be self sufficient and effectively a "Solo" diver. Any help in addition is a bonus.

The point i'm trying to clarify i suppose, is why is solo diving so far out of reach for new divers and risk assessed out of the syllabus for the more main stream certificating bodies? I would love to go solo diving from the beach when on holiday - I love skin diving so SCUBA allows me to stay under for longer.

Aside from the sea aspect, there's also "Benign Conditions" such as swimming pools where line of sight is constant and risks minimal. Why shouldnt a solo dive be permitted here, for example.

Great board by the way, im really enjoying the information and discussions.

 

[DevonDiver]

As a new diver, i'm surprised to see that some have complete dependence in their buddy as their independent air source.

Probably, because that is what they (and you) were taught. Recreational diving, as taught by most major agencies, relies upon the buddy system to mitigate certain obvious risks.

The problem with that system isn't the system itself, it is the application of that system by divers. Basically, some divers get lazy or 'clever' and let their adherence to the system fall into disuse. It's really nothing more than the negligent omission of their training. We call those divers 'insta-buddies', because you typically encounter them on holiday.

Having said that, in respect of air-sharing, to have complete dependance on a buddy it is also necessary to have planned and managed the divers' gas prior to the dive. The absense of effective gas management training at the entry-level causes a definate weakness in the system.

My personal feeling is that (again as a new diver) if i go to a resort or dive site and get paired with a total strange.....it becomes my responsibility to check their kit (buddy system) and double check my own.

When wasn't it your responsibility to double check your own gear, and provide a confirmatory check on your buddy's gear prior to a dive??

Of course this is a different story when you work with someone all the time and understand each others expectations and way of working.

I don't see the difference? Having a reliable buddy should mean that the drills and procedures are more robust.... not the other way around.

The thing that really worries me, is that if there were an OOA situation or emergency, theres no telling how they will react or whether they are capable to help, thus making me assume that i need to be self sufficient and effectively a "Solo" diver. Any help in addition is a bonus.

Self-sufficiency and Solo diving are different concepts IMHO.

Every diver should be capable of taking responsibility for their own safety underwater. That isn't self-sufficiency.... it is a requirement of entry-level training. The fact that this requirement isn't achieved by certain students (and certain instructors) shouldn't mean that self-sufficiency training is needed to remedy it. That would simply mean adding more advanced training to remediate against weak application of basic training.

Self-sufficiency training is kind of unnecessary if divers got the basics right. The increasing availability of that specialist training is a testamony to the failures of diving training schemes in creating divers with the mindset and motivation to actually apply the foundation skills they learn at the earliest stages of development.

The point i'm trying to clarify i suppose, is why is solo diving so far out of reach for new divers and risk assessed out of the syllabus for the more main stream certificating bodies?

Because most divers opt for a McDiving course, that includes a meagre 4 open-water dives and doesn't teach them sufficiently to have ingrained skills or an appropriate mindset to safely mitigate the risks of solo diving.

A cheap and cheerful McDiving course is fine for most people - but it has to be twinned with certain limitations. Easy come, easy go.

Dive within the limits of your training and experience. Basic training equals basic diving equals safety.

The concept of 'limiting' the extent and technicality of the dives, makes perfect sense because the training is also very limited.

...you get what you pay for...

 

[Air Head]

Excellent answers, Thanks. Certainly better understood on that now, though im trying to convince a mate of mine to start diving so that we can buddy up.

Thanks for the reply.