Solo Diver training program.

[SeaFlea]

Greetings all, Last trip to Bonaire I noticed a training course for Solo Divers being offered by the dive op we used, Tropical Divers. After talking with the owner, Harry, I agree with his reasoning. Which is..... When we are diving aren't we all really on our own? The ideal Buddy is not there maybe 90% of the time. I mean for most situations during a normal dive, OW speaking, our Buddy is enjoying his or her dive, 8, 10, 12 ft away, looking the other way. Its up to the individual to react correctly. If we were properly trained and carring redundunt equip. we really don't need a Buddy.

I say this because alot of times I can't find a diving friend to go with me when I want to go diving. Diving solo would moot that whole issue. And Also the shallow, shoreline dive profiles of Bonaire seems to be the easiest and safest place to dive.

Granted, there are alot of dive locations, profiles and times of day that diving solo would be a really bad idea. But, in places like the Bonaire dive profile I think it would be as safe as diving with a Super Buddy.

What do you folks think?

Good Dives.

 

[idocsteve]

If you've got the mindset for it then it's all good.

As I see it, an unknown instabuddy can be infinitely worse than having the proper training and redundant gear, including but not limited to 2 independent gas sources, 2 cutting tools, an audible and visual signal devices.

Not to mention that when you don't have to keep tabs on a buddy you can enjoy the surroundings that much more.

The vast majority of my over 200 dives have been solo, until earlier this year when my girlfriend got certified.

There are benefits to both styles of diving, IF you've got the right buddy.

Granted, there are alot of dive locations, profiles and times of day that diving solo would be a really bad idea.

I can't think of any.

 

[muddiver]

The course can be of benifit. Be aware that some of the information in the manual is not correct. I am referring to the section on Surface Air Consumption rate (SAC). Otherwise, yes it is a good course that will make you think about how to plan a safe dive (with or without a buddy).

 

[Codiak]

The SDI solo course is a worth while class whether you do or don't intend to dive solo. Soloing diving is less about ego and more about bad buddy syndrome... and as IDoc notes instabuddies can be a big issue for you AND the shack and bake buddy. Remember it takes two to tango.

Just remember diving is also a social activity and having a mutual story to share about the days dives over dinner is nice.

Join us in the solo forum if your looking for more detailed information, the threads have a lot of good details about configurations and the additional risks.

 

[idocsteve]

The SDI solo course is a worth while class whether you do or don't intend to dive solo. Soloing diving is less about ego and more about bad buddy syndrome... and as IDoc notes instabuddies can be a big issue for you AND the shack and bake buddy. Remember it takes two to tango.

Dive buddies especially those who you have not known prior to the dive, can be a huge legal liability as well.

 

[RJP]

When we are diving aren't we all really on our own? The ideal Buddy is not there maybe 90% of the time. I mean for most situations during a normal dive, OW speaking, our Buddy is enjoying his or her dive, 8, 10, 12 ft away, looking the other way. Its up to the individual to react correctly.

Well, if that's the "problem" then the solution would probably be a course that makes you a more effective team diver... rather than a course that makes you a solo diver.

 

[RJP]

Granted, there are alot of dive locations, profiles and times of day that diving solo would be a really bad idea. What do you folks think?

I can't think of any.

Really?

Have you thought about..

• wreck penetration?
• cave/cavern?
• planned deco?
• ice diving?
• non-overhead environments with significant entanglement hazards such as lines/monofilament/nets/etc?
• task-oriented dive plans such as S&R?
• night diving?
• significantly deep dives, even if w/in recreational depth and time limits?
• any dive in a new or unfamilar environment?
• any dive at all for a new diver?

 

[idocsteve]

Really?

Have you thought about..

• wreck penetration?
• cave/cavern?
• planned deco?
• ice diving?
• non-overhead environments with significant entanglement hazards such as lines/monofilament/nets/etc?
• task-oriented dive plans such as S&R?
• night diving?
• significantly deep dives, even if w/in recreational depth and time limits?
• any dive in a new or unfamilar environment?
• any dive at all for a new diver?

I meant in regard to my own diving experiences.

Sorry and thank you for the opportunity to clarify.

I'm not cave or tech certified but in all the other scenarios you posted, I just as soon be solo, I don't see an advantage to a buddy and that includes:

Unfamiliar environments
Wreck penetration
Night Diving
non-overhead environments with significant entanglement hazards such as lines/monofilament/nets/etc?

Proper training and gear redundancy makes the advantage of having a buddy, especially one of unknown skills and "mental state", questionable to say the least.

 

[Codiak]

Well, if that's the "problem" then the solution would probably be a course that makes you a more effective team diver... rather than a course that makes you a solo diver.

More telling is the "Harry and I agreed"...

People who can't follow or don't have good buddy practices probably shouldn't consider Solo anyway...

 

[idocsteve]

More telling is the "Harry and I agreed"...

People who can't follow or don't have good buddy practices probably shouldn't consider Solo anyway...

You think so?

I dunno, I would consider those with poor buddy skills to be great candidates for solo diving.