Solo diving in shallow water

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As long as there is no overhead boat traffic, you should be able to surface more quickly than you could deploy an alternate gas supply.

Really!?? With a little training anyone can go on an alternate gas source within 2 seconds, especially if the alternate is bungyed around your neck. Rocketing to the surface even from 10 ft risks an embolism especially from a novice diver. This is plain and simple just bad advice.
 
Nearly all the diving deaths at less than 30m that I have good knowledge of have been due to a physiological problem ( heart attack , stroke etc) and no one has been close at hand, or the dying person separated from the group without anyone noticing. I am also aware of quite a number of physiological problems on dives that would have been fatal but for an attentive buddy and prompt medical attention on the surface. I would therefore suggest that regular medical check ups and good physical condition are wise for any solo diving.
 
Really!?? With a little training anyone can go on an alternate gas source within 2 seconds, especially if the alternate is bungyed around your neck. Rocketing to the surface even from 10 ft risks an embolism especially from a novice diver. This is plain and simple just bad advice.

I disagree with you.
 
A lot to look at here. Firstly there is no "Licence" - you have simply completed training. There is no requirement to do so and none required to solo dive. Anyone that wants can buy anything they like and do any dive they like and if you dive alone there is also no one to stop you!

So my first recommendation is to echo @diversteve and suggest a solo or self reliant training course. Without that you are exceeding your training so really you might as well not have bothered with that in the first place and certainly outside of what you describe as a "licence".

For shallow and close to shore standard kit is probably sufficient - provided you stay there. What would worry me is that with scuba (as opposed to snorkel) that you get engrossed in what you are doing and get too far from the shore or too deep. As a snorkeller you are always spending time topside to breathe and so always aware of where you are. Once submerged it's so easy to get carried along on the current and to forget - particularly if you find something of interest.

I also agree that watercraft are a major issue - there are big problems round Bournemouth with jet ski users.

The PADI Self Reliant or SDI Solo Diver courses will give you much more information and help you make much better decisions than asking a bunch of people on the Internet, many of whom don't know anything about the UK south coast.

Also you talk about BSAC Open Water - there is no such course. If you are in a BSAC club you will be aware BSAC does not allow solo diving. If you have the PADI Open Water the follow on BSAC course is the Sport Diver.

I am certainly not saying you should not pursue your interest - I hope you will do so. I just think the next stage for you is to get the appropriate training and to discuss your particular requirements with an Instructor face to face. That is the whole point of such courses. It will cover equipment properly and give you the knowledge to choose the appropriate kit for the dive. Here on the Internet we like to argue about pony (bailout) tanks, but one might benefit you or it might not, depending on the circumstances. The course will cover that and show you how to use one properly and rig it correctly.

Sounds like a great way to spend a few hours - I hope it works out OK for you.
 
What??? So the notion of instant death doesn't actually happen when you dive solo or hit your NDL?

:shocked:
Only if the scuba police catch you. Then it becomes a free-for-all!
 
scuba_police.jpg
 

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