Solo diving?

[LI Diver]

Well gang I'm going down to Florida in a couple of weeks so that my daughter can do her OW ck out dives and I plan on diving as well. My usual dive buddy, my son is not going so that I can spend the quality time with my daughter the same as I did when him and I got certified last year. We will be diving relatively shallow reefs (35 fsw or less) i'm sure. She will be with a instructor and one other student (so far) I was going to hang around and photo the event. Basicaly I will be diving solo but in close proximity to the class. Do you think this is wise? I really don't want to get buddied up on the boat and then hold someone back from enjoying their dive. I have about 20 OW dives under my belt and never had a problem. I could get a dm and just leave them be and explore but I would really like to photo the drills. Also it would be kinda a waste to get a dm and just hang around the class anyway. What do ya's think????

 

[m3830431]

If you have to question it then maybe you aren't ready to solo.

 

[do it easy]

If you stay close enough to take photos, you're not that far away, unless you have an underwater telephoto lens. I would ask the instructor is it's OK to hang around. They might not mind keeping an eye out for you or they might think it would be distracting. Let them know you have reservations about being solo in the water- it will help them find a solution.

 

[Talon]

Perfect answer. Seriously, if you are nervours about it, don't do it. Many people actually prefer to dive solo, but like myself, they are comfortable with it.

Michael

 

[LI Diver]

If you have to question it then maybe you aren't ready to solo.

I actually don't have much apprehension about this, at this depth and with decent vis I don't see a problem. In a extremely rare catastrophic failure and all my air is lost or inacessible a cesa from this depth is not unreasonable.I'm sure many of you free dive to this depth.The real danger would be in an entanglement where I cant reach my knife or shears but again in close proximity to the others, easily acessible cutting tools and the thought that no dive op is going to take an OW class to an area with known entanglements (of course someone could have fished there the night before) or something could have drifted in.I don't want to be on the boat and be told I have to buddy up and not get to photo nor do I want to be considered a distraction if I do.
Ed
PS I will call the shop and ask there rules on this. Capt. Gary...You out there??

 

[Fish_Whisperer]

With shallow reefs, (i.e. Christ of the Abyss and reefs of that caliber) where your max depth is 30fsw, and especially since you are going to be within sight of the class, I'd say go for it. Even if something went horribly wrong, you would have the option of surfacing or signaling for assistance. Catastrophic equipment failures are extremely rare. In my humble opinion, (and I only have 20 dives, myself) I'd say go for it. You are the final authority because you are the one who knows your own skill level and what you are prepared to handle. Good luck.

 

[m and m]

Yeah ... as said above... if you are close to the group go for is. If you are really indoubt just take a emergency accent bottle or a pony bottle with you... this insures you against equipment failure some what.

 

[ScubaMike14]

You will have no problem at all. There will be no entanglement issues so leave the Rambo knife at home. As for photos, there should be no problem if you just pay attention. There are some current issues on the East coast of Florida, but even on a shallow drift dive you can do your own thing without any problems. Just let the instructor know what you plan to do, he or she will more than likely be fine with it as long as you don't interfere with the students.

Since you are new to diving (and underwater photography?) I thought I'd give you a bit of advice. Once you frame your shot and are ready to press the shutter button, HOLD YOUR BREATH for JUST the time it takes to press the shutter button. This way you get a picture of your daughter, rather than the bubbles from your reg.

Welcome to the wonderful world of diving, and congrats to your daughter ahead of time. Have fun and get some great shots. And don't forget to hand off the camera to the instructor so that he/she can get a photo of you and your daughter together.

Mike Rushton
PADI DM 174448

 

[LI Diver]

You will have no problem at all. There will be no entanglement issues so leave the Rambo knife at home. As for photos, there should be no problem if you just pay attention. There are some current issues on the East coast of Florida, but even on a shallow drift dive you can do your own thing without any problems. Just let the instructor know what you plan to do, he or she will more than likely be fine with it as long as you don't interfere with the students.

Since you are new to diving (and underwater photography?) I thought I'd give you a bit of advice. Once you frame your shot and are ready to press the shutter button, HOLD YOUR BREATH for JUST the time it takes to press the shutter button. This way you get a picture of your daughter, rather than the bubbles from your reg.

Welcome to the wonderful world of diving, and congrats to your daughter ahead of time. Have fun and get some great shots. And don't forget to hand off the camera to the instructor so that he/she can get a photo of you and your daughter together.

Mike Rushton
PADI DM 174448

Thanks Mike, as far as drift diving,I guess I should have mentioned we will be in the Keys. I don't think drift diving will be an issue here as it is on the coast.

 

[Gary D.]

There is a simple solution to your question. IF you have to ASK, you’re NOT ready.

Gary D.