Solo Diving

[captain]

The greatest force in the universe is human stupidity. We all contribute more or less to it.

 

[Cacia]

Well, I would almost always give air to anyone. But I can think of some situations where I would not. I always first would ask myself FIRST, "do I think I will survive getting close to this person, based on what they look like over this 3-4 seconds?" If they are not in control, and I don't know them (or like them), and we are deeper than 80-90 feet...probably not.

Please, do not take any line out of context.

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

careful! it's a trap.

Training (some type), Experience (500+, personal opinion), life insurance and another living parent for your offspring, knowledge of site, boat captain "buddy", a SMB, a knife, resonable viz 40+, predictable ocean conditions, confidence.

Nope ... it's an honest question. I asked because we have a dive shop in our area that offers "solo workshops" that are essentially nothing more than an opportunity to sell pony bottles. I've seen some of their "solo divers", and those folks have no business being underwater alone ... some of them have no business being underwater at all!

I don't think there's a specific answer to this question ... but it does boil down to a combination of competence, equipment, and the ability to remain calm when the hit fits the shan.

hey..at least I have an opinion.

Really? I hadn't noticed ...

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Melicertes]

Well, I would almost always give air to anyone. But I can think of some situations where I would not. I always first would ask myself FIRST, "do I think I will survive getting close to this person, based on what they look like over this 3-4 seconds?" If they are not in control, and I don't know them, and we are deeper than 80-90 feet...probably not.

Granted, always assessing the threat to oneself takes ultimate priority before assisting another. I should have mentioned my take on this in my post also; I am in full agreement with you on this one.

 

[Cacia]

Bob, to be honest, I finally realized why I don't get a pony or doubles.

Because I would get in trouble. I am dialed in on an Al 80. I know a lot intuitively and it would all change if I messed with the variables, given the current way I dive. If I could do all the math in my head, and take pictures, etc...then I could move up. It is a personal thing, but I just know I would get in over my head.
I have reached my limit, and I know it.

For me, that is an important concept for any one who decides to solo. You get pretty intimate with yourself.

 

[mdb]

How about this line, which IMHO sums it all up perfectly....

"If you think solo diving is dangerous, it is and you shouldn't do it!"

Safe diving, Rich

Rich: Exactly; for others solo diving can be far more relaxing and fun and safer than the sometimes CF divers in a "team" or "buddy" configuration.

 

[SteveAD]

What else besides a pony bottle do you think you should have to be able to dive solo with some relative degree of safety?

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

The training, experience, and comfort level to be able to ask yourself can I do this safely? and answer with an unequivocal YES.

IMO diving with a lot of "instabuddies" is a significantly higher risk activity than solo diving. with no previous knowledge of this persons skills or behavior I treat any first dive with a new buddy as a solo dive.

 

[Trinigordo]

Who doesn't love the feeling of having the whole ocean to themselves?

 

[Packhorse]

Who doesn't love the feeling of having the whole ocean to themselves?

Apparently not everyone.
Maybe some of us are just selfish. or (shellfish even)

 

[Cacia]

I am always a little scared when I am all alone.

What's it called? Motivational anxiety. I dive better that way. Most mistakes I make are when I am complacent.