Solo Kit setup: the required, redundant, optional, and hell-no items

[Wibble]

Do you recommend doing the PADI self reliant or doing the SSI variant? I have done everything through padi in the past.

The PADI "Self Reliant Diver" and the SDI "Solo Diver"

The PADI variant is for handling buddy separation. SDI is for planning and executing a solo dive.

At least one diving lake in the UK will only accept the SDI card to dive solo; the PADI SRD isn't accepted. You have to leave a page containing your information, where you're diving, your kit and your dive time. You must let them know when you're going in and when you've come out. It's restricted to open circuit only and, obviously, redundant gas.

 

[Cthippo]

If you are interested in going solo, you should have already gone solo
and if you think you need to do a course to go solo you are not ready

So much this.

There are no skills unique to solo diving. It's just a dive, like any other, except you are responsible for your own safety. Even this is a false distinction because you should already be approaching every dive with the mindset of "either I am going to do this without assistance or I am not going to do it at all".

 

[lizardland]

So much this.

There are no skills unique to solo diving. It's just a dive, like any other, except you are responsible for your own safety. Even this is a false distinction because you should already be approaching every dive with the mindset of "either I am going to do this without assistance or I am not going to do it at all".

I remember years ago in the 90's when I was a young and newish technical diver emailing George Irvine asking if he solo dived and how he approached it, expecting a bit of a tirade in response.

His reply was actually very simple and very helpful. I'm paraphrasing from memory but it was along the lines of: I don't change anything, I just go and dive, it is exactly the same equipment and mindset as you would use for the same dive with a partner.

If it's good enough for GI3 then it is good enough for me.

 

[lizardland]

It's restricted to open circuit only and, obviously, redundant gas.

I never really understood Wraysbury's attitude. A non-breathing OC diver doesn't give off any more bubbles than an OK CCR diver. It's a stupid policy. Also a bit of a coincidence that the only certification they accept is the one they happen to teach.

 

[tallman]

If you are interested in going solo, you should have already gone solo
and if you think you need to do a course to go solo you are not ready

I am well aware of, and comfortable with jumping into solo diving. For me, the course is more about gaining additional knowledge and having the certification in case it’s required. From what I’ve read on this forum, some countries or dive shops may require proof of solo certification before renting tanks without a buddy, and that is my bigger concern.


If I’m mistaken, and the certification isn’t actually necessary, please feel free to correct me.

 

[Boarderguy]

I am well aware of, and comfortable with jumping into solo diving. For me, the course is more about gaining additional knowledge and having the certification in case it’s required. From what I’ve read on this forum, some countries or dive shops may require proof of solo certification before renting tanks without a buddy, and that is my bigger concern.


If I’m mistaken, and the certification isn’t actually necessary, please feel free to correct me.

You may gain more from venturing down the technical path than the solo cert. Solo / self reliant is really only good for dive ops that require it when you're with them on their boat or their destination. Every dive is a solo dive imo. Pony bottle or doubles is my standard and has been for years.

Get the solo cert to make the ops happy, get tech training to be a better diver.

 

[tursiops]

The PADI variant is for handling buddy separation. SDI is for planning and executing a solo dive.

Not really. The skills and content area almost identical. PADI emphasizes possible buddy separation as a valid reason to solo dive, that's the only focus difference. Many PADI instructors actually use the SDI material! PADI requires AOW, 100 dives, and a student skills assessment (confined or OW) prior to the class, and 3 OW dives. SDI requires similar prereq, and just 2 OW dives.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

The PADI variant is for handling buddy separation. SDI is for planning and executing a solo dive.

This was very much the case in the previous iteration of the class. My instructor accidentally gave me that manual, which was “this class is to help you become a better diver and buddy”. The current curriculum is for solo diving, and covers most of what the SDI manual covers.

Erik

 

[rfwoodvt]

If you are interested in going solo, you should have already gone solo
and if you think you need to do a course to go solo you are not ready

Pretty much agree.

Just about all my endeavors are initially self taught and then followed by targeted training.

Key for me was getting a quality instructor (Paul Seldes) and discovering what I didn't know I didn't know.

Came away with some aha items but the greatest was confirmation that my self-learning wasn't too far off the reservation

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

The PADI "Self Reliant Diver" and the SDI "Solo Diver"

The PADI variant is for handling buddy separation. SDI is for planning and executing a solo dive.

Hunh? Where did that come from?