Why would you get a Solo Cert?

[knotical]

... taught the new PADI solo class. ...

. which is called Self Reliant Diver, so Mat might be disappointed when he gets the card and it doesn't say solo.

 

[mathauck0814]

. which is called Self Reliant Diver, so Mat might be disappointed when he gets the card and it doesn't say solo.

Disappointed is a soft word for how I will feel...

 

[nielsent]

I am sure this has been answered at least once previously, but for clarification I must ask. Does the cards have to plainly and specifically state that the diver is allowed to dive solo/alone/no buddy for it to work for liability purposes?

 

[NCBusguy]

Just my $.02 worth....I got my solo card from SDI for a couple of reasons, #1 after being getting stuck with some very interesting "instabuddies" I found that diving by myself was far less of a risk, and #2 my dive partner is serious about his deco dives so when he stays down longer than I do, I go about my dive plan and he goes with his. As far as a solo cert being "status symbol"? Nope, it just gives me more options when I do dive.

 

[Bob DBF]

I am sure this has been answered at least once previously, but for clarification I must ask. Does the cards have to plainly and specifically state that the diver is allowed to dive solo/alone/no buddy for it to work for liability purposes?

Track down Wookie on the MV Spree he makes the call on his boat, as I remember, it has to say solo to dive solo. Being trained to be a self reliant buddy is different than being a trained solo diver.


Bob
------------------------------
I may be old, but I’m not dead yet.

 

[CaveMD]

1. I got mine as a liability release reason.
-Interestingly enough, it has been of little use, I mostly dive caves or a local quarry and my local quarry accepts full cave or trimix in lieu of a solo card. The caves, makes no difference. Either solo is allowed or isnt, no cards involved. But I have it in case I get into saltwater diving and a boat operator wants to see it before I flip over the side covered in tanks.


2. Nope, most of my solo dives(cave and/or deco) are beyond the scope of available solo cert's.

3.






3(con't).

4. I got mine through SDI(afaik it's the only one that specifically says "solo")

 

[CaveMD]

Will it be status symbol?

I think its a status symbol in the same way that I think the night I survived drinking 27 beer without S**ting my pants, vomiting or dying is a status symbol among my frat buddies. It happened. There are people that think it is an impressive achievement. However, when you look at the bigger picture, it is not really a big deal.

I vote this for best answer

 

[DevonDiver]

Track down Wookie on the MV Spree he makes the call on his boat, as I remember, it has to say solo to dive solo. Being trained to be a self reliant buddy is different than being a trained solo diver..

Bob, do you think these operations would be more accepting if the divers concerned brought copies of their course materials - which categorically state that the 'Self-Reliant' course goals are, amongst others, to train divers to dive "independently without a buddy?".

 

[Bob DBF]

Bob, do you think these operations would be more accepting if the divers concerned brought copies of their course materials - which categorically state that the 'Self-Reliant' course goals are, amongst others, to train divers to dive "independently without a buddy?".

How hard would it be to put Solo on the card?

Self reliant can mean diving independently without a buddy, as you say, but it is up to the operator to decide if it means Solo. Solo means solo and at that point it is up to the operator to decide only if they will allow it. I doubt seriously that an operator would read the course materials and engage in meaningfull debate and make a decision without first discussing it with his insurance provider.

At this point I don't have a dogfish in the fight because I am not traveling far afield at this time. The SoCal boats I dive don't have a problem with my solo diving and the NoCal beaches can't afford Dive Police. When and if I get a solo card it will have to say Solo on it to minimize the confusion in the minds of others.



Bob
--------------------------------------
I may be old, but I’m not dead yet.

 

[VooDooGasMan]

Well it use to be if you had a DM card you were covered and I still think it should be. I would get a solo card if it was simple as a test and well solo dive experience. I just not that concerned as I just go along with the dive op's ways and after the first day of diving they will be comfortable on letting you stray a bit.