This is from the Explorer Ventures site:
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<DIV>
Those wishing to take the SDI solo diving course on board must meet the following prerequisites:
<UL>
<LI>Completion of
standard liability release, as well as
medical history form
<LI>Minimum Advanced Diver rating
<LI>Minimum 21 years of age
<LI>Minimum 100 logged dives (proof must be presented to the instructor).
<LI>Ability to complete a 200-meter surface swim in full scuba gear, without stopping.
<LI>In addition, the diver must be mentally and physically fit to complete the course. Instructors have discretion in determining whether a candidate qualifies on these points.
</LI>[/list]
The solo diving course consists of a class session emphasizing equipment and planning, as well as two dives. Each dive must follow the dive plan discussed before the dive or the student must do an additional certification dive. During each solo dive, the equipment requires specified below must be met.
Requirements - Certified Solo Divers
Divers wishing to dive solo, who have previously been certified to do so, are welcome to dive solo off of an
Explorer vessel, with the except of the
Galapagos Eco Explorer. The follow requirements must be met:
<UL>
<LI>
<CITE>Solo divers must present proof of their certification.</CITE>
<LI>
<CITE>Solo divers must carry a pony bottle (not a Spare Air or similar device) or independent or isolated-manifold twin tanks, whistle, knife, compass, and signaling device deployable from safety stop depth (safety sausage or dive flag on a reel, for example).
</CITE>
<LI>
<CITE>All solo divers must file a dive plan for each solo dive with the dive staff on board, and adhere strictly to that dive plan.</CITE></LI>[/list]</DIV>