Definition of Solo Diving

[emcbride81]

Originally Posted by WV Diver

Hmm..... Agreed, Yes a good buddy can save your life.

Very much disagree with the statement that "even a buddy you are not sure of is better than nothing". This logic can get you killed. I see this as an example of inexperience or being complacent or unaware of possible problems with ones diving. Good guy logic is easy to succumb to. At least when I am solo I am in complete control.

Not ragging on you Kidder, I have heard this statement before. Think about it.

I agree with WV on this one. I can see where Kidder is coming from with "a buddy you are not sure of being better than nothing". This statement can be true, but to believe in it to the point where you put your life in someone else's hands is a disaster waiting to happen. My belief is you have to assume the insta-buddy is the worst diver in the world and be confident in your solo abilities...then should the crap hit the fan let him prove to you otherwise. If I were entangled/trapped to the point of immobilization or unconscious (usually preventable instances), yes the insta-buddy is better than nothing, but aside from that I need to be mentally capable of taking care of myself.

To answer the op, every dive I prepare for as a solo, but unless I am alone in the water I record it as a buddy dive.

[rawalker]

To me it's just a diver that is willing to accept more risk and tries to offset the risk with more equipment.

[ozarkdiver]

In response to easyrider003, while 25-30 ft. may seem like an easy dive, other conditions may exist which make the dive more hazardous. Also, you could have a deep dive in perfect conditions (if there is such a thing) where going solo would be acceptable. I think instead of putting a hard limit on solo dives, you have to look at each dive individually (dive environment/training/experience/equipment/do you want to really want to make this dive/etc.).

[ozarkdiver]

As far as mitsuguy's comments about going solo and then splitting up. Even if you're an experienced solo diver, if you're going down as a buddy team, then BE A BUDDY!. I would only separate if I knew my buddy was also a solo diver, and we had disussed deliberate separation before the dive. "When" I separate, I'd make sure he knew it, and was okay with it. I'm not going down with a non-solo diver and then separate (even if it's okay with him). This puts him in a situation he may not be prepared for.

One thing I hate is when the divemaster doesn't allow me to solo dive, then I see buddy teams underwater that are in no position whatsoever to help each other if needed. I know most operators don't allow solo diving for legal reasons, but a solo certification (like SDI's) may just be the legal "out" the operators are looking for.

[RikRaeder]

Diving with my GF

[ozarkdiver]

Originally Posted by deepdiver47

I know that this may start off as a dumb question. But what would you consider is a solo diver?

Most people would think that it is someone who enters the water by themselves. I consider myself a solo diver because I dive during my business trips overseas where I always go alone. I go to a resort and will dive with a guide or with a couple of people and a guide but no one is assigned an insta-buddy. I consider and insta-buddy to be diving solo.

So, what do you think a solo diver is?

My dives are planned solo dives (going spearfishing and I'm not taking anyone with me). However, a buddy dive can turn into a solo dive at any time, which is why they should teach self-sufficiency first, then do the buddy thing if they want. I approach every dive as if I'm going solo (right conditions/equipment for the dive, etc.). Why does a solo diver have a redundant source of air?....for "worst case" scenario. So if you're buddy diving, you need to assume "worst case" scenario (buddy separation), and have your own redundant air supply.