Which training organization?

[Donkey]

Hey Guys,

I have been interested in solo diving for a while now and I was wondering wether all of oyu solo divers actually have a certification card or not. Also which training organisation does solo diving courses and what do they consist of?

Does this certification give you insurance benefits in case of accident or bends?

Also I would like to know what you need to adjust in your gear if you want to solo dive. Ik have heard about double tanks, pony bottles and spare masks but what is essential?

I must confess I have done a few solo dives already but this was in shallow divesites where I have been lotds and lots of times before. i didnt have any extra or special gear with me but I enjoyed the fact that I could just take as many picturs of those nudibranchs as I liked withous being a burden to anyone.

Thanks for your replies!

Greetz,

Ties

[DivingCRNA]

Nice first post. :-)

You need a redundant air source if you are going to dive solo. You need 2 ways to cut yourself out of line. I carry a spare computer and spare mask, too.

Some will argue if doubles are truly redundant or not because the isolator can be broken and you will lose all your gas. That is for you to decide.

However, I find solo diving to be more of a mental change.

[Scuba Pete]

I dont really know much about solo diving, but i do know that the only agency to currently offer a solo diver course is TDI/SDI.

[navyhmc]

As DivingCRNA said, welcome to the forum.

Don's right on as far a redundant gear. Since in a solo dive you are fully relying on yourself, If you need it and didn't bring it, you're SOL. That's not to say I bring my entire gear locker with me on a dive though. For me it's redundant gas-as CRNA noted. a spare mask and a spare computer as well as 2 cutting tools-at least one of which is acceessable by either hand.

Scuba Pete is right about the training organization. SDI/TDI is currently the only agency with an actual solo certification.

As far as insurance, no benefits. You nay be able to show a solo card on a charter and not have to insta-buddy but as far as insurnace, I'd hesitate to say that it will be of any benefit-I don't think it's a hinderance IRT DAN.

[Donkey]

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the replys!

I have found a thread on this forum about what the course consists of. Apparently its about calculating your SAC rate and using redundant airsources and stuff (pretty predictable).

If you haver an Open Water cert and go diving to 40 meters I dont think your insurance will cover your med bill in case of hyperbaric treatment or something like that. Having the right cert does kind of cover your ass in some cases. Other than this I think its could do learn more from other people that know what they are talking about.

I have done a Tech Basic Specialty a while ago and that was great fun. Diving with twin tanks for the first time. I dont know if me and my wallet are ready yet to go all the (tech) way. Maybe in the future.

I guess I would have to find a SDI or TDi school here in Thailand.

I'll keep you informed.

Greetz,

Ties

[navyhmc]

A little more than SAC rate and redundant, there is also risk mangagement, self-rescue, etc. I did a few solo's eons ago without the course-and to be honest, all the solo card does is maybe allow you to solo at private areas as well as charters...if you're on your own at a beach or lake, who's to stop you. That said, I decided to take the solo course and am glad I did. Seems my earlier successful solo dives hinged more on luck than skill-nothing bad happened, but had it, I would have been up crap creek with no means of propulsion!

IOW: Take the course!!!

Go to the SDI website: International Training :: Home :: :: English and you can look up the Thailand centers. In fact, they indicate there are 10 in Thailand: 3 in Bangcock, 3 in Phuket and one each in Koh Tao, Koh Lanta, Krabi and Satun.

I miss Thailand...wish I could make a return trip.

[Crimediver]

I also took the TDI solo course. It showed me a couple of new ways of doing things I incorporate into much of my diving. Basically I was doing much of what the course taught anyways. I was guilty of doing a lot of my dives solo prior to being "legal".

Not too long ago I raised a ten foot tall ship anchor solo diving but I was pretty careful and took no chances doing it. I attached the lifting bags and then remotely inflated them from 25 feet away with a long hose while I stood off to the side. Pretty simple but some people thought it was foolish and fussed at me. I had thought out a plan for the job and had the right equipment to do it. It was a hell of a safer dive than some I have seen with two vacationing divers buddied up on a cattle boat dive operation.

The only thing that was dangerous about the whole operation was dealing with the old lady after I planted the anchor in the front yard.

[reeldive]

Oh OOH! Another anchor yanker. Don't have any as big as that 10' one but I've got six in my yard right now. Need to have a yard sale or something

[Tekdivr]

Originally Posted by Crimediver

I also took the TDI solo course. It showed me a couple of new ways of doing things I incorporate into much of my diving. Basically I was doing much of what the course taught anyways. I was guilty of doing a lot of my dives solo prior to being "legal".

Not too long ago I raised a ten foot tall ship anchor solo diving but I was pretty careful and took no chances doing it. I attached the lifting bags and then remotely inflated them from 25 feet away with a long hose while I stood off to the side. Pretty simple but some people thought it was foolish and fussed at me. I had thought out a plan for the job and had the right equipment to do it. It was a hell of a safer dive than some I have seen with two vacationing divers buddied up on a cattle boat dive operation.

The only thing that was dangerous about the whole operation was dealing with the old lady after I planted the anchor in the front yard.

Great find and congrats on a safe recovery!

[Donkey]

Hey guys,

I am starting a compressor operator and gasblender course tomorrow. The solo diver course will have to wait untill the old piggybank fills up again (this might take a while)

Greetz,

Ties