Solo Diver

[crosseyed95]

Originally Posted by Dive-aholic

Most agencies require 100 dives to be an instructor, too. Personally, 100 dives alone is not enough for either. It should be a combination of dives and experience that is evaluated.

I agree with the 100 dives idea but I don't have any hard evidence behind it. I've dove solo lots of times. I always have a 30 for a pony and go in a location that I'm completely familiar with. I even did a solo dive on a charter because all the other divers really made me nervous. They weren't from my area and I really felt they were more of a hazard for me than not (maybe that's wrong of me but I wasn't on the clock and was paying for my charter that day). I also agree that most Charters won't let you go solo and if I was on the clock I wouldn't let anyone I didn't know go solo.

Like other people said, you should feel comfortable with your abilities, respect what the water can do and know that equipment fails. Take these into consideration and plan accordingly. We must also remember that we take 100% responsibility for ourselves when we hit the water. Jumped out of a plane one time (static line jump). Nobody jumped with me...

[padi1029]

I believe being a "solo diver" speaks more about your skills/abilities in the water than it does about your like/dislike for diving with other people. It's about being self reliant and proficient at self rescue, I know in most situations I can resolve my problem without assistance, safely, calmly. I can controll my own fate (for as much as fate can be controlled) and I am not dependant upon another diver to save my a--. I am comfortable with my gear, how it operates and is set-up. Knowing I am prepared for and can handle most "Oh-Sh-t" situations makes me enjoy my diving much much more.