Solo Diver

[Venio]

How can one get solo certified and what are the prerequisites for it?

NOTE: I'm not asking for your opinion about solo diving, just for directions. [img]smileys/smiley1.gif[/img]

[Queen]

Originally Posted by Venio

How can one get solo certified and what are the prerequisites for it?

NOTE: I'm not asking for your opinion about solo diving, just for directions. [img]smileys/smiley1.gif[/img]

Excellent question, I didn't even know there was a cert for it!

[Illini_Fan]

This is from the Explorer Ventures site:
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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>

[fire diver]

Originally Posted by Venio

How can one get solo certified and what are the prerequisites for it?

NOTE: I'm not asking for your opinion about solo diving, just for directions. [img]smileys/smiley1.gif[/img]

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>You don't NEED a certification to dive solo. Most of us that are die hard solo-ists, see it as simply a way to get your money. Others have looked at the course materials and found them to be pretty lacking. Others think it is fine.</DIV>
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<DIV>Solo diving comes down to one thing, YOU. Are YOU comfortable enough to dive solo? Are YOU carrying redundant equipment? Are YOU absolutely sure of you gas consumption rate and your dive planning skills? Are YOU calm in emergencies and able to think and act calmly under duress?</DIV>
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<DIV>If you answered no to any of those, you need to spend more time diving with buddies.</DIV>
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<DIV>I personally dislike that this exists as a course. It will be an excuse for too many unprepared divers who NEED watching to go diving without supervision.</DIV>
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>FD</DIV>

[tc_rain]

Most dive parks around where I live will not allow solo diving, cert card or not.

[picxie]

Do many people solo dive?
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<DIV>I used to be dead against it. However I'm thinking I might do it locally as I don't have a local dive buddy (but my dad will take me out on his boat). It's only 10 odd metres out there (33 feet I think). Haven't made up my mind yet. I wouldn't consider doing it any deeper than that though.</DIV>

[fire diver]

Originally Posted by picxie

Do many people solo dive?
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I used to be dead against it. However I'm thinking I might do it locally as I don't have a local dive buddy (but my dad will take me out on his boat). It's only 10 odd metres out there (33 feet I think). Haven't made up my mind yet. I wouldn't consider doing it any deeper than that though.</DIV>

<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>Solo diving is still a very minority affair for divers. If you have dove this area before, are familiar with it, and comfortable then give it a cautious try. If this is a new dive spot to you, it's best to have a buddy. </DIV>
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<DIV>just my 2 bubbles worth anyway</DIV>
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<DIV>FD</DIV>

[ertechsg]

100 dives really? You have to have more dives to do solo than to be an instructor? Thats @#$%

[cummings66]

I think it's a good number. Certainly by the time you get 100 dives in you've shown that you're comfortable in the water, should have a better air consumption rate and understand the risks involved.
<DIV></DIV>
<DIV>I know some technical courses that require more skills than that of an instructor as well, instructors are not gods IMO. Nor are they the best divers out there.</DIV>
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<DIV>I will say I can't do what they do, I don't have the patience nor desire to do that and I RESPECT them HIGHLY for giving so much of their time away to instruct others.</DIV>
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<DIV>Yes, I've dove solo and will do so again. If it's a new area I want a buddy, but if I've dove it enough to know it then I'll do it solo. I'm not a brave adventurer by myself.</DIV>

[Dive-aholic]

Originally Posted by ertechsg

100 dives really? You have to have more dives to do solo than to be an instructor? Thats @#$%

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.