“Never dive alone” has in many cases been changed to “Never dive alone unless you are certified to do so.” Whether you are interested in becoming a solo diver for the convenience of it, or if you are simply looking for a way to become more self-sufficient underwater, a solo diver specialty course may be for you.
Why Become a Solo Diver?
There are many reasons people decide to become solo divers. Some have trouble finding reliable buddies who have the ability to dive frequently. Some want to be able to take photos without worrying about having to be mindful of another diver’s safety. Others just enjoy solitude.
In the past, divers who wanted to go solo just did it, often without the necessary training to do so. Some divers are forced to go solo when they lose track of a buddy who has drifted away or who has been lost in low-visibility water. It’s likely that you have found yourself alone while diving, if even for a few moments; this happens to most people.
Even if you have no interest in diving solo on a regular basis, you may be planning to dive with children or others who are inexperienced. Like a scuba instructor, you will be the most experienced diver at the site, and you will be the one who is responsible for watching over the others. In cases like this, a solo diver course can be extremely helpful, as can other advanced courses such as Rescue Diver.
What Solo Dive Courses Entail
Many diving agencies have championed the buddy system for decades, yet the need for solo diving certification has driven them to offer solo diving courses. These courses go by different names including Solo Diver Specialty or Self Sufficient Diver. The goal of various solo diving courses is the same: to teach divers to be completely self-sufficient in the event they encounter problems while diving alone. To qualify for solo diving certification classes, one must meet certain prerequisites:
- Must often meet a certain age requirement, usually 21
- Must have logged a minimum number of dives, usually 100 or more
- Must have dive insurance through a qualified dive insurance provider
- Must be proficient in first aid, including CPR
- Must carry a certain certification level, which varies from one agency to the next
Solo diving courses are designed to teach experienced recreational divers the skills to safely dive without a buddy; at the same time, these courses strengthen buddy diving team skills. Some of the main topics covered include the following:
- Proper dive planning
- How to recognize and accept personal limitations
- How to take accident prevention to the next level
- The benefits of solo diving
- The hazards associated with solo diving
- Proper procedures for diving independently
- Equipment overview for solo diving
- Using equipment while solo diving
- Proper procedures for diving solo
Being a self-reliant diver has its risks and rewards, and being able to carefully manage the risks while enjoying the benefits of diving alone is something you’ve got to be willing and able to do. After successfully completing your solo diver course, you will emerge with certification to dive solo, and an increasing number of venues are accepting this certification. While solo diving isn’t for everyone, it may be ideal for you.