The issue of solo diving is a controversial one, but it is gaining more mainstream popularity, to the point that formalized training classes and qualification are available. There are many factors to consider when determining whether solo diving is for you.
Are you an accomplished buddy diver? If you can honestly answer “yes” to this question, you may be a suitable candidate for solo diving. Solo diving should only happen if you have the skills required to be an accomplished buddy diver. You need to be confident that you have the knowledge to fully understand and respect the risks associated.
Can you handle emergency situations? Are you able to handle emergencies with calm control, without panic, if so, it is possible that you are a suitable candidate for solo diving. When diving solo, you have no one to rely upon but yourself, and even if you take on no risks other than diving alone, you should be well-versed in self rescue techniques. In addition, you should be someone who is generally calm and controlled in situations that tend to stress others out. Stress and panic cause bad situations to get worse, rapidly.
Are you willing to take solo diver training? If so, you are a potential candidate for solo diving. If you feel for some reason that there’s no need for you to take solo diver training, you may not be a good candidate unless you are already a skilled technical diver. Most solo diver training courses use skillsets, materials, and drills that technical divers are familiar with.
Who are solo divers? Most solo divers who have chosen to dive alone without certification fall into four specific categories as follows:
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“Old-school” divers. Before fast-track scuba courses were available, all divers underwent extensive training that provided them with an intense sense of personal liability. These divers are typically very experienced, and most are hyper-focused on safety.
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Technical divers. Many technical divers already have the skills people acquire during solo diver certification courses.
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Experienced divers. Experienced divers who go solo are often dive professionals or professional underwater photographers who approach solo diving in a prudent, conservative manner. Most of these divers take extreme care to carry redundant air sources, utilize precision gas planning, and stick to extremely conservative depth profiles. Some experienced divers do not take precautions, relying on ego rather than preparation.
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Inexperienced divers. Inexperienced divers who go solo typically accept the risk of an accident without really understanding the relationship between experience and risk management. Inexperienced solo divers often display a greater interest in convenience than in safety.
Certified solo divers fall across the scuba diving spectrum, and all have their reasons for wanting to dive alone. Some have trouble finding regular dive buddies, some don’t like relying on a dive buddy, and some just enjoy being alone underwater. Whatever your reason for wanting to dive solo, there are many issues to consider when determining whether it is for you. Taking a solo diving class is a safe way to determine whether you really are up to the task of truly taking your own safety into your own hands while giving you the skills you need for solo diving as safely as possible.