How do you know when you're too "green" to dive without an instructor or DM?

[briannaunderwater]

Hiya. I'm a writer for California Diver magazine and I'm writing an article for new divers on how to know when you have enough experience to go diving without an instructor or a divemaster (but with a buddy, of course!).

So, I'm looking for some folks to interview for my article. Some new divers who have recently ventured out on their own (or not) would be great . . . if you'd like to share an experience with the world .. . and also (and especially!) I'm looking for a couple of instructors and DMs to give some advice to new divers on this same topic.

If you'd be willing to chat with me on the phone for 20 minutes or so, that would be awesome. I'm on deadline, so I have to get started ASAP.

Please respond here, or write to me at briannapstevens at yahoo dot com if you're interested. Keep blowing bubbles!

Cheers,
Brianna

[Dr Wu]

... how to know when you have enough experience to go diving without an instructor or a divemaster (but with a buddy, of course!).

After you finish a basic open water course?

[knowone]

Are you really keen and well prepared Brianna, or an insomniac?

DevonDiver will have some good suggestions.

I don't know, and I can't type or speak Mercan.

[gcbryan]

You should never be that green.

[bs63366]

I thought that was the point of open water was to get you ready to dive open water without a DM or instructor? I know that I only did 2 dives with a DM only b/c they were out of my skill as a OW diver, but after just me and an OW buddy.

[scoobydrew]

I dont think you are going to get a hard and fast answer here, the answer is totally subject to opinion.

Students are certified to go out and dive without guidance upon completion of their open water course. The reality that I notice is that many do not do this. Many people only dive on vacation which is a scenario that most of the time comes with a DM, others like to join clubs etc so they at least have experienced folk around them that can assist with logistics and guidance.

Much of this will depend on the individual and how prepared they feel following their open water course. In signing off a student the instructor is effectively unleashing that person in to the wild with his blessing to go hire/buy equipment, grab a buddy and jump in but I suspect that the vast majority of freshly certified divers get more training or go on guided dives before attempting to do this. So your goal is to try to find out what indicates to the diver that they are ready to take the next step?

It will vary, some will want to go out alone straight away others will possibly never do this.

[vladimir]

If you'd be willing to chat with me on the phone for 20 minutes or so, that would be awesome.

The phone; how quaint.

[Saudi-Diver]

You should be ready to dive with a buddy of equal or better skill set straight after Open Water as long as your diving in the same conditions which you qualified in.

[Jim Lapenta]

Private Message Sent.

[Aquatrax]

Who's bubbles?