solo diving

[scubachanic]

im new to this totally aesome new lifestyle of underwater,and have a rookie question,when am i permitted to solo dive.under what conditions and depth?

 

[DaleC]

Here is a sub forum dedicated to the subject http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/solo-divers/

 

[MXGratefulDiver]

im new to this totally aesome new lifestyle of underwater,and have a rookie question,when am i permitted to solo dive.under what conditions and depth?

As a baseline, after you have learned enough and gotten comfortable enough with both your skills and the underwater environment to be able to

a) anticipate what problems you might encounter
b) plan and execute your dives so as to minimize the risks of having to deal with them
c) know how to deal with them, and how to be prepared to deal with them

There is one agency (SDI) that currently teaches a course in recreational solo diving. Their prerequisite is 100 dives. While that's a pretty arbitrary number, the purpose is to give you a chance to develop the skills, experience, and comfort level to achieve the basic goals above.

Some time ago I wrote an article that might provide you with more in-depth answers ... NWGratefulDiver.com

... Bob (Grateful Diver)

 

[Peter_C]

Probably get chastised for saying it, but I wouldn't recommend even thinking about soloing until you have crossed the 100 dive mark. Yes there are people who started diving solo immediately, just like there are lots of people who have cheated death many times...sometimes they are not so lucky.

 

[fnfalman]

when am i permitted to solo dive.under what conditions and depth?

There isn't any regulation that says you can't solo dive. So, when are you permitted to solo dive? Whenever you feel like it.

Now, the question is are you going to be that foolish to attempt solo diving when you barely started diving?

 

[scubachanic]

no im not planning on solo anytime soon.i just didnt know if it was even possible

 

[Akimbo]

Probably get chastised for saying it, but I wouldn't recommend even thinking about soloing until you have crossed the 100 dive mark. Yes there are people who started diving solo immediately, just like there are lots of people who have cheated death many times...sometimes they are not so lucky.

I suggest that the number of tanks someone burns up is not a meaningful criteria. IMHO it is more an issue of competency in the water, understanding of diving physics and physiology, and water conditions. Solo for a newly certified diver who is a competitive swimmer in 30' of water off a beach in Bonaire is a pretty safe activity. On the other hand, I have seen couch potatoes with a pocket full of diving certifications, backup regulators out the wazoo, and a dog-eared log that should be required to dive solo so his buddy will not feel responsible for his death from a heart attach.

How many times does one have to "cheat death" before the activity is considered a safe practice? We know that a driver's license does not make a 16 year old male with a drinking problem safe. Having a buddy in the car is an even worse idea. However, enough 16 year old drunks sober up and survive being a teenager that they get the vote. Not trying to argue, only to put solo diving in perspective to other human activities riskier than stamp collecting. All sports that involve traveling at high velocity carry more inherent risk than a leisurely underwater swim aided by one of the most reliable mechanical systems developed by humans.

 

[Straegen]

There is no real guideline and you can do it any time you like, but I would not advise someone to do it without specialized experience. I personally wouldn't do it unless I considered myself a master diver (not by PADI standards but by peers), practiced solo diving emergencies in a safe environment until I could do them using muscle memory and had a lot of practical experience working with an array of redundant systems. All of which are good even if you buddy forever.

 

[LeadTurn_SD]

no im not planning on solo anytime soon.i just didnt know if it was even possible

Nothing wrong with your questions scubachanic. The only way to find out is to ask.

Answer: Whether or not it is possible (allowed) depends on where you dive. Shore diving.... depends on location, but often it is "anything goes"; from a dive boat, it depends on the operator, but some will allow solo (sometimes require a solo certification), some will not allow solo at all. You need to ask in advance.

As far as "depths" that are permitted solo? My answer would be the same depths you are "permitted" to dive with a buddy.... but.... you need to understand the additional safety issues of diving without a buddy, and that becomes a big factor in planning your dive, equipment, etc.

As already mentioned, these questions are more safely addressed in the solo section of the board (less chance of flames or "you're gonna die" comments).

Best wishes.

 

[knowone]

When you have your own gear, buy some shears and find a pier.