Foxfish
Contributor
Just booked onto the SDI solo diver course.
I rang four different dive shops and got varying stories.
Dive shop 1.
They do the PADI solo diver course.
Lots of messing around trying to get on a course.
Cost AUD $350
Combined with side mount course.
Course done over 5 days. Presumably less if doing solo.
No dive manual.
Not able to speak to the instructor or get detailed information on what is covered.
Includes 2 solo dives and 1 pool dive.
Dive shop 2.
Do the PADI course. Possibly SDI if certification arrives on time.
Had a lengthy discussion with the instructor. Was helpful and friendly.
Cost AUD $295
Course done in one day.
No instruction manual with PADI.
Dive shop 3.
Teaches SDI course.
Cost $249 if more than one student.
Done over 1 day.
Unable to speak to instructor.
Dive shop 4.
Teaches SDI course over two days.
Three other people already on the course.
Cost AUD $450
Three dives including two deep dives off dive boat and pool dive.
Instructor confirmed to have technical training and is supervised by tech diver instructor.
Suggestions:
It pays to shop around.
Speak to the instructor if possible.
They should know their stuff, be friendly and respectful.
Big range in pricing but check what is included in price.
SDI sounds the best option among the sports diving agencies.
I was told SSI don't do a solo diving course.
Went for Dive shop 4. Booked in for start of February.
Stay tune.
I rang four different dive shops and got varying stories.
Dive shop 1.
They do the PADI solo diver course.
Lots of messing around trying to get on a course.
Cost AUD $350
Combined with side mount course.
Course done over 5 days. Presumably less if doing solo.
No dive manual.
Not able to speak to the instructor or get detailed information on what is covered.
Includes 2 solo dives and 1 pool dive.
Dive shop 2.
Do the PADI course. Possibly SDI if certification arrives on time.
Had a lengthy discussion with the instructor. Was helpful and friendly.
Cost AUD $295
Course done in one day.
No instruction manual with PADI.
Dive shop 3.
Teaches SDI course.
Cost $249 if more than one student.
Done over 1 day.
Unable to speak to instructor.
Dive shop 4.
Teaches SDI course over two days.
Three other people already on the course.
Cost AUD $450
Three dives including two deep dives off dive boat and pool dive.
Instructor confirmed to have technical training and is supervised by tech diver instructor.
Suggestions:
It pays to shop around.
Speak to the instructor if possible.
They should know their stuff, be friendly and respectful.
Big range in pricing but check what is included in price.
SDI sounds the best option among the sports diving agencies.
I was told SSI don't do a solo diving course.
Went for Dive shop 4. Booked in for start of February.
Stay tune.