PADI Self Reliant vs SDI Solo

[Pyramid65]

Did my first 2 certified solo dives yesterday....what a blast...I was the first diver into the quarry so it truly was a solo dive...Best things about the dives....1) I made the dive plan, didn't need/get any input from anyone else on where I was going/what I was doing...2) Moved at my own pace as far as hitting the water, my pace is quick, I don't need to sit around and look at every piece of gear I own, I went to the office and got the transponder which they make you carry, parked my truck and lay out my gear then walked over to the lifeguard post and handed the guy my dive plans, asked if he had any questions and told him I'd be heading in in 5 minutes...3) Dove at my pace without having to look over my shoulder...I filmed both dives, at one point stopping and doing a 360 turn, looking up then down just to show my soloness (is that even a word...lol)....was a great day of diving!

 

[SoloMonkey]

Here in Britain there are a few quarries that will accept SDI Solo (Capernwray and Wraysbury), but none that accept Padi Self Reliant from what I can recall.
Whilst both courses are very similar, the former I guess is intended to be used in anger whereas the latter is "We'd only like you to pretend you are on your own, now get back into the pack and the first one to 150 bar and we're thumbing the dive"

 

[73diver]

I'll toss in my $0.02 even though this is an old thread. What is the same SDI Solo vs PADI Self Reliant: Both require AOW & 100 dives to take the specialty. Both begin with surface swim in full gear 200-250 yards; require a demonstration of navigation and gas planning. SDI requires two dives demonstrating control during descent and ascent, etc. SDI may use alternate air including "H'" valve and spare air. PADI requires separate alternate air of 30CF minimum. PADI requires three dives (the last one is solo), demonstrating switching to alternate air source, deploy DSMB, maskless swim. Interesting feature of PADI, after each dive, the diver must leave the water, log the dive with the instructor.

 

[markmud]

Sorry about posting on an old thread; however:

SDI considers their Solo cert equivalent to PADI Self/Reliant and SSI Independent Diver, see for yourself:
Scuba Diver Course Comparison of SDI, PADI and SSI | SDI | TDI | ERDI

markm

 

[Landstander]

Sorry about posting on an old thread; however:

SDI considers their Solo cert equivalent to PADI Self/Reliant and SSI Independent Diver, see for yourself:
Scuba Diver Course Comparison of SDI, PADI and SSI | SDI | TDI | ERDI

markm

I was sure I'd seen that before, but was having trouble finding it again. Thanx!

 

[stuartv]

Sorry about posting on an old thread; however:

SDI considers their Solo cert equivalent to PADI Self/Reliant and SSI Independent Diver, see for yourself:
Scuba Diver Course Comparison of SDI, PADI and SSI | SDI | TDI | ERDI

markm

Just as with PADI AOW vs SDI AAD, considering them equivalent does not mean they are exactly the same.

And what is more important? What SDI thinks? Or what the dive operator thinks at the place you want to dive? My local quarry allows solo diving with the SDI cert but not the PADI one. One of these days, I'm going to remember to ask them why that is...

 

[Johanan]

How much and what specific skills a certified Full, Sidemount Cave diver would have to learn in a Self Reliant or Solo course? Are the equipment requirements and skills much different?

 

[markmud]

How much and what specific skills a certified Full, Sidemount Cave diver would have to learn in a Self Reliant or Solo course? Are the equipment requirements and skills much different?

Hi Johanan,

I am not sidemount nor a cave diver, but I think the solo certification process would be repetitive for you. A nothing burger. So, other than the money and a little time, what do you have to lose?

markm

 

[markmud]

Just as with PADI AOW vs SDI AAD, considering them equivalent does not mean they are exactly the same.

And what is more important? What SDI thinks? Or what the dive operator thinks at the place you want to dive? My local quarry allows solo diving with the SDI cert but not the PADI one. One of these days, I'm going to remember to ask them why that is...

Hi Stuart,

Yeah, you are absolutely correct.

However, if the quarry in question was enlightened to the PADI course description and SDI/TDIs opinion, maybe they would change their misguided and ignorant policy?

To iterate ad nauseam, Self Reliant is a Solo cert--and their course description makes it abundantly and redundantly clear. People who don't read will not lead.

I hope you ask that quarry your question sooner then later, because I am "dying" to hear their response!

As to Solo not being "exactly" the same as S/R, nothing in life is. However, both courses are so similar that PADI could probably be sued for plagiarism.

markm

 

[chrisch]

Hit Stuart,

Yeah, you are absolutely correct.

However, if the quarry in question was enlightened to the PADI course description and SDI/TDIs opinion, maybe they would change their misguided and ignorant policy?

To iterate ad nauseam, Self Reliant is a Solo cert--and their course description makes it abundantly and redundantly clear. People who don't read will not lead.

I hope you ask that quarry your question sooner then later, because I am "dying" to hear their response!

As to Solo not being "exactly" the same as S/R, nothing in life is. However, both courses are so similar that PADI could probably be sued for plagiarism.

markm

I have to report that a number of quarries here in the UK also have the same view (ie PADI ticket don't work). I have tried to find out the differences in syllabus and you have answered that (thank you). Nuisance, as the PADI course is much more widely available.