PADI lacking Solo Diver course
- Thread starter Scubahagel
- Start date
Please register or login
Welcome to ScubaBoard, the world's largest scuba diving community. Registration is not required to read the forums, but we encourage you to join. Joining has its benefits and enables you to participate in the discussions.
Benefits of registering include
- Ability to post and comment on topics and discussions.
- A Free photo gallery to share your dive photos with the world.
- You can make this box go away
Saudi-Diver
Contributor
- Messages
- 224
- Reaction score
- 15
- # of dives
- 500 - 999
Hmm, I have done about 5 Solo dives in my diving career ,my first was a night dive off a remote island in the middle of the Red Sea called Abu Lath, its a wonderful place (have a look on Google Maps). I was with a bunch of British Expats and we had just returned from a brilliant day exploring the Reefs in this area. We were camping here for the night. I fancied a night dive and I had tried to bully someone in to being my buddy for the dive, but the attraction of Sid and Coke had won so I ended up doing a Solo Night dive. It was the best dive I have ever done. I never went deeper than 10m and took a spare mask and an SMB to put up if I got in to trouble and I had 3 lights. It was wonderful even being bumped by a curious shark! I got out of the water to reception committee complete with a Sid and Coke everyone thought I would have wimped out, they had watched my lights the whole dive. Solo diving is'nt about equipment its about being comfortable in the water and having situational awareness.
TickTock
New
I dive on my own very often. I work at a resort where the shore diving is superb, there is no reason not to check it out as often as I can.
I personally believe it can be done safely if you know your limits and what you are comfortable with. I am an experienced diver and videographer (another reason I like to dive alone-I feel bad for buddies watching me film for twenty minutes) and I would never dive alone on a site I did not know. With over 1,000 dives in the area I work in, I feel I know the region well enough to dive on my own.
I have a boat captain I trust and equipment I know works well. After all, safety is key no matter if you dive with someone or not. Lastly, it comes down to the individual.
I dont think PADI will ever have its own system for Solo Diving, they have done very well in the legal system for too long. If they made a course to promote solo diving, someone got hurt, they may well be facing more than a few complaints.....
I personally believe it can be done safely if you know your limits and what you are comfortable with. I am an experienced diver and videographer (another reason I like to dive alone-I feel bad for buddies watching me film for twenty minutes) and I would never dive alone on a site I did not know. With over 1,000 dives in the area I work in, I feel I know the region well enough to dive on my own.
I have a boat captain I trust and equipment I know works well. After all, safety is key no matter if you dive with someone or not. Lastly, it comes down to the individual.
I dont think PADI will ever have its own system for Solo Diving, they have done very well in the legal system for too long. If they made a course to promote solo diving, someone got hurt, they may well be facing more than a few complaints.....
Hatul
Contributor
I disagree. There are no new psychomotor skills nor new knowledge in diving solo. The only difference is there's no buddy so you need to be a little more conservative and take a redundant air source.
And by the way a lot my diving is done solo.
Adam
DevonDiver
N/A
Really? You think?
Or should I define safe solo diving.... rather than your brand of 'make it up as you go along...and don't bother to conduct a proper risk assessment' definition of solo diving?
Diving irresponsibly for years and not having encountered a problem, does not make you a safe and responsible diver.
Last edited:
Hatul
Contributor
In fact there are more skills involved in buddy diving, as you have to be aware of what your buddy is doing, be able to communicate with your buddy, deal with misunderstandings, be prepared to rescue him/her, and know what to do if you get separated. All these are irrelevant when solo diving.
If you can safely buddy dive you can solo dive, no need for any extra courses. The only caveat is you do need an adequate redundant air supply and be a little more conservative in decision making.
I should also point out that my perspective is of a solo shore diver. All my solo diving has been shore diving which in some ways may be safer than diving from a boat.
Adam
If you can safely buddy dive you can solo dive, no need for any extra courses. The only caveat is you do need an adequate redundant air supply and be a little more conservative in decision making.
I should also point out that my perspective is of a solo shore diver. All my solo diving has been shore diving which in some ways may be safer than diving from a boat.
Adam
Tigerman
Contributor
DevonDiver
N/A
Diving Without a Partner: PADI's Position
By: Dr. Drew Richardson
President and Chief Operating Officer, PADI Worldwide
President, PADI Technical Diving Division
Overview
PADIs overall training programs and philosophy support the proven system of diving with a partner for several reasons, not the least of which are its contributions to diver safety. PADI also recognizes that experienced divers, after being trained in the skills, knowledge and safety techniques of diving in a self-reliant manner, can be prepared to dive independent of a partner. Those experienced divers, through proper training (as in the PADI Self-Reliant Diver Specialty course) learn knowledge and skills in dive planning, life support system readiness, adaptive training, equipment preparedness and diving responsibly to compensate for situations when diving alone.
Background
Why PADI advocates the use of the buddy system
The buddy system in use today for scuba diving came from a decades old water safety concept found in swimming and lifeguard training. It was adopted because it applies to diving and because it makes good safety sense. Early support of buddy diving safety procedures was referenced by Jacques Cousteau and the crew of the Calypso in the book The Silent World. The goals of training divers include developing the skills to take responsibility for themselves and to be self-reliant. The buddy system provides divers in training with a safety redundancy to this skill base that diving alone simply cannot provide. PADI has, and will continue to, train divers using the buddy system based on its proven benefit to diving, divers and diving safety.
Practicality and Convenience
The buddy system has provided tangible contributions to millions of dives. Buddies provide an extra set of eyes and hands for each other. Providing assistance in putting on equipment, adjusting straps, assisting with weights and tanks, entering the water, helping to load and unload gear are but a few practical arguments that support the buddy system.
Safety
The roots of the buddy system arise from diving and water safety. Early days of diver training heralded the buddy system as an important safety procedure because only through the buddy system could a diver reasonably expect to escape from entanglement, entrapment, out of air situations, disorientation, a head injury, chest pains, cramping and dozens more. Diver training and diving equipment have improved, yet these same values apply today. Like all safety-based systems, the buddy system is not perfect. However, the simple fact is that without a buddy in the water, the distressed diver has little or no chance of assistance. The buddy system is the most basic form of scuba diving fail-safe. Buddies have helped each other in subtle and profound ways for decades. Often the smallest buddy intervention averts a string of error chains occurred and negative outcomes or tragedy. The safety record of scuba diving has improved dramatically over the past few decades, while the number of certified divers has increased. During this time, buddy system training techniques have been an integral component of this training. While there is no way to quantify the accidents that were prevented or did not happen because of one buddy looking after another, empirical outcomes support the relevancy and integrity of this training.
Enjoyment
Diving is a social activity, so the buddy system is more than a safety rule. Diving with someone you know and are comfortable with adds to the fun. Most divers actually enjoy companionship in and out of the water. It is fun to share exciting adventures and experiences with others. Fundamentally, the buddy system is about dive companionship, something that won't appeal to misanthropic personality types.
What is self-reliant diving?
Self-reliant diving is when you plan your dives so you can respond to emergencies independently, whether you are diving with a partner, team, or alone. If diving with a partner or in a team, your team mates may provide you with additional resources but self-reliant diving means that you do not rely on your team mate or buddy to be your primary emergency response. In self-reliant diving you have the skills and knowledge to focus on and respond to diving emergencies without assistance. Self-reliant divers are comfortable with self-rescue skills so that in an emergency, the diver is equipped and prepared to react independently.
That said, the self-reliant diver also identifies and is aware of other divers in the water who may be able to help should a need arise. This should be part of an ongoing awarenesssimilar to building a picture of the other cars around you when you are driving. The self-reliant diver should understand the roles these divers can play such as a source of gas or navigation assistance. Sometimes just knowing you are close enough to other divers to get their help allows you to stay calm enough to help yourself. Self-reliant divers may position themselves near the group/someone in the group to increase the chances of help being available.
Can diving without a partner be done responsibly?
Yes, but let's be clear about what responsible diving without a partner is and what it is not. It requires experienced scuba divers willing to make the necessary commitment to train and equip themselves to accept the added risks involved. That is to say, it requires someone with the attitude and aptitude to do it responsibly. This is true in other adventure sport activities such as rock climbing.
To dive without a partner requires diligence, experience (such as 100+ buddy-accompanied dives), and the ability to plan for and apply the specialized procedures and equipment needed to engage in the activity. When divers choose to dive alone within this description, PADI sees a place for it. PADIs Self-Reliant Diver course provides training for experienced divers in the use of redundant equipment and specialized equipment configurations as well as specific dive planning, and management of diving problems and emergencies that can occur when diving alone.
Responsible self-reliant diving is diving alone with the correct mental discipline, attitude and equipment. That said, no amount of redundant equipment can effectively back up a diver's brain better than another person.
What concerns does PADI have with regard to solo diving proponents who denigrate the buddy system?
When a problem occurs on an independent dive, or when the diver is alone in the water, there is little or no chance of assistance for the distressed diver. This decreases the chances of a diver surviving the problem or having a favorable outcome. Diving alone reduces the chance of survival regardless of the problem. Since 1989, there were at least 538 fatalities where it was clear divers were either intentionally diving independent, or became separated from a buddy and were de facto alone.
PADI is concerned by certain proponents of independent diving within the dive industry who attempt to promote independent diving by deriding the buddy system with headlines touting "Why the Buddy System is Dangerous." This is both irresponsible and reckless. To suggest that the buddy system fosters a false sense of security and increases the likelihood of panic is contrary to the empirical evidence. To claim that divers shouldn't use the buddy system for fear of being sued by a diving companion is ridiculous. The unfortunate reality in the litigious U.S. is that people have sued one another for nearly anything. It is no surprise that there have been a handful of cases where one buddy has brought suit against another. Outside of the U.S., this argument doesn't hold up and smacks of fear mongering.
Conclusion
PADI's position is clear; independent diving proponents should advocate responsible independent diving on its own unique merits, requisite training, and equipment needs and not through sensationalized attempts to disparage a proven safety system that has served the majority of recreational scuba divers well.
By: Dr. Drew Richardson
President and Chief Operating Officer, PADI Worldwide
President, PADI Technical Diving Division
Overview
PADIs overall training programs and philosophy support the proven system of diving with a partner for several reasons, not the least of which are its contributions to diver safety. PADI also recognizes that experienced divers, after being trained in the skills, knowledge and safety techniques of diving in a self-reliant manner, can be prepared to dive independent of a partner. Those experienced divers, through proper training (as in the PADI Self-Reliant Diver Specialty course) learn knowledge and skills in dive planning, life support system readiness, adaptive training, equipment preparedness and diving responsibly to compensate for situations when diving alone.
Background
Why PADI advocates the use of the buddy system
The buddy system in use today for scuba diving came from a decades old water safety concept found in swimming and lifeguard training. It was adopted because it applies to diving and because it makes good safety sense. Early support of buddy diving safety procedures was referenced by Jacques Cousteau and the crew of the Calypso in the book The Silent World. The goals of training divers include developing the skills to take responsibility for themselves and to be self-reliant. The buddy system provides divers in training with a safety redundancy to this skill base that diving alone simply cannot provide. PADI has, and will continue to, train divers using the buddy system based on its proven benefit to diving, divers and diving safety.
Practicality and Convenience
The buddy system has provided tangible contributions to millions of dives. Buddies provide an extra set of eyes and hands for each other. Providing assistance in putting on equipment, adjusting straps, assisting with weights and tanks, entering the water, helping to load and unload gear are but a few practical arguments that support the buddy system.
Safety
The roots of the buddy system arise from diving and water safety. Early days of diver training heralded the buddy system as an important safety procedure because only through the buddy system could a diver reasonably expect to escape from entanglement, entrapment, out of air situations, disorientation, a head injury, chest pains, cramping and dozens more. Diver training and diving equipment have improved, yet these same values apply today. Like all safety-based systems, the buddy system is not perfect. However, the simple fact is that without a buddy in the water, the distressed diver has little or no chance of assistance. The buddy system is the most basic form of scuba diving fail-safe. Buddies have helped each other in subtle and profound ways for decades. Often the smallest buddy intervention averts a string of error chains occurred and negative outcomes or tragedy. The safety record of scuba diving has improved dramatically over the past few decades, while the number of certified divers has increased. During this time, buddy system training techniques have been an integral component of this training. While there is no way to quantify the accidents that were prevented or did not happen because of one buddy looking after another, empirical outcomes support the relevancy and integrity of this training.
Enjoyment
Diving is a social activity, so the buddy system is more than a safety rule. Diving with someone you know and are comfortable with adds to the fun. Most divers actually enjoy companionship in and out of the water. It is fun to share exciting adventures and experiences with others. Fundamentally, the buddy system is about dive companionship, something that won't appeal to misanthropic personality types.
What is self-reliant diving?
Self-reliant diving is when you plan your dives so you can respond to emergencies independently, whether you are diving with a partner, team, or alone. If diving with a partner or in a team, your team mates may provide you with additional resources but self-reliant diving means that you do not rely on your team mate or buddy to be your primary emergency response. In self-reliant diving you have the skills and knowledge to focus on and respond to diving emergencies without assistance. Self-reliant divers are comfortable with self-rescue skills so that in an emergency, the diver is equipped and prepared to react independently.
That said, the self-reliant diver also identifies and is aware of other divers in the water who may be able to help should a need arise. This should be part of an ongoing awarenesssimilar to building a picture of the other cars around you when you are driving. The self-reliant diver should understand the roles these divers can play such as a source of gas or navigation assistance. Sometimes just knowing you are close enough to other divers to get their help allows you to stay calm enough to help yourself. Self-reliant divers may position themselves near the group/someone in the group to increase the chances of help being available.
Can diving without a partner be done responsibly?
Yes, but let's be clear about what responsible diving without a partner is and what it is not. It requires experienced scuba divers willing to make the necessary commitment to train and equip themselves to accept the added risks involved. That is to say, it requires someone with the attitude and aptitude to do it responsibly. This is true in other adventure sport activities such as rock climbing.
To dive without a partner requires diligence, experience (such as 100+ buddy-accompanied dives), and the ability to plan for and apply the specialized procedures and equipment needed to engage in the activity. When divers choose to dive alone within this description, PADI sees a place for it. PADIs Self-Reliant Diver course provides training for experienced divers in the use of redundant equipment and specialized equipment configurations as well as specific dive planning, and management of diving problems and emergencies that can occur when diving alone.
Responsible self-reliant diving is diving alone with the correct mental discipline, attitude and equipment. That said, no amount of redundant equipment can effectively back up a diver's brain better than another person.
What concerns does PADI have with regard to solo diving proponents who denigrate the buddy system?
When a problem occurs on an independent dive, or when the diver is alone in the water, there is little or no chance of assistance for the distressed diver. This decreases the chances of a diver surviving the problem or having a favorable outcome. Diving alone reduces the chance of survival regardless of the problem. Since 1989, there were at least 538 fatalities where it was clear divers were either intentionally diving independent, or became separated from a buddy and were de facto alone.
PADI is concerned by certain proponents of independent diving within the dive industry who attempt to promote independent diving by deriding the buddy system with headlines touting "Why the Buddy System is Dangerous." This is both irresponsible and reckless. To suggest that the buddy system fosters a false sense of security and increases the likelihood of panic is contrary to the empirical evidence. To claim that divers shouldn't use the buddy system for fear of being sued by a diving companion is ridiculous. The unfortunate reality in the litigious U.S. is that people have sued one another for nearly anything. It is no surprise that there have been a handful of cases where one buddy has brought suit against another. Outside of the U.S., this argument doesn't hold up and smacks of fear mongering.
Conclusion
PADI's position is clear; independent diving proponents should advocate responsible independent diving on its own unique merits, requisite training, and equipment needs and not through sensationalized attempts to disparage a proven safety system that has served the majority of recreational scuba divers well.
Similar threads
