Although diving with a buddy is the norm, there are reasons for an experienced diver to develop self-reliance and independence while diving. Learning to carry out dives without a partner can make you a stronger diver in most dive situations.
The PADI Self-Reliant Diver / SSI Independent Diver specialty course is a course designed to train divers to dive independently, without compromising safety factor. “Self-sufficiency” is the keyword and mindset of this course. Our experienced instructors will train you to always have a strong awareness to your personal and environmental condition. With proper training, equipment and the right attitude to accept the risks involved in independent diving, an experience diver can responsibly engage in dives without a buddy. If you have the mental discipline and commitment to learn and follow self-reliant diving techniques, by completing this training you will strengthen your skills and confidence when diving alone, in a dive pair or as part of a team.
You need to be an Advanced Open Water Diver, at least 18 years old and have 100 logged dives to enroll in the Self-Reliant Diver / Independent Diver course.
Academics:
Learning how to compensate for situations you would normally handle with a buddy is the focus of the Self-Reliant Diver / Independent Diver course. This includes proper dive planning using air consumption rate calculations, life support system redundancy, and independent management of dive emergencies. During knowledge development sessions and three training dives, you will practice:
- Performing an air consumption rate swims to gather information for later calculation,
- Switching to a redundant air supply system during simulated emergency situations,
- Swimming without a mask,
- Navigating to various points, including your exit,
- Deploying a DSMB from depth,
- Practice frog kicks, reverse frog kick, helicopter turns,
- Optimize your gear configuration, trim and buoyancy.
After purchasing this course, don't forget to come by to pick up your course materials before class! There are knowledge reviews to complete before class, and as a class participant you have a 10% gear discount to use towards the purchase of your redundant dive lights, regulator, pony tank, DSMB, wrist slate and line cutter / knife (and any other gear that your heart desires).
You can pick the certifying agency of your choice: PADI or SSI.