28 replies to this topic

[ScubaGypsy]

I realize that this might be a controversial topic but since this is a single divers forum perhaps others might understand and bear with me while I frame this question.

I just went to Dutch Springs in PA on this past Saturday (20 Aug 2005) as I was driving out to IN for work this week. I stopped there for a couple of hours driving break and had a very enjoyable and relaxing dive in a new environment. The place was packed with dive clubs and classes from all over the US and several international folks as well. It was nice to see so many divers inland though the visibility did pay a price!

After I left there I was looking through their web site when I found a passage that said that to dive solo that one needs a "Solo Diving certification". I did dive solo there but was never asked and didn't realize that it was an issue (they knew I was there alone when I paid at the gate but never said anything to me). Has anyone ever heard of this type of certification? What agency(s) offer this? Is this a common policy at many dive resorts/springs?

[maninthesea]

TDI/SDI offer the solo certification. As I see it the major flaw in their program is they do not have any text of their own.

Cheers Jim

[Walter]

No, it is not a common policy. Most resorts/charters either don't monitor your diving or won't let you dive solo, regardless of whether you have a solo certification. Jim's correct, SDI is the only agency with a solo certification. It's been around for a few years now.

[Latitude Adjustment]

IF you are solo diving how does the intructor do the check out dive?!
This is tongue in cheek as opposed to the PADI requirment of tongue on check.

[Walter]

Ray, it might be tongue in cheek, but it is a legitimate concern.

[Diverbrian]

Actually one of the more well-regarded technical instructors up here (actually in ONT) is making the SDI solo course a pre-req. for his TDI technical program. I guess that it is to give the divers enough information to where they won't be dependent dive buddies underwater.

[Walter]

Can I produce a log of 500 solo dives instead of taking the class?

[Diverbrian]

Can I produce a log of 500 solo dives instead of taking the class?

Somehow, I think that he wouldn't have a problem with you on any of his pre-requesites, Walter.

But, he gets divers with a fair amount less experience than you typically. I get the impression that as I said, he just wants to insure that his students aren't going to be so buddy dependent that they have major issues if something happens to their buddies down there. It also re-inforces the issues with redundant gear rigged in a manner that everything can be operated by the person using it and makes self-rescue a larger priority than some of the other courses. He can watch that stuff on the surface coming in and coming out. To be honest, he mentioned it in a Great Lakes diver forum as a recent requirement. He has been well known in most of the tech forums for some time up here.

I wanted to take his gas blender's course last spring, but didn't get the chance do to work schedule.

I haven't taken the course, but I have not had a problem on most of the six packs if I want to solo dive. Many times, someone has to set the anchor on these boats anyways. If I am the only diver on the boat with large doubles and rigged long enough to be down there for deco, I tend to get asked to go in solo to set/ free up anchors and help set buoys. Most of the six packs up here cut costs by not providing a DM and the captain cannot (by the rules) leave the boat. As well, I have had more recent issues with being the only person on the boat with tri-mix. The ascent profiles for tri-mix are different than they are for nitrogen based mixes and I cannot necessarily ascend with one of the other divers by their schedule anyways.

Solo diving skills are the first thing taught by my tech instructor as well. If you are in deco and your buddy gets in a position where he can't help, you have to be able to bail yourself out or have far more serious issues.

Edited by Diverbrian, 22 August 2005 - 07:29 AM.

[peterbj7]

It's not just a question of whether you are appropriately trained and experienced. I don't have a card that says "solo diver" but I'm quite comfortable doing even pretty advanced dives by myself. But the key is that you must also be properly equipped on the day - proper redundancy of gear, gas reserves worked out for yourself alone, etc. If I see anyone who claims to be able to solo dive going in without the gear needed for self-support I see a problem in the making.

[ScubaDadMiami]

For years, I elected to solo dive (meaning every dive I did for those years was solo) rather than get paired with the kinds of divers I saw frequenting the dive boats. Now, I diligently try to put together dives every week so that I can dive with a regular group of people with whom I don't worry about diving.

I still solo dive when I have to. To me, the risk is lower than diving with the dangerous divers I see out there daily (yes, daily). However, I find it more enjoyable to dive with a buddy when possible.

[drbill]

I, too, feel far more comfortable diving solo than with a diver whose abilities I don't know firsthand (or who "exagerrates" them). I have had a much higher incident rate when diving with pick-up buddies than when diving solo (and only one of those "buddies" would have been able to offer any assistance).

I might add that many of the dive pros here dive solo since so many of them are working when others might be free to dive.

However, I do not recommend to anyone that they solo dive (nor that they not unless it is obvious they need more experience). Without a good knowledge of their diving skills and their reaction to problems underwater, it would be irresponsible to do so.

With that said, I truly enjoy diving with one of my regular buddies. It is much more enjoyable to share the dive with someone (although through my local TV show and newspaper column I share my dives with hundreds if not thousands of folks). Now if only I could get one of my lovely lady dive buddies to see me as (sigh) more than "just" a dive buddy!

Dr. Bill

Edited by drbill, 22 August 2005 - 08:20 PM.

[okmister1]

I came across an article about that specialty. The descriptions of the course weren't about a gentle touch method. It wasn't a demonstrate the skill and get a handshake from the instructor style of curriculem. The instructors were described as swimming above and behind the student and inflicting emergencies on them before grading how well they dealt with all kinds of malfunctions.

[drbill]

I came across an article about that specialty. The descriptions of the course weren't about a gentle touch method. It wasn't a demonstrate the skill and get a handshake from the instructor style of curriculem. The instructors were described as swimming above and behind the student and inflicting emergencies on them before grading how well they dealt with all kinds of malfunctions.

Hmmm... they did that in my LAC "open water" certification nearly 40 years ago. It was taught by an ex marine who wanted to make sure you knew your stuff before going in the water after certification. I thank him for it.

Of course back then there was less gear to mess with- no octo, no SPG, no BCD...

[maninthesea]

Can I produce a log of 500 solo dives instead of taking the class?

My requirements are Read Von Meyers book, Own the equipment, and pass a quick interview to ensure you are not an idiot. If TDI ever got around to producing their own material I may take it more seriously. Most of the people that really want the card from me are looking for something to get them out of being buddied up with someone who needs constant attention.

So Yes Walter you probably could.

Cheers Jim

[BradfordNC]

Actually one of the more well-regarded technical instructors up here (actually in ONT) is making the SDI solo course a pre-req. for his TDI technical program. I guess that it is to give the divers enough information to where they won't be dependent dive buddies underwater.

that or its to line his pocket with more money. oh wait, only PADI charges for classes.