At one point or another, many divers have found themselves alone during a dive, whether it was intentional or not. Solo diving is the practice of self reliant scuba diving without a “dive buddy.” Once considered technical diving and discouraged by most certification agencies, it is now seen by many experienced divers and some certification agencies as an acceptable practice for those divers suitably trained and experienced. Rather than relying on the traditional buddy diving safety system, solo divers should be skilled in self-sufficiency and willing to take responsibility for their own safety while diving.

With proper training, equipment and the right attitude to accept the risks involved in independent diving, an experienced diver can responsibly engage in dives without a buddy. This course stresses proper dive planning, personal limitations, and accident prevention, as well as the benefits, hazards, and proper procedures for diving solo.

Learning how to compensate for situations you would normally handle with a buddy is the focus of the Self-Reliant (Solo) Diver course. This includes proper dive planning using air consumption rate calculations, life support system redundancy, and independent management of dive emergencies. These skills are foundational for becoming a better diver, and form a solid foundation for those interested in progressing to technical or cave diving.

As part of this course, you will learn to use a redundant air source. Students have a choice of redundant systems, including the use of a pony bottle, sidemount, or “doubles.” We are happy to discuss these options with you prior to the course, and options for renting. Students are not expected to have previous experience in doubles or sidemount prior to this course.

Complimentary rental gear is provided free of charge for students opting to use pony bottles, or backmount doubles configuration. Many tech-focused shops in our area also offer sidemount, doubles, and rental stages or pony bottles.

Our Solo Diving instructor, Peter Kibler, is an active tech and cave diver, with extensive personal experience of Florida cave and cavern systems. He is certified through the Full Cave/Cave DPV level, as well as Advanced (Hypoxic) Trimix, and proficient in both sidemount and backmount doubles.

This course can be taught in-person in the classroom or (for SDI students only) via eLearning; there is no eLearning option available for PADI.

Please note: this course requires a minimum of 100 logged dives and a skills assessment with the instructor, prior to enrolling. We are happy to talk to you about your goals and experience!

Not quite ready? Talk to us about options for additional training, and local dive opportunities.

Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water (AOW) or equivalent, and 100 logged dives + a skills assessment with your instructor before beginning the course

Course Details: PADI Self-Reliant Diver or SDI Solo Diver (pick your agency when booking)

Total time commitment: 2 days (4 dives)

Minimum age: 18 years or older (PADI); 21+ (SDI)

Maximum Course Size: 4 Students

Course Cost: $300 USD* - Complimentary rental gear is provided free of charge for students opting for a pony bottle or backmount doubles configuration. Additional fees may be required for dive gear, air fills, transportation, and dive site entrance cost. Contact us for more information.

This price includes certification/training through SDI; you may upgrade to a PADI certification for an additional $150/student.