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. Self-reliant diving is an adventure activity that is not for everyone, but does have its place. If you have the mental discipline and commitment to learn and follow self-reliant diving techniques, you’ll boost your skills and confidence when diving alone, in a dive pair or as part of a team.

Who Should Take The Course?

Although most scuba dives are made with a buddy, an experienced diver may want or need to make dives without a partner. This course is ideal for dive professionals who may be diving with less experienced buddies or divers in training who don’t yet have the skills needed to help in an emergency. Even divers with no plans for diving alone can learn skills about self-reliance, and ensure they have the skills to deal with an emergency alone, even when diving with a buddy.

Due to the advanced nature of the Self-Reliant Diver course, you must have a minimum of 100 logged dives, be aged at least 18 and hold an Advanced Open Water certification before you can sign up. You’ll also complete a skills assessment with your PADI Self-Reliant Diver Instructor before diving into the course.

What Will You Learn?

During the Self-Reliant Diver course, you learn about potential risks of diving alone and the value of equipment redundancy and necessary back-up gear. During three open water dives, you develop skills for self-reliance and independence, while becoming a stronger partner in a dive pair or team by being prepared to handle possible emergencies whilst diving. You will practice:

• Performing an air consumption rate swim 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
• Using a DSMB

What Scuba Kit Will You Use?

As well as your standard scuba diving kit, being a Self-Reliant diver involves carrying redundant equipment for use in an emergency. You will need a redundant gas supply (pony cylinder, H/Y valve, twinset with isolation valve, side-mount system). You will also use a redundant dive computer or back up depth and timing device, a back-up mask, redundant audible and visual signalling devices, a dive knife or cutting tool and a slate or notebook for recording dive information.

If you have any questions about the kit requirements for the Self-Reliant Diver course or would like to discuss if your gear is suitable then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.