Self Reliant Diver

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.

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. 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 bolster your skills and confidence when diving alone, in a dive pair or as part of a team.

Requirements

You need to be an Advanced Open Water Diver who is at least 18 years old and has at least 100 logged dives to enroll in the Self-Reliant Diver course. You'll also complete a skills assessment with your Self-Reliant/Solo Diver Instructor before diving into the course.

The Learning

Learning how to compensate for situations you would normally handle with a buddy is the focus of the Self-Reliant Diver course. This includes proper dive planning using air consumption rate calculations, life support system redundancy, and independent management of dive emergencies. During three self-reliant training dives, you'll 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.

Important Medical Information

For your safety and to avoid delays in your course:

Download and Print the Diver Medical Form

Carefully read the form and answer the Medical History Questions honestly.​

If you can answer "Yes" to question 3, 5, or 10, OR any question on page 2, then written clearance to dive, without restrictions, from a physician is required prior to any in-water activities. Immediately do the following:​

  • Take or send all 3 pages of the form to your physician (MD or DO).

  • Ask your physician to complete the PHYSICIAN section on Page 3 of the form and return the form to you.
    Student Divers who are professional physicians may not sign for approval on their own medical form.

  • Make a copy of the completed form and put it in a safe place. You may need it in the future.

  • Bring the completed original form to your first course session.
     

    Give your completed Diver Medical Form to your instructor at your first course session. Otherwise, your training will be delayed.​

For questions regarding your fitness to scuba dive, please speak with your physician. You and/or your physician can also speak with Diving Medicine Specialists at Divers Alert Network at no charge. Contact the Divers Alert Network (DAN) non-emergency medical information line at 919-684-2948 (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm CT). Referrals to local diving and hyperbaric medicine specialists are available.

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 If you have a copy of this form signed by a physician within 12 months prior to the expected completion date of your course, and your medical history has not changed, then you may provide a copy of it to your instructor. Otherwise, you will need to complete a new form.

Pricing

$424
 Course tuition includes:​​

  • Learning materials

  • 2 or 3 open water instructional dives with your professional instructor

  • Use of primary tank and weights

  • Certification processing

  • Certification card

​Get Started

Call Denny’s Scuba Adventures to enroll in the course and get started.

​Student Agreement: By registering for the Self-Reliant/Solo Diver Course, you indicate that you have read and agree to the course policies, terms and conditions.

​Self-Reliant/Solo Diver Course is scheduled as needed please call Denny’s Scuba Adventures at (509) 499-7513

​The Gear

​Besides your basic scuba equipment, you'll need a DSMB and spool/reel with at least 100 feet of line, redundant gas source and mounting hardware, BCD capable of carrying a redundant gas source, redundant dive computer, redundant surface signaling device, underwater slate or notebook with pencil. Your Scuba Frisco Instructor will suggest other gear as appropriate.

​The Next Step

With your Self-Reliant/Solo Diver certification, you'll be prepared to be a better, stronger part of any dive team. Consider earning additional specialty diver certifications or the prestigious Master Scuba Diver certification. You may want to expand your diving skills even more with the Rescue Diver course. Ask your instructor or divemaster or give us a call for more details.