The all new PADI Self Reliant Diver Course

PADI Self Reliant Diver Course

Instructor Roger with Self Reliant Diver Student Mike

PADI’s overall training programs and philosophy support the proven system of diving with a partner for several reasons, not the least of which are its contributions to diver safety.

 PADI also recognizes that experienced divers, after being trained in the skills, knowledge and safety techniques of solo diving in a self-reliant manner, can be prepared to dive independent of a partner.

 Those experienced divers, through proper training (as in the PADI Self-Reliant Diver Specialty course) learn knowledge and skills in solo dive planning, life support system readiness, adaptive training, equipment preparedness and diving responsibly to compensate for situations when diving alone.

PADI's position is clear; independent diving proponents should advocate responsible independent diving on its own unique merits, requisite training, and equipment needs and not through sensationalized attempts to disparage a proven safety system that has served the majority of recreational scuba divers well.

General Purpose

Self-Reliant Diver Specialty Course

The purpose of the Self-Reliant Diver specialty course is to recognize and accept the role of the buddy system and its contributions to diver safety while identifying and developing self-reliance and independence while diving.

There are two reasons for an experienced diver to take the Self-Reliant diver course:

• To develop the skills of planning and carrying out dives without a partner when preferred or necessary.

• To sharpen skills of diving self-reliance, making the diver a stronger partner in a dive pair or team. 

This course covers when diving alone may be applicable, and the need to compensate for those situations, including solo dive planning, life support system readiness, adaptive training, equipment and responsibility. This course is an introduction to self-reliant diving that helps student divers develop the skills, knowledge and techniques necessary to rely on themselves first, whether or not they are diving with a partner, including:

•  The value and application of the buddy system. 
• The philosophy of, and motivation for, diving without a partner. 
• Potential risks of diving alone, and how to manage those risks. 
• The value of equipment redundancy and what back-up equipment is needed. 
• Dive planning and gas management. 

As long as you are at least an Advanced Open Water Diver and have 100 logged dives you can sign up for this course. The course can be conducted over a day doing 3 dives on the boat, or spread over a couple of days with first doing a dive off the beach then a following day two further dives.

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