Self Reliant Diver
Specialty Course

The PADI Self Reliant Diver Course has been developed to focus on the need for divers to be more self sufficient for those occasions when a buddy may not be around. It is not a course for everyone and certainly not one to be taken lightly so the pre-requisites have been set accordingly. It is intended for experienced divers who wish to develop their skills generally - perhaps in preparation for further advanced training.

The course is ideal for

• Photographers
• Videographers
• Marine biologists
• Divemasters
• Divers considering Divemaster training
• Potential technical divers

Can diving without a partner be done responsibly?

Yes, but let's be clear about what responsible diving without a partner is and what it is not.

It requires experienced scuba divers willing to make the necessary commitment to train and equip themselves to accept the added risks involved. That is to say, it requires someone with the attitude and aptitude to do it responsibly. This is true in other adventure sport activities such as rock climbing.

To dive without a partner requires diligence, experience (such as 100+ buddy-accompanied dives), and the ability to plan for and apply the specialized procedures and equipment needed to engage in the activity. When divers choose to dive alone within this description, PADI sees a place for it. PADI’s Self-Reliant Diver course provides training for experienced divers in the use of redundant equipment and specialised equipment configurations as well as specific dive planning, and management of diving problems and emergencies that can occur when diving alone.

Responsible self-reliant diving is diving alone with the correct mental discipline, attitude and equipment.

The long running argument whether it is safe is over – of course it is, if you do it correctly!

The purpose of the Self-Reliant Diver specialty course is to recognise 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 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 riskis
• The value of equipment redundancy and what back-up equipment is needed.
• Dive planning and gas management