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

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. 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.

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.

For more details see: https://www.padi.com/courses/self-reliant-diver

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

Total time commitment: 2-3 days

Minimum age: 18 years or older

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 cost includes PADI eLearning material and instructor fees. If in-person classroom training is preferred in lieu of eLearning additional fees may apply.