SDI Solo Diver

Specialty Course · Self-Reliant Diving · Advanced Divers Only

Diving on your own, done right. The buddy rule exists for good reason, but solo diving happens, and it's far safer with real training, redundant gear, and a self-reliant approach to planning and emergencies. The SDI Solo Diver course is honest about who should and shouldn't dive alone, and it prepares those who do. This isn't entry-level: you'll need to be 21, hold an Advanced Diver certification, and have 100 logged dives. You'll bring your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel, plus a redundant air supply, an SMB, and a signal, and the rest of the rental gear is included.

Veterans can put their GI Bill toward their training, and families can use ESA or ClassWallet funds. See if you qualify.

Starting from

$199.00

Availability: Contact us for booking information

Description
Additional Information

SDI Solo Diver Course

Specialty Course · Self-Reliant Diving · Advanced Divers Only

The first rule of diving is to always dive with a buddy, and it's a good rule. But solo diving happens, whether it's an underwater photographer working a shot, an instructor scouting a site, or an experienced diver whose buddy cancels at the last minute. The SDI Solo Diver course doesn't argue with the buddy rule. It exists because solo diving is far safer done with real training, the right redundant gear, and a self-reliant approach to planning and emergencies. This is not an entry-level course, and it's honest about who should and shouldn't dive alone.

Who actually dives solo

Solo diving isn't for everyone, but for some divers it's part of the job or the goal:

Underwater photographers working a shot that buddy contact would disrupt
Scientific and survey divers doing solo work by necessity
Instructors and divemasters scouting a site alone
Experienced divers whose buddy cancels where partners are hard to find
And even if you never dive alone, the self-reliance makes you a sharper buddy

Before you enroll

Solo Diver has real prerequisites, because diving alone without a deep skill base is genuinely dangerous. You'll need:

To be at least 21 years old
An SDI Advanced Diver certification, or equivalent
Proof of 100 logged dives
The fitness for a 600-foot non-stop surface swim in full scuba gear
To pass the Solo Diver exam at 80%

Not sure you're there yet? Call us at (480) 881-4013 and we'll talk it through honestly.

What you'll learn

The knowledge side is as much about judgment as technique, including when not to dive solo.

The honest case for and against solo diving, and when not to do it
Redundant air, SMBs, signaling, and self-reliant equipment configuration
Planning to your own air consumption rate, with higher-standard navigation
Emergency decision-making and the solo diver liability waiver

In-water skills you'll demonstrate

The open water component proves you can run a dive entirely on your own.

A 600-foot non-stop surface swim in full gear
Planning and executing a dive precisely within your limits
Switching to your redundant air supply at depth (within 100 feet)
Deploying an SMB from depth and using an audible signal

✓ What's included

Instruction and your open water solo skills dive
Rental gear: BCD, regulator, computer, tank, weights, and wetsuit
The SDI Solo Diver knowledge materials and exam
Your SDI Solo Diver certification, plus a credit toward your Advanced Diver rating

What to bring

Your own mask, fins, boots, and snorkel (required, we don't rent these)
A redundant air supply, an SMB, and an audible signal (required, call us about configuration and rental)
Proof of your prerequisites: Advanced Diver certification and 100 logged dives
A swimsuit and a towel

Frequently Asked Questions

Is solo diving legal?

It's legal in most places, though most agencies don't endorse it as standard practice and many charters have their own policies against it. The SDI Solo Diver course is SDI's recognition that solo diving happens, and that it's safer done with proper training. It includes a formal liability waiver and assumption of risk.

What are the requirements?

You'll need to be at least 21, hold an SDI Advanced Diver certification or equivalent, and show proof of 100 logged dives. The in-water part includes a 600-foot non-stop surface swim in full gear, and you'll pass the Solo Diver exam at 80 percent.

What equipment do I need?

A redundant air supply is the critical addition, a separate, independent backup you can switch to at depth without a buddy. An SMB and an audible signaling device are also required. Call us and we'll go over configuration and any rental options.

Why would a diver need to dive alone?

Photographers working independently, scientific and survey divers, instructors scouting sites, and experienced divers who end up without a buddy at a destination. The course covers when solo diving is and isn't appropriate, honestly.

Will it improve my buddy diving?

Yes, and it's a legitimate reason to take it. The detailed planning, navigation, and self-reliant emergency skills tend to make divers sharper and more aware as buddies too.

Does it count toward the Advanced Diver rating?

Yes, it counts as one of the four specialty credits toward the SDI Advanced Diver Development Program.

Let's. Go. Diving.

This one starts with a conversation. If you meet the prerequisites and want to talk through whether it's right for you, call the shop.

📞 Call the shop (480) 881-4013

A specialty course that counts toward the SDI Advanced Diver rating. Prerequisites: age 21, an SDI Advanced Diver certification (or equivalent), and 100 logged dives. Includes a formal liability waiver.

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