Self-Reliant

The PADI Self-Reliant Diver course is designed for experienced divers who seek the skills and confidence to dive independently, without relying on a buddy. This course is not for everyone, but for those with the right training, equipment, and mindset, it opens up a new dimension of diving adventure. Self-reliant diving requires a high level of mental discipline and commitment, but it significantly bolsters your overall diving skills, making you a more self-sufficient and confident diver whether you’re diving alone, in a pair, or as part of a team.

This is a highly specialized course, so please be sure to review the prerequisites below before signing up.

To enroll in the Self-Reliant Diver course, you must be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver, at least 18 years old, with a minimum of 100 logged dives. Before starting the course, you’ll complete a skills assessment (not included in price) with a PADI Self-Reliant Diver Instructor to ensure you’re ready for the challenges ahead. The course focuses on learning how to manage situations that would normally require a buddy, including proper dive planning with air consumption rate calculations, life support system redundancy, and independent emergency management. Over three training dives, you’ll practice crucial skills like performing an air consumption rate swim, switching to a redundant air supply during simulated emergencies, navigating without a mask, and using a DSMB. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and techniques to safely enjoy the unique freedom that self-reliant diving offers.