With proper training, equipment and the right attitude to accept the risks involved in independent diving, an experience 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.

You need to be a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver who is at least 18 years old and has 100 logged dives to enroll in the Self-Reliant Diver course. You'll also complete a skills assessment with your Self-Reliant Diver Instructor before diving into the course.


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. 

During three self-reliant training dives, you’ll practice:

- Performing an air consumption rate swim to gather information for later calculation.
- Switching to a redundant air supply system during simulated emergency situations.
- Swimming without a mask.
- Navigating to various points, including your exit.
- Using a DSMB.


What is included:

- Knowledge Review With Your Instructor

- Three Training Dives

- Certification Processing Fee

- Your Certification Card

- Lots of Fun


This course is open to divers who are:
At least 18 years old.
- Certified as PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent.
- Have a minimum of 100 logged dives
- Highly recommended certified as PADI Rescue Diver or equivalent.

PADI Self reliant diver

Although diving with a buddy is the norm, there are reasons for an experienced diver to develop self-reliance and independence while diving. Learning to carry out dives without a partner can make you a stronger diver in most dive situations.

You can also call us at (919) 341-2787 to sign up