Self-Sufficient Diver
The self-sufficient diver course trains students in the importance of gas management, equipment redundancy and the ability to self rescue.
This course is equally applicable to those wanting an additional level of safety (beyond the Rescue Diver level) OR the single diver planning a vacation where the "cattle boat" mentality frequently assigns buddies to each other who have different dive objectives or ability.
What You'll Learn
The course trains divers to become self-supported - self-sufficient with the ability to plan and dive to depths/conditions to which they are already certified without a regular dive buddy. (Note: the course does not increase the certified depth to which a diver may dive or imply techniques such as over-head environments, again, unless specifically trained.)
Specific techniques to be taught include:
- Gas management rules and no decompression limits.
- Equipment configurations including single tank with dual-outlet ("H") valves or regular tank with independent "pony" or "stage" bottle. Sidemount configuration is also acceptable.
- Streamlining equipment including redundant lights, reels and cutting tools.
- Deployment of lift bag or delays surface marker bouys ("DSMB").
Equipment drills will be practiced in the pool and then perfected over a minimum of 4 open water dives / min 90 minutes total bottom time.
Pre-requisites / Course Summary
|
Course |
Pre-requisites |
Components |
||||||
|
|
age |
diver level |
# logged dives |
days |
class |
pool |
dives |
max depth (fsw/m) |
|
Self Sufficient Diver |
17/18/21 |
AOW |
x |
2 |
Y |
Y |
2-4 |
n/a |
Note: The main agencies have varied minimum standards for entry into this course. Most agencies also require 'only' two dives. This is one course where we can apply a degree of instructor discression in assessing the student AND at the same time we strongly recommend a 4 dive minimum so that we can practice a lot of extra skills and techniques to make sure youre ready for the 'solo' label. It is strongly recommended that the diver also consider complimentary courses:
- Rescue Diver to enhance ability to self/group rescue
- Emergency First Response
- Equipment to become more aware of basic performance and repair
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