Solo Diving - Yes, No, Perhaps?

[Digger]

It's not a BSAC reccomendation, but they do allow solo diving with rope signals to the surface. I don't have the exact letter of the law here, but they've basically said there's a time and a place for it.

[Finless]

Solo is fun - no one else does it quite the way you do it yourself. Of course, this also applies to diving.

I nearly always dive with a regular buddy and we have a pre arranged agreement that if we split up we finish the dive solo - which happens some times. My first two dives this season were solo from the surface onwards. Naturally we both have the redundancy kit.

Personally I enjoy solo diving - 100% concentration on my safety and enjoyment.

[Bazzer]

Dived solo several times.
I have mixed feelings about it. It is good to have a buddy to share the dive with but there are times in a dive I just want to do my own thing.

Barry

[Mr T.]

*bump*

[Humber Coastguard]

[Odin]

Taking a student on a dive - I consider that they have a buddy, and I have someone who can surface and let someone know I'm in the poo! So I always consider it a solo dive for me!

[Robert-Jan Bulter]

I did a few solo ice dives but I was still connected with a rope. It is easier as you do not have to pay attention to your buddy so you can concentrate enjoying the dive. With ice diving you have a complete back-up with you any way and just in case a few togs on the rope and you are pulled up any way.

[kinetic]

Solo....no more for me. My wife has banned me but don't let that stop you. but be safe.

kientic

[Little Pete]

Yes I have but I wouldn't go for it now. Much more fun to work along with others and have better safety with the right buddies.

[Freeflow]

I think the biggest problem with solo diving is lack of cowardace. It's the brave blighters that get themselves in the cart.

By brave I mean incredibly stupid depthhounds who have done 30 dives, bought a twinset and think they can solo at the 50m on air for the sole reason that they have the same kit I do. They forget that I'm also lugging a 7L stage or two, I have three dive plans and two computers, experience, training and trimix.

Or they want to wander around a 30m wreck doing penetrations without a clue about pen techniques on a single 12L.

When I used to teach I always went in 'solo' and the DM's were under strict instructions to get the students out before helping me. If I was in bother that I couldn't sort out at Stoley, Guildy or Leybourne it would probably be too late anyway.

That said I do dive solo when I get the chance, and if no one needs a buddy. The voices in my head are so much clearer for one thing. Being a coward my back up is in place, so there is a reduced risk of me not coming back if it gets entertaining.

I don't have a family to worry about and my ego isn't that big [quiet at the back Mr Sharman] so I don't have the nagging thought to distract me from thinking about the dive, and I don't take chances because others do and want me to follow.

Oh, and last year I was a DIR'er soloing at 15m collecting scallops, so they do do it.