Hello.

     I’m heading to warmer parts of the country for a business trip this winter so naturally I’m looking to squeeze in a dive or two.  Florida’s close to where I'm staying so I have plenty of places to choose from.

     When researching one of the dive sites I was really shocked.  The web site actually says “solo diving allowed”.  I’ve never seen that anywhere in midwest.  I’ve even called the place and yes, you don’t need a dive buddy. 

   I haven’t been diving long and would never claim to be an expert.  But I’ve always gotten the impression that diving without a buddy just wasn’t an option.

     So here’s my question:  How common is this?  Is diving alone ever acceptable?  And if it is, what conditions would make it so?

Thanks!

Unreal!!! There is actually a solo diver certification you can get!!!!

I've been diving a long time,in my opinion it's never a good idea. It only takes one thing, even a minor problem can escalate into your "last dive" and it happens in a blink of the eye.

It's okay, just show us on the doll where the P.A.D.I. instructor touched you.

Although we teach new divers, with reason, not to dive solo, it is quite common.  In some instances it is unavoidable.  I put it to you that any instructor with students is diving solo.  In fact, diving with an incapable buddy is worse than diving solo.

That said, the decision to dive without a buddy is not to be taken lightly.  Considerable training and experience should be aquired before doing so.  Although we teach solo diving, students are not even  accepted with a logbook of fewer that 100 dives.