Although PADI preaches diving with a buddy as the norm, it is reasonable for an experienced diver to develop self-reliance and independence while diving. Becoming a Self Reliant Diver will make you a better diver under all circumstances. This course focuses on teaching you to compensate for situations you would normally handle with a buddy. 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.