Solo Diver

SDI Solo Diver

The SDI Solo Diver Course at OCD Divers trains experienced divers to safely dive without a buddy. This specialty is designed for underwater photographers, videographers, dive professionals, and anyone who wants to strengthen their self-reliance and emergency preparedness. Solo diving is no longer considered taboo — when done correctly, it’s a safe and practical option for qualified divers.

Rather than relying on the traditional buddy system, solo divers learn to plan dives independently, manage emergencies alone, and carry redundant equipment to ensure safety. This course is ideal for divers who often find themselves separated from their buddy, diving with children, or working underwater without direct supervision.

What You’ll Learn

This course follows SDI standards and covers the essential knowledge and skills for solo diving:

Solo diving mindset: When and why to dive solo, and how to assess personal readiness.
Buddy system limitations: Legal liability, risk management, and common failure points.
Dive planning: Gas management, turn points, navigation, and emergency protocols.
Redundant equipment: Backup air sources, cutting tools, signaling devices, and dive computers.
Emergency procedures: Lost mask, out-of-air, entanglement, and ascent without assistance.
Skill mastery: Controlled descents, safety stops, decompression monitoring, and surface swims.

Program Overview

Training includes academic development, gear configuration workshops, and open water dives focused on solo execution. Divers will complete a 200-meter surface swim in full gear, plan and execute solo dives, and demonstrate mastery of self-rescue techniques.

Prerequisites:

Minimum age 21
SDI Advanced Diver or equivalent
Proof of 100 logged dives

Where Training Takes Place

Training is conducted at OCD Divers in Colleyville and at local Texas lakes. Additional dive locations may be used depending on conditions and course scheduling.

Required Gear

Solo divers must carry redundant systems and backup gear appropriate for independent diving. SDI standards require the following equipment:

Primary cylinder with regulator and SPG
Redundant air source (pony bottle with regulator, independent doubles, or redundant system)
Two cutting tools (knife, shears, or line cutter)
Two signaling devices (one audible, one visual)
Two dive computers or one computer plus a bottom timer and depth gauge
Backup mask
Surface marker buoy (SMB) and spool/reel
Slate or wet notes for dive planning and emergency procedures

Recommended Equipment

Redundant buoyancy system (dual bladder BCD or drysuit)
Backup dive light
Compass and navigation tools
Lift bag or additional SMB for emergency ascent signaling

Standard scuba equipment suitable for local conditions is also required. Gear packages and rental options are available. Visit our continuing education gear options here: Continuing Education Diver Add On Options