Although diving with a buddy is the norm, there are reasons for an experienced diver to
develop self-reliance and independence while diving.

With proper training, equipment and the right attitude to accept the risks involved in independent diving, an experienced diver can responsibly dive without a buddy. Self-reliant diving is an adventure activity that is not for everyone, but does have its place. If you have the mental discipline and commitment to learn and follow self reliant diving techniques, you’ll bolster your skills and confidence when diving alone, in a dive pair or as part of a team.

During three self-reliant training dives, you’ll practice:

• Compensate for situations you would normally handle with a buddy.

• 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.