| During the Self-Reliant Diver course, you learn about potential risks of diving alone and the value of equipment redundancy and necessary back-up gear. During three scuba dives, you develop skills for self-reliance and independence, while becoming a stronger partner in a dive pair or team. |
Prerequisites: – Be certified to the Advanced Open Water Diver level – Be 18 years of age – Logged 100 dives Equipment: – Standard dive equipment: mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, BCD, dive computer – Compass – Delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB) with 100 feet of line – Redundant surface signaling devices (both visual and audible) – Knife or cutting tool – Slate and pencil – Backup-up mask (recommended) – Redundant dive computer or depth guage and bottom timer * – Redundant air source (e.g. pony cylinder with mounting bracket, regulator, and SPG) * * provided for course by DockSide Dive Center During the course students will be required to complete the following exercises: Practical Skills – Preform self-reliant predive check – Establish your Surface Air Consumption Rate (SAC) -Use your SAC rate to establish cylinder size and pressure requirements when planning a dive During the three open water dives the following skills will be performed: Waterskills – Conduct surface buoyancy check with all standard and specialized equipment – Perform a relaxed, nonstop, 200 meter/yard surface swim with all all standard and specialized equipment – Demonstrate neutral buoyancy while wearing all standard and specialized equipment – Perform a Surface Air Consumption (SAC) rate swim at level depth for 5 minutes and record for later calculation – Demonstrate ability to switch to redundant air supply within 30 seconds – Deploy a DSMB from the bottom – Swim underwater for at least two minutes, covering at least 18 meters/60 feet, without a mask – Navigate, without surfacing, to a predetermined location and return using a compass – Navigate, without surfacing, to a predetermined location and return using natural references |