The self-reliant diver distinctive specialty is sought
Each diver was asked during their adventures, is it possible to dive alone ? Is there training which would make you a self-reliant diver ? There is indeed the self-reliant diver distinctive specialty. But its main purpose is not to allow you to dive alone.
Know the limits of the buddy system
To understand the concept of self-reliant diver, simply ask you how you got here. How many times have you dislike one of your buddies because he was not ready , he was slow or just less experienced than you ? And because of this, how many times have you hesitated to put jump in water alone because you do not want to wait for him ? We have to identify the problem.
The buddy system found here is first limitation : each diver does not evolve at the same speed. The self-reliant diver distinctive specialty was created to address two issues. Teaching techniques and skills to dive alone, and strengthen the buddy system to no longer be dependent on his buddy.
Bypass the buddy system
Being a self-reliant diver means solving all problems alone and face any gears failure with your own equipment. The specialty teaches how to properly plan your dive, quantify the necessary gas, provide a plan B. The self-reliant diver typically uses a recreational diving, but redundancy of his equipment will also a part of his rescue plan. A good self-reliant diver is a humble and honest diver, able to admit his personal limits and to prevent accidents. The self-reliant diver distinctive specialty does not make you a super diver. This is a stressful training. Some experience and skills diving required before enrolling.
A self-reliant diver diver is a skillful reliable and perfect buddy. Diving alone may be useful in specific cases such as for underwater photographer, videographer and biologists, have more autonomy for PADI Divemaster or PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor who do not always have a suitable buddy, PADI Rescue divers, and finally for potentially divers attracted by technical diving.